Charlotte Bobcats Defeat Milwaukee Bucks in OT, 87-86

by David A. Arnott on Apr 2, 2010 9:46 PM EDT

The Charlotte Bobcats needed overtime, but they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 87-86. Talk about a barn burner. Neither team shot particularly well from the field, and there were no standout offensive performers, but that's almost to be expected given Larry Brown's and Scott Skiles's philosophies.

Game thread comments, lowlights, and highlights after the jump.

GAME THREAD COMMENTS

Ft.Mill Bobcat -- Maybe LB thought it would work out like Theo. LB should have figured out by now that Hughes can not help the Bobcats win games. He may be OK insurance in case we have some injuries, but he is a downgrade to every other guard on the roster.

Roger, Roger -- We can bitch and moan all we want about [Chandler] this season, but remember, as a player, it’s been very frustrating for him as well. Good to see he’s finally starting to enjoy himself, and contributing to the team.

BAD

-- I mentioned above that there were no offensive standouts. Insert joke about Larry Hughes's game being offensive. Dude shot 0-7 from the field and had 0 assists. He's there, ostensibly, for his defense, so he shouldn't be shooting so much, but he's also told the TV folks that he's getting more and more comfortable with his new teammates... and once he is comfortable, then he'll shoot more. That's paraphrased from what I remember the TV people saying a game or two ago, but the 7 shots is more than Boris Diaw and Gerald Wallace each took.

-- I'm not sure if this belongs under "Bad", or somewhere else, but I'll stick it here... Stephen Jackson took 28 shots from the field. That's 35% of the team's shots. He also had 6 turnovers, which may not have been bad in and of itself, but definitely indicates the ball was in his hands that much more. I'm not sure it's ideal strategy to allocate the team's shots that heavily to Jack. A part of me wonders if the team really is best-served by having one guy be such a volume shooter while just about everyone else is extra-cautious in their attempts to be efficient from the field. But then another part of me wonders if they actually did spread the shots around, might that negatively affect everyone else because defenses wouldn't be keying on Jack so often?

GOOD

-- In 23 minutes, Tyson Chandler provided the high level of play that we'd hoped we'd get for full games. He's getting to the line, getting rebounds, and playing solid defense. Chandler finished with 7 points on 2-3 from the field, and 6 rebounds.

-- Theo Ratliff has cut down on his shots, it seems. This time out, he only took 4 shots, but also grabbed 9 boards in 27 minutes. Combining that kind of support play with Chandler's makes for an exceptionally valuable center duo.

-- Boris Diaw didn't score well, shooting 3-6 for 6 points, but he pulled down 9 rebounds and blocked 4 shots in his 44 minutes.

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Comments

I have an opinion on Jax and the volume shooting.

Jackson is missing just 1 skill.
It makes sense for him to be in the scoring mix for a third of our possessions ONLY if he develops that skill.
I’ll call it the Bird skill since he’s the best I’ve ever seen at it. He wanted that ball – always. But when he got it and pulled the defense in to himself, he became a master at the quick-dish pass to the man left open by the collapsing defense. Jax fires up the shot regardless of what the defense is doing. He could easily average 7-8 assists per game if he’d learn to dish out of the double-team or at least come to trust his teammates to score the ball off his passing. If Jax could only improve his decision making in that one small area it would have a major impact on the overall Bobcats ppg in my opinion.

by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 2, 2010 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

share the ball

This is what LB is saying about.. they have to share the ball.. Its not fair for Wallace and Diaw to be playing more than 40mins and just attempting 6 FG and Larry Hughes is 0-7 FG in just 16mins. Its better to give the minutes to Henderson if Larry Hughes will continue playing this way. Our defense save this game.. We can improve more on our offense.. Go Bobcats..

by mjfan on Apr 2, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions

The ugly part of that is...

Henderson would turn the ball over. He can’t, with his limited experience, be expected to handle situations at that level. Hughes has a decade plus NBA experience. He should know better. It’s insane that he doesn’t. His minutes are limited and therefore so is the damage it causes. The problem has been Jackson’s Achilles heel since he entered the pros and every coach he’s played under has tried to correct it. I love Jackson to death. But he comes with that caveat. I’m crippled and in a wheelchair. The woman with me has to accept that caveat. The difference is, Jackson has power over his problem. I don’t. His refusal to correct the problem can be maddening at times – especially since he’s on the court 40+ minutes per night. By my estimate he’s costing us 6-10 points a game. Look through our record at how many games we’ve lost by 6 or less and what our seeding would be if we won even half of those games.

