Boxscore
Score: 103-94 Bobcats
Bobcats Record: 22-32
Game Efficiencies:
Offensive: 110.8
Defensive: 101.1
Meritorious Player: Gerald Wallace - Crash only shot 5 of 17 from the field, yet finished with 25 points due to his work at the stripe: Gerald made 15 of 17 from the free throw line to lead the Bobcat improvement from a night prior. Another return to form was the rest of Gerald's line: 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Good to have you back, Crash.
One of the first things I noticed about the game, when looking at the traditional boxscore from ESPN: 41.0%. That is what the Bobcats shot from the field. Yuck, right? Not entirely - the Bobcats posted a very respectable 110.1 offensive efficiency, so they must have done something right. Two things actually: Free throws and turnovers.
As mentioned in the rundown of Gerald above, the team bounced back at the free throw line against the Pacers. After taking only 17 (and making only-er (bad spelling intentional) 8), the Bobcats took 33 tonight, with 27 makes. Those numbers represent 10 more attempts than the Pacers, and 14 more conversions. Good use of free points.
Though their turnover total of 14 against Orlando was solid, Charlotte nearly halved that tonight, with only 8 miscues. Only one player had more than 1, and that was Raymond, who had but 2 - a decent number considering the number of field goal attempts and assists he had (10 and 3 respectively). The combination of few giveaways (empty possessions) and a big advantage in free points (free throws) allowed the Bobcats to overcome their relatively cold night from the field. And the defense did the rest.
Indiana was only slightly better from the field, at 41.8%. As mentioned previously, they shot far fewer free throws - so nice work moving your feet, team. Of the Pacers 11/12 turnovers (I have them at 11, the ESPN boxscore at 12), 7 came from Charlotte steals - Gerald with 2 being expected, but Vlad and Cartier both chipped in 2 apiece for some unexpected thievery. The really impressive number: 13. Charlotte blocked 13 shots tonight, their best mark of the season. Emeka led the charge with 4 (in just 21 and a half minutes) and Boris had a smaller version of his Washington block party with 3. Again, as with steals, an unexpected name provided some resistance - Vlad Rad, adding to his 2 steals with 2 blocks in an attempt to quell any worries about his defense? Whatever the motivation - keep it coming.
Final notes:
-Another stellar night of ball movement - 23 assists on 34 makes (67% assisted). 6 Bobcats with 2 or more assists, with Gerald's 7 and D.J.'s 4 leading the way.
-Not a great night for the starting lineup, as they were outscored 27-28 on 30 possessions played together. If they want to maintain their lofty status among the best in the league (outlined here), they will have to pick it up (Note that this note is mainly in jest - but I did want to point out the starters play - solid and a good showing considering it was the second game back with everyone after a bit of a gap).
Click here to comment/view comments for this post.
