The Bobcats vs. the Pacers 3/16/10

I think anyone that follows the Bobcats knows this is the best team that has played in Charlotte with the Bobcats name. But, they still have growing pains on the way to (we hope) their first ever play-off appearance. The team was coming off what could be argued as their biggest win of the season when they defeated the Magic in Orlando, and then frustrated fans by just “going through the motions” even though the Pacers are arguably one of the five worst teams in the NBA. There was an obvious lack of energy for the first three and a half quarters from the ‘Cats, which led to this loss. The energy that Gerald Wallace displays in every game he plays was much-needed as he remained seated with an ankle-injury. His replacement, Stephen Graham, can hardly be blamed for the loss, though, since he was the most effective/efficient ‘Cats player shooting 8-10 from the field, 19 points and 8 rebounds. Lack of energy, free-throw shooting (69.4%), turn-overs (18), and poor offensive ball distribution in the first-half led to this loss.

The Bobcats lost an opportunity to distance themselves from two Eastern teams, Miami and Chicago, that also are fighting for play-offs spots. If forced to find the one thing that led to this loss I’d have to point to poor free-throw shooting. The Bobcats left 11 points on the court, (25-36 FTM-A), which was more than enough points to secure a win. The Bobcats remain in sixth place in the Eastern Conference play-off race.

The Good:
Stephen Graham.

Four players scored in double-figures.

The Bad:

Lack of “team energy”.

Poor first-half ball distribution.

Turn-overs (18).

The Ugly:

Free-throw shooting (25-36, 69.4%).

Next game for the Bobcats: Wednesday 3/17/10 7:00pm vs. OKC