We wouldn’t be where we are without Jax. If he would just make that one adjustment we would be one hell of a lot further down the path to the NBA Finals.

by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 3, 2010 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Glad we got the win though...

"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice

by Julius Coxswain on Apr 2, 2010 10:37 PM EDT reply actions

+1

"Smokey this isn't 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules!"

by HAWKEYESBABY on Apr 2, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

haha

by Roger, Roger on Apr 2, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone else

actually a little worried about playing the Bulls w/ Flip?

"Smokey this isn't 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules!"

by HAWKEYESBABY on Apr 2, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions

MEEEEE!!!!

Flip is like a microwave.

--(insert quote, lyric, or joke here)

by StudMuffin15 on Apr 3, 2010 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not.

I AM worried about playing the Bulls in Chicago 24 hours after a game as emotionally charged and draining as the one just completed though. The Cats are playing like sharks smelling blood in the water and should dispatch the Bulls with style. But the Bucks pushed us hard tonight and it could take a toll. I’m no longer interested in the “push to the playoffs.” A win tomorrow halves our magic number. By Wednesday we can have it all wrapped up and driving for a higher seed. It all starts tomorrow.

Take ’em down Cats. This week can be Shark Week for the Bobcats. Let the feeding frenzy begin.

by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 3, 2010 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions

yeesssssssssssssssssssssssss SHARK WEEK

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 3, 2010 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Lol, SHARK WEEK BABY!!!

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions

No. Flip is dangerous off the bench,

not in a starting role. If they get healthy enough to have Flip be a 6th man again, then I would be terrified. There is no chance them or Toronto will get past Cleveland though.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Did you see Flip's shot last Tuesday?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St2L0fvXYC0
This short clip is a must-see.

by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

henderson can do that

did this dude just did this

by OldschoolBlue on Apr 3, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

awesome and I agree

by MR. MANN on Apr 2, 2010 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Jack had 3 airballs in a row

holy effin crap!

Would have liked to see Gerald take control on offense a little more, but we eeked out the win. Wow, that was rough. The good thing about us shooting poorly tonight as a team is that “maybe” we’ll do better tomorrow and get another win. I’m proud as hell we managed to pull this one out. It was physical, it was painful watching John Salmons absolutely do what he wanted, but we did it! MAN did anyone else notice how loud the crowd was even on tv? AWESOME! I was at my brother’s place watching the game on his amazing giant tv and we both remarked on multiple occasions how many people were there and how the crowd was getting into it. We have the start of something really special here in Charlotte. I’m so so so so so very excited.

"Smokey this isn't 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules!"

by HAWKEYESBABY on Apr 2, 2010 10:40 PM EDT reply actions

I fell in love with John Salmons' game

when he was with the Kings. I’m telling ya, the guy is like a Stephen Jackson type, without all of the off court trouble. He’s not afraid to take the shots. When you have players like that on your team, you give yourselves a chance to win. Not putting all of these players on the same level, but Jackson, Salmons, Flip Murray, Eddie House, and a few other players fit that role.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

You could tell Gerald wanted the ball

but they weren’t getting it to him and it was frustrating him… when he finally got the ball, he forced some shots and was blocked and had a few turnovers because of it

did you see the look he gave Hughes after taking that three? Wallace and Larry on the floor at the same time does NOT work lol

by adamcawa on Apr 3, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I made the game thread comments!

yay! thanks David.

I would like to say that the crowd atmosphere at the Cable Box has been pretty awesome as of late, and I’m sure it must have been a fun game to attend tonight. This wasn’t the prettiest of games, but I enjoyed watching it, and had a swell time chatting with you guys about it.

Tomorrow against the Bulls will be exciting as well.

by Roger, Roger on Apr 2, 2010 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

WE DONT FEAR THE DEER!!!!

