The Heat vs. the Bobcats 3/9/10
The Bobcats had a lead (6-4) with a little over ten minutes in the first quarter. They did not have another lead until until only a little over three minutes (3:33) was left in the game. It took a team effort on defense to pull them back into a game they easily could have lost to Miami. The Heat shot a better field goal percentage, a better free-throw percentage, and had fewer turn-overs but could not stop the Bobcats when they had to be stopped. Raymond Felton led the ‘Cats to victory with a double-double (15 points and 11 assists) and clutch play in the fourth quarter. Point-guard play was a big plus for Charlotte with DJ Augustine adding 10 points (including a 4 point play), as both Ray and DJ attacked the Heat all night. Gerald Wallace led on the defensive boards with a solid 17 board effort. Stephen Jackson led ‘Cats scorers with 17 points. When you’re in the final season stretch the wins do not have to be “pretty”, they only have to be wins, which is exactly what the Bobcats gave their fans tonight!
Charlotte had an announced attendance of over eighteen thousand tonight watching their team gain a big win against the Heat. The fans have responded in a very positive manner as the Bobcats push for their first-ever play-off berth. Every game, for the remainder of the season, is a big game for the Bobcats. Tonight they answered the pressure by fighting back against a team just as determined to win. This victory gives the Bobcats the season tie-breaker (head-to-head games) against Miami. The win pulls the ‘Cats ahead of the Heat in the play-off race and a loss tonight by the Bulls will leave the ‘Cats with the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Good:
Raymond Felton’s double-double.
Team defense.
Gerald Wallace on the boards.
Team determination.
Bench play.
The Bad:
Field-goal shooting (38.95)
Free throw shooting (73.35)
The Ugly:
Nothing, really.
Next game for the Bobcats: Wednesday 3/10/10 7:30pm at Philadelphia 76ers
