Detailed boxscore: Boxscore Page
Score: 93-86 Toronto
Bobcats Record: 4-10
Efficiencies:
Offensive: 103.6
Defensive: 112.0
Net: -8.4
Meritorious Player: Emeka Okafor. 16 points on 10 attempts, 14 rebounds, 1 block, and no turnovers after 6 against Philly. Due to foul trouble, Emeka only played 26 minutes and 25 seconds - during that time the Bobcats won by 4, with a net efficiency of +8.7. I was initially skeptical of giving this to Emeka, considering the game Bosh had - but the Bobcats defensive efficiency of 93.5 with Emeka on the court convinced me otherwise.
The Bobcats lost tonight, mainly due to Chris Bosh scoring 39 points on only 20 field goal attempts. Bosh was 15 of 20 from the floor and 9 of 10 from the line. When Emeka was on the court, Bosh scored at a rate of 41.8 points per 48 minutes; when Emeka was not present, that number was 41.1, so basically the same. So, how to explain the fact the Bobcats defensive with Emeka was 93.5 but overall a lofty 112 when Bosh scored at nearly an identical rate? No, really, I am asking - I was out at dinner with the Queen, getting home just in time for about the last 9 minutes of the game.
One thing I saw - yes, that should have been a blocking call on Bargnani (his foot was on the circle). No, it probably would not have mattered. The Bobcats just could not get anything to fall over the last couple of minutes, with several attempts coming from point blank range. I was glad to see the team working Gerald on the block/out to 15 on the wing there towards the end: I think he is far more effective in that area than starting from the 3 point line, in large part because it stops him from taking ill-advised threes (which is nearly all with him). Looking at the numbers as I write this and I see that he was 8 of 20 for the game with 3 misses from deep - I apparently saw the good part of the game for him.
The heroes from the Philly game were mortal tonight:
Raymond - 2 of 10 for 4 points.
D.J. - 7 turnovers.
Adam Morrison - 1 of 7 for 2 points.
Even with those 3 struggling, the Bobcats were in this one until the last minutes. Emeka's baseline jumper at 2:58 made it a one point game, 87-86 Toronto. There would be no more. Up to that point, the Bobcats' offensive efficiency was at 110.3 - but a 0 for their final 5 possessions did them in.
The key to the close game: Offensive rebounding. Charlotte had 15 and held Toronto to 7. That led to 7 more field goal attempts and 4 more free throw attempts. Unfortunately, the lead in attempts was not enough to offset the difference in shooting percentages. A night where jumpers do not fall is tough for Charlotte to overcome right now, and though they made it close, 3 of 16 from the 3 point line sealed their fate. Perhaps Friday the shooters will be on mark again.
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