"Smokey this isn't 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules!"

by HAWKEYESBABY on Apr 2, 2010 11:28 PM EDT reply actions

The Bucks left of mark on the hood of the Bobcats car last night

but they are now lying comfortably by the side of the highway. RIP

by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah. The headlights hypnotized the Bucks for some reason.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Game notes

I’ve never heard the arena so loud. It wasn’t just chants. At some points it was just everyone yelling and no one could hear a thing.
A great atmosphere tonight. There was a lone loud bucks fan near us but it was an entertaining back and forth. Although he was loud, my friend and I appreciated his perseverance. The Bobcats fans behind were also backing us, so that was cool
I’m getting annoyed by the Bobcats’ managing of the arena. It was in the last 5 minutes of the game. It was close. I was standing up and cheering. A lady cop told me to sit down. If the Bobcats don’t watch out, they could start alienating their fans.
Great seats. I bought tickets for $5 each with $25 express shipping. They were section 116 row B. The seller meant to put them as $85 but made a typo. He accepted it and was very gracious about it. Just amazing seats. Everything fell into place tonight
Where was Tyrus? He had no impact tonight
Where was Larry Hughes’ mind? He was awful. Stephen Graham is leaps and bounds above this joker. Yes. It’s true.

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 2, 2010 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

simply put

Stephen Graham has made his case. He played his ass off and deserved more time out there tonight.

"Smokey this isn't 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules!"

by HAWKEYESBABY on Apr 2, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Lol, I told yall boys

Stephen Graham done showed me a lot this year. I still wouldn’t dare trust him in a starter, or 6th man role over a full season, but he’s earned every minute he gets with us.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions

larry brown

not coaching, graham gets more minutes… coincidence? i think not

by adamcawa on Apr 3, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

It is unforgivable that you were told to sit down for standing and cheering.

You said “lady cop.” Are we talking a member of the police working the game, or someone on the Time Warner staff? Nothing can be done about the former, but a complaint to management will fix the latter.

by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 3, 2010 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

it was a police officer

but I suspect the usher had a word with her prior to the incident.

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 3, 2010 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions

If I were you I'd call the box office

WHen they answer ask them for a phone number or email to arena security. Contact them and give them the old calm and confused routine. Once you explain your complaint they may offer you free seats to a future game or something. If I were running the department I’d want to know what happened – especially now when we’re building a big audience. If too many people come away with negative experiences it won’t matter what mnagement does to draw people to the Cable Box. Folks will just stop coming.

by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 3, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not totally sure

As someone who is trying to get an internship with the organization, I am a little wary about making a complaint

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 3, 2010 1:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Understandable

But you could also use it to bolster your appeal as a potential intern. You could spin it by saying as a potential intern, customer service is very important to you and you wanted to let someone know what happened so any problems could be ironed out for the betterment of the team reputation. If they offer free tickets, refuse them and tell them you just want to help. I bet that would make them pull your application and give it a serious look.

by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 3, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I miss having that atmosphere in Charlotte.

The last time playoff basketball existed in the Queen City, I was just getting my license and couldn’t really make it to as many games as I liked. I’m glad we can experience that feeling again here.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Quote of the night

Coach was back here (in the locker room), probably writing on the chalkboard and talking to himself.

-Stephen Jackson on what Larry Brown probably did after being ejected

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 3, 2010 12:15 AM EDT reply actions

Make love to the chalkboard or so JAX said...

Wonder what LB was drawing?

by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions

All play and no work makes Larry a dull boy

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 3, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Lol. Nah, he was writing it on notebook paper and talking to himself.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Apr 3, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I was at the game tonight

No idea what happened to Larry Brown and how he got two tech’s so quickly. I’ll have to check the highlights later.

The game never really got into any kind of flow. Both defenses were really into it and there were also several questionable foul calls in both directions.

John Salmons is a lot better than I thought.

I have been to many many games since the beginning of the Bobcats and this is the loudest I have ever heard the crowd at the arena. The last few minutes of regulation, pretty much everyone was standing and just making as much noise as possible.

A couple funny things: everytime Ersan Ilyasova was within earshot, a guy near me would yell “nice socks!” Simple yet effective. Also, during the “fan dance break” or whatever its called, the cut-out Gerald Wallace’s arm broke while on the scoreboard. Later, the cut-out got back on the big screen with the arm just like new, exactly as we all would have expected.

by Stevarino on Apr 3, 2010 12:16 AM EDT reply actions

Was that me yelling about the socks?

I kept yelling “hey Ilyasova (or Delfino) pull up your socks!” LOL yeah the arm came off while on the screen. We put on our shocked faces, but it happens a lot lately unfortunately.

http://sonicsgate.org/movie/index.php?hd=0
F*** Clay Bennett. And Charlotte thinks George Shinn is a douchebag.

by Ben Swanson on Apr 3, 2010 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions