Orlando Magic beat Charlotte Bobcats 99-90, sweep series
by David A. Arnott on Apr 26, 2010 11:15 PM EDT
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The Charlotte Bobcats played two excellent games at home, but still got swept by the Orlando Magic, losing Game 4, 99-90. If we learned any Big Picture Lessons from this series, it's that the Magic are a juggernaut with Dwight Howard and merely very solid without him. That's scary for all the other teams in the NBA. LeBron may be taking names, but I'm wondering if I should come with the Magic if I want to live.
With 3:30 to go in the game, Stephen Jackson drove the lane and tried to lay it in. There was contact, but it wasn't clear if there was a foul. Jackson went down in a heap in the lane while the Magic gathered up the miss and took it the other way. For just a split second, he was thoroughly defeated and so over this series. Thirty seconds later, Howard fouled Tyrus Thomas on another drive at the rim. Howard and Vince Carter did that fake "I'm laughing about this but really I'm mocking the referees' incompetence" laugh.
Big Bad Dwight didn't like the refs' performance the past four games, and he was as open as he could be about it, but, of course, if you ask Bobcats fans, just about all of them would probably say there were way more calls going the other way. Which just goes to show that nobody knows what a foul is. I'm just happy to not have to watch Howard's whining and Jameer Nelson's cocky strut after swishing another dagger three.
In a day or two or three, we'll have a season retrospective, start looking forward, and perhaps even enjoy the rest of the playoffs. We'll see. Have to decompress first.
Game thread comments, lowlights, and highlights after the jump.
GAME THREAD COMMENTS
and1droid -- improper use of turtleneck/blazer combination [on Stan Van Gundy]
StudMuffin15 -- Maybe [Jax] and pressure are taking a break for a bit.
BAD
-- Theo Ratliff completely fell apart. He's never been much of an offensive performer, but this was disastrous, and his defense wasn't much, either.
-- Stephen Jackson: 2-11 from the field and a team-high 4 turnovers.
-- 21-33 (64%) from the free throw line isn't going to cut it. I suck at shooting free throws, and that's what I shoot.
-- The Cats took 19 three point attempts. I love threes. They're the most effective scoring tool in basketball. But the Bobcats don't have any superb shooters; they have guys who slash to the basket both off the dribble and away from the ball and can finish at the rim. In their best games this year, their three point attempts totaled in the singled digits. The ideal -- and still somewhat realistic -- team is one that plays tremendous defense, shoots threes ridiculously well, and has a bunch of guys who can create their own baskets by getting to the rim and finishing with authority. The Magic do two of those three exceptionally well, and Dwight Howard can do the third thing. The Cats do two of three, but they abandoned going to the goal.
GOOD
-- Gerald Wallace scored 17 points on 6-12 shooting, grabbing 5 rebounds in the process. No matter the results, he made this season worth watching.
-- Tyrus Thomas ended the season with a huge game: 21 points on 9-12 shooting, and 9 rebounds.
-- Yet again, the Bobcats got Howard to foul out, forcing him into foul trouble early, and keeping him there. He played less than half the game, which was a good thing, because when he did play, he got 13 rebounds.
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The Bobcats had a solid game plan and executed well
the series was hard fought and both teams should be proud of their effort. Tahnk you for not flaming me too bad and join us on OPP if you care too.
God those were four hard fought, damn good basketball games.
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."; Carlos Boozer
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
The only way to stop LeBron is Smith and Wesson, but even that's a double team.
by NC Magic Fan on Apr 26, 2010 11:21 PM EDT reply actions
Charlotte has a good team.
Looks like you guys will need to keep Tyrus Thomas. He seems motivated. Hope he can get the starting job next year as he is a pretty exciting player to watch (difficult if you’re watching a fan of the team he is playing against). I admit I did not know a lot about Gerald Wallace before this series, but he is one hell of a basketball player. You guys are a solid bench scoring option away from being one of the top4 teams in the East. (think Jamal Crawford for Atlanta).
Here’s wishing you guys luck in the future.
- Your friendly neighborhood Magic Fan.
def want to keep tyrus, and def need one or two knock down shooters
could you magic spare a few?
did this dude just did this
by OldschoolBlue on Apr 27, 2010 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
One thing I've learned
You can never have too many people that can shoot the ball. So I think we’ll try to be greedy with our shooters. Here’s hoping no one offers JJ Redick a ridiculous contract with all the money flying around this summer.
You saw Roy Williams and Jordan after Redick's air ball right?
I’m they’d LOVE to have him here ;).
That fist pump was a trip by the way. All the Magic fans were prob thinking, these morons, why do they keep booing so loud for like our 5th guy off the bench????
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
by ElBacano on Apr 27, 2010 1:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You DO have too many!
Take Redick and even Carter out o the series, and you’d still had the same outcome. That’s overload! Share the friggin wealth!
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
by ElBacano on Apr 27, 2010 1:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
like i said,
i am very proud of this season for the Cats. sure it didnt end the way we wanted it to, but we did accomplish three main goals:
1) get better
2) get Gerald to the All-Star game (who can forget the onslaught of “Gerald Wallace Facts”?)
3) get to the postseason.
job well done.
for me, this is more sentimental. due to my age, i havent had the luxury of “following” a team without being a “bandwaggoner”.
well, 6 years ago i found my team in the Cats.
to see them go from a newborn team to a playoff team has been a long, frustrating, and yet, rewarding time for me.
i just hope i have something to continuously be proud of.
GO CATS!
--(insert quote, lyric, or joke here)
i agree with you man
being a fan since the beginning has made this season all the more rewarding and worthwhile.
by Roger, Roger on Apr 27, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
From a Suns fan
Charlotte has a very talented team. Wallace is one of the best defenders, you have young talent like Thomas. You’re a great defensive team, cool jerseys :P and a great coach. The only fault is you need another scorer(should have kept JRich and Dudley lol, they’re great) anyway. This Bobcats season, made me a fan.
R U ORNG?
Neither team scored 100 points in any of the 4 games
The cats were something like 20 – 3 when they scored 100 points this season. 100 points would have won all 4 of these playoff games.
Magic are just too tough
I think the Magic are the best conference in the East and personally think that if the bobcats played any other team they would have come out victorious or at least pushed the series to the limit. But I guess we will all have to wait for next season for the cats to do work in the playoffs.
Oh, and I have never seen a playoff sweep seem so close.
get a sharpshooter through the draft
resign Thomas, Felton and I think the Bobcats will be a lot better.
give DJ more minutes
have Thomas be sixth man
Felton
Jack
Crash
Diaw
Tyson Chandler
they could get a scorer from a trade of expirings
"Who Wants some pudding pops?, delicious and nutritious!
Trade Diaw
for a sharp shooter or mid 1st rounder that can be used on one. Then we can move Thomas to the starting PF.
by CarolinaDodger on Apr 27, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
The problem with that is that we'll still need another PF
Without Diaw, Tyrus is our only PF unless we consider Ajinca or someone else a 4
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
by Ben Swanson on Apr 27, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
at the 4? If he puts on a good bit of muscle, I guess
What if Tyrus got hurt next year? Derrick Brown gets put on guys like KG, Pau, Josh Smith/Horford, etc? That would give Bobcats fans stomachaches.
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
by Ben Swanson on Apr 27, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate to say it, but the dude is just too casual
Trading Diaw for a bench 4 and a sharpshooter, ANY sharpshooter may be a good deal.
I know a lot of people are way ahead of me on this opinion, but Diaw just isn’t getting it done.
Ajinca could play 4 in spot duty
He wouldn’t be able to keep up with the quicker 4’s in the league though.
"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice
by Julius Coxswain on Apr 27, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Get a small forward that can shoot
Then we can play 2 centers if we need to go big… We only have about 50 of them. Ajinca is a bit thin for center anyways.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
by ElBacano on Apr 27, 2010 1:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What??? That's like 25 lbs more than Chandler.
Did he gain 100 lbs this year?
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
The D-League Per Diem only affords you protien shakes.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
255 is correct
He beefed up in the D-League
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Good for him
I haven’t given up on Freedom Fries yet
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
I think his D league stint revealed a bunch...
by andrewlail76 on Apr 27, 2010 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
he was actually selected to the D-League all-star game
but then he got hurt.
--(insert quote, lyric, or joke here)
by StudMuffin15 on Apr 27, 2010 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
He was like 215
at the start of the season…and I swear they were listing him in the D League at 255
by andrewlail76 on Apr 27, 2010 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
What a fun job
Get payed an NBA salary, to play in a no-pressure league, and eat whatever you want.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
somebody call Sean May
--(insert quote, lyric, or joke here)
by StudMuffin15 on Apr 27, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Sean May doesn't own a phone....you have to go the local Golden Corral and hope he's there.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
Uh oh
if he’s at the GoCo, you might have to check the bathroom first
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
by Ben Swanson on Apr 28, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Sean May's body doesn't waste any part of the food. He has no use for the bathroom.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
good year
hold your heads high this year
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Attacking others only attacks yourself
So, Tyrus starts at the 4 next season, yes?
I can’t imagine any team owner watched Ray in the series and thought, “Man…I GOT to get me some of that!” So hopefully, we can retain him for no more than 4-6 mil per. I think that’s reasonable.
As sub-par as Ray’s performance in the playoffs was, I can’t ever remember seeing someone being as dreadfully ineffective as Theo Ratliff. His stat lines looked like a donut convention throughout this series. We only singed him for the remainder of this year, right?
Pressure is not answering Jack’s phone calls, has changed its locks, and put a restraining order against him. Very disappointing finale for him, because after all, he did help us get here. I gotta say though, his attitude often gets out of hand at some of the worst possible moments. A tech while behind in the 4th quarter of a sweep game? No, Captain! That’s a bad Captain!
Henderson: Start taking 100 jump shots a day. From now until training camp. If I’m not mistaken, we have zero (0!) picks in the upcoming draft, so we’re gonna need Hendo to step up and be the athletic, dynamic, defensive beast at the 2 that at least some of us believe to be his ultimate ceiling.
I keep telling myself that the latter half of this season would have been much more interesting at the 5 if Ajinca had not been injured. He’s another draft pick that must blossom in a major way this offseason to compensate for our absence in the upcoming draft.
Someone wake up Diaw and let him know the season’s over, so he can go ahead and clean out his locker.
Thank you, Wallace. You helped bring Charlotte to the national spotlight, and you were every bit of an all star this series as you were all season long. Can’t wait to see your next set of improvements next year (as every year he’s improved significantly in some facet of the game).
Again, just wanted to confirm that Tyrus Thomas will be resigned and will start at power forward next season. Agreed?
4-6M for Thomas seems a little light to me.
by CarolinaDodger on Apr 27, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Hendo is not going to develop a jump shot over night
It’ll take him as long as it took Wallace, and even then it won’t be great. We must get a real shooter in the offseason… a couple guys like Peitrues, who can just lineup and knock them down, and open up the paint for everyone else.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
I think we need to qualify this. I think within 15 feet, Hendo has a nice mid-range shot.
He’s had a solid mid-range game since HS. It’ll be developing a long range shot that should be his focus.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
Hmmm...
Major props to our team for making the playoffs. But it seems to me this whole series we fell back to our early season form (unable to make free throws and lack of any semblence of an offense)
"The cake is a lie"
by mad_dog_maddux on Apr 27, 2010 10:31 AM EDT reply actions
Here's hoping Henderson and Brown become the spark off the bench next season.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
I agree with what was said above
Hendo needs to the the ole’ 1,000 plus jump shots a day.
It was Felton’s first playoff game. Throughout the season, Felton has been solid, his season numbers are better than Nelson, Nelson just has playoff experience. So dont let one series taint a great season by Felton. Without him, Jax, and Wallace, this team wouldnt even be in the playoffs. Jax is a great captain and leader, he just couldnt find his touch. I applaud the whole team, they hung in there and played hard. Let this be a learning experience for you guys, you sure did make me proud to be a Bobcats fan. See ya next season.
"It's a bad day to have a bad day" - Coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers
+1
I expect Felts to learn from this experience. Good news is the horrible playoff performance should reduce his asking price
Yeah, but T-Time's price went up a little during that last game.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Execs won't get stuck on one game
he’s had games like that before. He’s a lock for an MLE type contract.
Yes, but it won't be with Charlotte
They’ll use all their money signing Felton and be up against the luxury tax.
Not after Chandler declines his option year in exchange for a long-term contract
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Long term contract?
The man is falling apart. I doubt he is still in the NBA after his contract expires. It’s better to rip the band-aid off sooner than later and let the bad contracts expire (unless a good trade presents itself).
There are a few different ways we can sign both Felton and Thomas
and avoid the luxury tax. We’re didn’t just trade a 1st round pick to rent Tyrus.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
We shouldn’t have done something like that, but we’ll know a lot more when the Bobcats anounce whether or not they’ll offer him the QO. I really don’t see it. It’s possible the Bobcats find someone willing to take one of their big contracts off their hands for nothing, but IMO the only vet worth his pay in cap space is Crash.
It was Felton's best season of his career
T-Mac took 1k jump shots a day when he arrived to Orlando and became one of the leagues best shooters. If Felton can continue to become a mid range and 3 point threat like he did this season it will open up the ‘Cats offense quite a bit. Wallace, Jackson, Felton, T.T. & Augustin should all stay put. Chandler, Diaw & Nazr have bad contracts. Chandler’s is easily the worst because it’s the most expensive and he does the least on the court. He always looks pissed and uber negative. That can’t carry over well with the rest of the team. A pissed off guy with a bad contract who can’t play well to begin with.
"It can be done, you can just crush somebody"
Too bad he couldn't hit a shot in the playoffs
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Hard to know what the team will be next season
I would say it’s a given Theo and Hughes are gone. 50-50 on Graham (minimum is worth a 3rd string 2/3).
I’ve been a big supporter of Felton all season. Now the season is over. His contract is up. And I find myself not knowing how to feel. I think that $5 million a year for 3 seasons is reasonable. Anything more and I’d have to think long and hard.
T-Time is essential. I will be incredibly disappointed if he walks away.
Boris should go, but where? Who wants someone that inconsistent for 2 more years at 9mil per year? If only the Bulls would do a straight up Diaw/Hinrich swap… Then we could let Felton walk and go find a shooter. I don’t see the Bulls liking that idea.
I’m really at a loss right now. For the first time I have no interest in the draft… Spring signing season is almost up (come on CJ Leslie, run with the pack!)… I have nothing to do until football in September.
"I'm just happy to not have to watch Howard's whining"
UGH, the one thing I hate about my Magic.
I have never seen a Bugger cry baby in my life (Literally)
Good call.
"Just to remind you, Orlando made it to the finals last year without this guy. Crazy."~John Krolik
Bugger=Bigger.
"Just to remind you, Orlando made it to the finals last year without this guy. Crazy."~John Krolik
True, but
I mean he is becoming kinda a whiner and I’d prefer he drop it. But at the same time, the league is making it really difficult for him to stay in games. It’s got to be frustrating when he can’t use any of his physical abilities barely that make him so good, and half the time he gets bad calls anyway.
Think how frustrated Cpt Jack or Wallace are when they foul out or don’t get to play much in a game. That happened to Howard all 4 games. And half the year. Name a player who wouldn’t whine about that. Grant Hill?
by BlueSkyOneCloud on Apr 27, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
And Shane Battier
If we want to talk about whiney players, look no further than the Celtics and Heat series. Between Paul Pierce, Big Baby (he’ll always be Big Baby to me), Rasheed Wallace, KG (in his own psychotic way), Kendrick Perkins, Jermaine O’Neal, and Quentin Richardson… you could fill an entire daycare with those babies.
Maybe Howard will learn from this...
He needs to keep his feet on the floor and stop leading with chest. His fouls aren’t usually due to his hands, they are body fouls that in included with the block attempts.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
At least we showed the league how to stop Howard
Hack him whenever he gets the ball, and send him to the free throw line… where you have much lower percentage shot than you do from any of their other players, anywhere else on the floor.
The next series or 2 are going to copy what we did, and with a little more offense will be able to beat the Magic. And you can thank us later Magic fans ;)
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
If we ONLY had HEDO!!!!!!!!!
"Just to remind you, Orlando made it to the finals last year without this guy. Crazy."~John Krolik
The Secret to Stopping Howard
The “Secret” is to not give a damn if 3 players foul out. Charlotte could do that since all three were immaterial to the offense and trivial to the defense.
Atlanta wants Horford on the floor and Zaza as the back up. It would be surprising if they would give up Horfords 14/10 by fouling excessively.
Cleveland has Shaq, Z, and Varejao, but they will not give them up just to foul Dwight.
No, the "Secret" is to have three useless centers that add nothing to your offense except to hack Dwight while racking up almost as many fouls as points.
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."; Carlos Boozer
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
The only way to stop LeBron is Smith and Wesson, but even that's a double team.
by NC Magic Fan on Apr 27, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Guards can foul too
I’d like to see someone just rotate all their scrubs in to hack Howard.
Of course the easy thing to do would be to just stop going to him. You have enough scorers to be competitive without him. But I doubt VanGundy would do that.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
by ElBacano on Apr 27, 2010 1:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not as effective
It wasn’t our centers fouling that fouled him out. It was the fact that they were allowed to do whatever they wanted without worrying about fouls. Grab, hit, claw… Howard got frustrated and then committed stupid offensive fouls out of frustration. So basically, annoy him to the point that he wants to overpower you, and then have a very animated response so the refs make the call.
We also handled him on the other end of the court
On defense don’t avoid him. Just take it right to him. He will block the little finesse shots. He also wins when you settle for a short jumper. If you drive right in with a quick move he will foul 1/2 the time. Orlando has a zone that usually protects him from these drives. One of the few things the Bobcats did well was break this down. Also fight like hell for the rebounds. Howard doesn’t like people pushing him around.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Atlanta will focus on Carter, not Howard.
Carter won’t be able to breathe in that series.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Well then they'll lose
Because Carter’s barely been a factor.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Atlanta is destined to lose.
They’re good but realistically the Hawks still don’t have what they need to put together a championsip bid.
Since the start of the 2nd half I’ve pretty much known the Eastern finalist would be either Cleveland or Orlando.
If we’d drawn the Hawks we’d have beaten them ourselves.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe without their star player
But I’m not so sure we’d beat them… Not with as green as we looked.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
And I think they'll win at least a game on Orlando
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Although
That isn’t exactly an original thought. Teams have been doing that to Howard off an on for the past 3 years. That’s pretty basic basketball at the pro level, heck they used to do that to Shaq.
Besides, Orlando has shown that we can win without Howard. Had to do it last year without him for game 7 in Boston.
It won’t help Atlanta because Orlando is a lot better (Hawks are struggling with the Bucks, and Magic have had their number all year).
Cleveland wouldn’t dare because then Orlando would just do the same thing to Shaq or Varejao.
The Lakers are the only team I can see realistically attempting with success but that is if they make it that far, and their bench is WEAK.
by BlueSkyOneCloud on Apr 27, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
*Game 6 against 76ers not game 7 against Boston
Just editing…
"Just to remind you, Orlando made it to the finals last year without this guy. Crazy."~John Krolik
Thank god you're on Patrol, BS Patrol.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
LOL
Their is a big difference in winning a 1st round game against the sixers SANS Howard than winning a Game 7 In Boston without Howard.
"Just to remind you, Orlando made it to the finals last year without this guy. Crazy."~John Krolik
Looks like the Magic have a clear path to the finals
thru Atlanta and Cleveland. I don’t see much trouble there. My guess is Utah will represent the West. I don’t think the Lakers will make it.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I really liked the Magic last year
Loved their run to the finals. But that team is different this year. They’ve developed an arrogant obnoxiousness. Especially Nelson and Pietrus. They’re just as bad as the Cavs with Mo’ Williams. On a side note, does anyone else find it strange that Mo’ Williams nickname within the organization is Mo’ Gotti and every time he scores they play the Godfather theme? Isn’t that just a little inappropriate in a public venue, basically promoting a gang lifestyle? Where is the PR staff?
I, for one, am rooting for the Thunder the rest of the way. Once they fall, the Spurs. If they lose… I’m done.
Side note #2: I don’t like the direction the NBA is going. The mid-range game died, and everyone mourned it. Then it started making a come back with guys like Tony Parker and more recently Derrick Rose (sick little floater). But the dominant teams (Cavs and Magic) just let one player take the ball (Dwight & LeBron), put 4 guys on the perimeter, and either get an easy bucket at the rim or kick to a 3 point shooter. The Suns do it too. If I have to watch one more scrub stand in the corner for an entire play without moving, jack up a wide open 3, and then come back flashing the 3 fingers like he’s the greatest player ever, I’m going to lose it. I just can’t watch those 3 teams play. It’s unbearable for me.
Statisticians have taken over the game.
Other than a foul short, the two most efficient shots are at the rim or from the 3-point line (specifically the corner 3). The mid-range two point shot is inefficient and should only be used as a last resort. Rules changes over the last decade have changed the game. When “hands on” defense was outlawed, 3 point shoots became a lot easier.
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."; Carlos Boozer
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
The only way to stop LeBron is Smith and Wesson, but even that's a double team.
by NC Magic Fan on Apr 27, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
The good thing about the NBA is that it’s full of smart coaches and players. This is a fairly new trend and someone will devise a defensive scheme that works and the game will continue to grow and change. I just hate the stage it’s in now. It’s like an obnoxious teenager.
+1
What can be done to change the trend? No more defensive 3 second calls? Move back the 3 point line a small amount? Something else?
Note there was plenty of defensive camping out on Monday. The refs haven’t been looking for defensive 3 seconds during the playoffs.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm a big proponent of moving the line back
Anyone can shoot the 3 now. It used to be a specialty.
The D3 call was the bane of the regular season.
The refs have looked the other way in the playoffs, imo.
I think the solution here involves the rules regarding zone defense. For years the NBA was loathe to allow anything resembling a zone out of fear it would slow down the action too much. When they finally caved in and started allowing for modified zones in the pros the scoring dropped and the pro game became defense oriented. If the league allows a full zone it will bring back the mid-range setshot game because that’s where the seams will be half the time. If the league reverses itself and outlaws the zone (remember the old illegal defense when the whistle blew the moment a defender got more than a few feet away from his cover?) it will also bring back the midrange game. It existed in the first place to keep the man to man coverage honest. Charge the hole a couple of times, and then suddenly stop and pop while the defender keeps running to the basket – remember? It was the classic fakeout.
What the league has now doesn’t work. Because of it the game isn’t too slow, it isn’t too fast… it’s half-fast (just say it quick and you’ll know what I mean)
NBA defense now is caught between two game philosophies and it’s killing the game. It’s like trying to stick a needle into a balloon slowly – it just can’t work. It’s like being “sorta” pregnant. (hang on, let me check my pockets for more weak metaphors… nope all out. luck you!)
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
allowing a full-zone or anything goes defense
along with a slightly longer 3 point line would make it easier for the refs.
To balance out the defensive advantage – why not eliminate the 3 second call for the offense?
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the offensive 3 second rule keeps the offenses fluid.
It promotes motion instead of the biggest guys on the court just parking themselves and setting up shop in front of the basket instead of the low post.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
In fairness
Orlando did make it to the finals last year, and everyone in the media criticized them for not being touch enough “obnoxious enough” I suppose. Partly trying to fit the part, partly confidence from preforming well lately.
If the Bobcats had just reached the finals, or had an excellent season, they would have a swagger to them as well.
I’ve always hated the Mo Williams antics, and I can somewhat see how Pietrus or Nelson could be a little annoying for the other team. But I think it just comes with the territory. It’s frustrating to see teams other than yours succeed – especially when they know they’re good.
Also I agree with your complaints about the 3 point strategy, but as has been pointed out, it’s simply the most efficient way to score a lot in today’s game. Obviously Orlando would rather pound the ball into Howard all the time, but the way the rules are set up the league favors perimeter players and Howard could never execute that many times without fouling out.
by BlueSkyOneCloud on Apr 27, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Excellent reply
It’s a lot easier to stomach arrogance when it’s on your team. I’d like to think I would be annoyed if someone on my team acted like that, but every team I cheer for (NC State, Bobcats, Panthers half the time) usually sucks so it’s not a problem.
I don’t mind emotion. Sports are emotional. It’s just the attitude. Dwight doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t even think he’s all that whiney like everyone else does. He just talks to the refs and makes goofy faces.
Now if we can bring back the end-zone celebration in the NFL
I miss the Steve Smith sideshow.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
It IS an excellent reply.
Look at our team. We complained a lot about the Magic players whining but Stephen Jackson is one of the premier whiners in the league. Crash is no slouch in that department either, but long before other players learned to respect him, the refs caught on to the fact that Gerald is polite in his protests and usually makes good points. The refs don’t mind it from Crash nearly as much for that reason. But Jack will scream about a foul call while the blood is still dripping from his elbow and complain about a non-call after scoring on a breakaway dunk. He’s a bitch. But he’s OUR bitch, so we look the other way. It’s been part of the game for as long as I’ve been watching. Remember, I spent 20 years in Boston. Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale were the biggest crybabies that have ever played the game. Lakers fans used to hold up Pampers and Huggies whenever one of them started crying about calls in the playoff games against them.
Where it really gets annoying is when a player brings the swagger and doesn’t have the game to back it. It’s the main reason I love Crash so much. He comes out, brings an All Star game every single time, and is the first to praise the other guys for a win even when he scored a 20-20 for the night. It’s all too rare today. AI had so many people hatin’ this season because he still thought he was a premier player and was the only person on the planet that believed it. It’s also why I went from being as loyal a Celtics fan as you’d ever find to being an active and passionate Celtic hater. Watching them play at the Cable Box this season disgusted me. They’re a bunch of arrogant, cheap, poseurs. I’d rather watch the Nets beat us than ever attend another Celtics game again. Doc Rivers logged more minutes on the court at that game than some of his starters, heckling the nearest Bobcats player whenever one came in to range. He’s got to be an ass because he’s surrounded by hemmoroids.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Mo Williams is particularly obnoxioius because he is absolutely riding the coat tails of LBJ
Williams is nothing more than a streaky spot up shooter who does nothing else. He wilted when the pressure was on last year in the conference finals.
Nelson and Pietrus know that they have an entire team of players that can play well. Nelson is showing how he can play in pressure situations now that he is finally healthy. Pietrus has always played his best basketball in the “bigger” games (both regular and post season).
There really weren’t many options on Cleveland last year. They were overconfident and got beat. This year is obviously different because of the other options the Cavs have acquired.
Mo' Williams is a scrub
His all-star “selection” last year was an absolute joke. I hate the idea that the best team deserves more all-stars because of their record. While it’s true that most teams require 2 elite players to succeed, LeBron is the exception. He doesn’t need a supporting cast.
Good Season! Terrible Playoffs!
Why cant we play consistently good ball? Everyone saw what inconsistent ball gets you…swept! I was disappointed in almost every player on the Cats team this series.
Raymond doesnt deserve to be a starting point guard. I have been a big supporter of his for years but his no show in the playoffs is enough to make me want to bench his ass. If they want to resign him, he should come off the bench and learn how to shoot.
I am willing to give Augustin one more year. There is no way that he can have worse numbers than Felton as a starter.
Get rid of Ratlif, Nazr, Diop, Chandler, Diaw. These guys are all terrible. Nazr had 1 nice stretch of games this season. Everyone else….please leave and the faster the better. Especially Diaw and Chandler. Im pretty sure they dont get respect from their teammates and can you blame the team? Thomas is ready to start.
Stephen Jackson and Gerad Wallace-Its ok to take a lot of shots in the regular season. You can not settle for jumpers in the postseason. You have got to take it to the hoop. I was at the game last night and was extremely disappointed with BOTH of them. Gerald took what was given to him and ended up with about 20 pts. Just think what he wouldve had if he was aggressive and tried to get to the rim.
I did not expect to go down without a fight and I am extremely disappointed in the leaders of this team. They did not have the team prepared. There was no team ball or chemistry. A lot of you say that these games were hard fought…BS! These games were not Bobcats basketball. They came out the 2nd half last night and were satisfied with being losers and getting swept. I watched almost every game this season and I thought that no matter what, we would not go down without a fight. Who takes the blame for this? In my opinion, Coach Brown should take a big portion of it. I wouldnt be extremely unhappy if he did leave. I feel that the players could take the fundamentals they learned from Brown and be succesful in another coach’s system.
Gerald Wallace, Stephen JAckson, and RAY. I know the three of you are boys and all but would it hurt to reach out to some of these other players and make them feel welcome. The Bobcats will not be a winning team when 1/2 the team doesnt like each other and there are clicks. As Captains, it is your responsibilities to set a good example for the team and there was no leadership in this series. You are all grown ass men. There is no reason to talk badly behind your teammates backs. Grow the f*** up…Step the f*** up and play!
Im only doing this because I love you.
I feel like I just watched an episode of Degrassi
same empty, hollow feeling.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
It hurts brother, I know.
We’re all hurting right now.
But you’re harshin’ a bit strong. I agree with you that the Bobcats gave up with about 6 minutes left in the game and did something I’d not seem them do once in the entire season. They rolled over. That hurt worse than the sweep itself. It would have been even harder to see in person. I feel your pain. You have a couple of months to forgive them for what happened. It starts with remembering that they were playing a damned good team and keeping the entire season in mind instead of the isolated minutes that brought it to a close.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure if this has been talked about before, but apparently there is a trend
Teams don’t do very well during their first year in the playoffs.
Expansion teams since 1994 Season Result
Bobcats 2009-10 Lost, 4-0 vs. ORL
Grizzlies 2003-04 Lost, 4-0 vs. SA
Raptors 1999-00 Lost, 3-0 vs. NY
Wolves 1996-97 Lost, 3-0 vs. HOU
Magic 1993-94 Lost, 3-0 vs. IND
by BlueSkyOneCloud on Apr 27, 2010 3:12 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah, but this is Charlotte, we expect better from our expansion teams
Hornets 1992-1993 – Won 3-1
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Reality stings
I was at the game last night, and although I hoped and believed the Cats were going to pull off at least one win in this series, they just didn’t have it in them. Charlotte played with maximum effort last night and all year. The Magic just had the better team with the better shooters, and none of Charlotte’s centers is as good as Gortat, much less Howard. The Bobcats should finish this season with their heads up because they played to their full capability, but realistically their ceiling maxed out at making the playoffs. Any higher expectations than that was just not realistic. Reality stings!
The only reason why our ceiling maxed out was the #7 seed and a match with Orlando
No other match-up would have ended this poorly.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
True
The Bogut-less Bucks are giving the Hawks everything they can handle and the Cats match up better against Cleveland. The Magic shoot 3’s well and Charlotte has defended the 3 poorly all season. I thought Orlando would win in 6. I didn’t see the Cats getting swept.
"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice
by Julius Coxswain on Apr 27, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yuppers.
It was a coin toss. If we could have drawn either the Hawks or Cavs, we would have rolled. Orlando and Boston were gonna give us fits. We all knew it. I felt we were good enough to push the Magic to 6. I saw us breaking them once in Orlando (because beating good teams on their home court is something the Cats do well) and I saw the Magic taking game 4 at the Cable Box. I didn’t think there was any way we’d lose serve in game 3. That was the back breaker. I thought we’d win games 3 and 5. I was wrong. Brown used the right strategy but there were two things that killed us – our failure to execute at the end of the games and Van Gundy’s very underrated strategy of abusing our men at the 5.
The more I think about it the more I’m certain Theo and Tyson’s foul trouble was orchestrated by Van Gundy. It’s been the Achilles Heel all season long for the Bobcats and Orlando took full advantage of it.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
MJ does talk to Gerald a lot throughout the course of a game
"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice
by Julius Coxswain on Apr 27, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
There's a section of the bench marked "Alpha Dog(s)"
They share it with no one.
Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.
I don't think MJ drafted Felton
Ammo was his first pick with the organization
I'm pretty sure Felton was picked before MJ bought in.
by Ourdaywillcome on Apr 27, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah it's a fact
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
MJ wasn't even a minority owner when we picked Felton and May
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
BOOM.
--(insert quote, lyric, or joke here)
by StudMuffin15 on Apr 27, 2010 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
overall season was great
but one can’t help being dissappointed. No one thought we would win the series but one game would be nice. I think that we should try to get a better center with Chandler’s contract expiring and then let Tyrus start
Lets go Bobcats. 2010 Playoffs!
Agreed. No real reason to let it expire
We’re not going to be big in the free agent market yet. Flip him for something we need. 2011 isn’t going to be too shabby for the FA market from what I understand. If only we could do the same with Boris…
What about trading Chandler + something for Chris Kaman.
I don’t like Kaman, but he at least brings some sort of offense.
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
And why would the Clippers do that?
Kaman is better and more productive than Chandler at just about every aspect of the game. At his best, Chandler is the better defender, but he’s rarely been at his best the last two seasons. Over at Clips Nation, the only Bobcat that anyone has wanted to trade for is Wallace.
Our goal was to make the playoffs... Mission Accomplished!
Until the playoffs started, we never even considered winning a series… we just wanted to get there! This is not the NFL where you can go from 7-9 to 12-4 in one year. You make progress each year, then reload in the off-season.
Even great teams like Orlando and Cleveland, restocked their players this year in order to hopefully win a Championship. We’ll do the same this off-season and hopefully next year win a couple series… then maybe the following year(s) a Championship.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
+1
There’s a lot of negativity surrounding the roster and how little room it leaves for change. But the combination of Rod Higgins, MJ, and Larry Brown has netted us decent players when it seemed impossible. I’m going to hold of critiquing without giving our FO the opportunity to move some pieces around some more. Maybe someone really does covet Boris Diaw and we just don’t know it. And our rookies aren’t worthless. Let’s see how they do with a full summer as a pro, hopefully some summer league action, and we’ll see where we are. We should be excited about progress. Already the fan base has grown significantly.
Are they going to need some of us to play?
I know it was discussed before, so I am going ahead and donating a week.
by andrewlail76 on Apr 27, 2010 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I think MJ needed us for the Summer League to fill out the roster.
You might want to give him a call to make sure we take off the right week.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Is his number the same?
I got 77 hours vacation to burn still this year…and that’s after my week off in August…so….MJ…just let me know which week. I’m in the weight room again, so I’ll be MORE than ready…
by andrewlail76 on Apr 27, 2010 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Let's pretend we had a sharp-shooter forward/guard like Peitrus
How would he fit into the lineup? Obviously Jack and Wallace would have to start. You could bring him off the bench, but towards the end of close games you’d have to have him in there due to our lack of scorers… But you also can’t afford not having Wallace and Jack in there… And you have to keep a ball handler in.
Does this mean we’d have to push Wallace to PF? And wouldn’t that make him less effective?
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
It would be like when we had Flip Murray
Small ball with no Center at the end. Boris or Tyrus would play Center.
by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Apr 27, 2010 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
But hopefully someone with a much higher FG% than Murray
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Tyrus would play
We would have used Boris to get the sharpshooter (Not Flip)
by andrewlail76 on Apr 27, 2010 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Boris was a major let down this series
He could have made all the difference this series. I will be disappointed if he is not dealt this off season.
Otherwise known as SouthTunnel. Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
It was an amazing season...
but still little disappointed about getting swept thought we would atleast win two games but regardless it was nice to make playoffs. In my opinion playoff appearance was much needed for the city of Charlotte and State of NC. I know some of the people will fall of the bandwagon but I’m sure some will stay and those who fell off will be back on again after decent start next season or another playoff appearance.
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