Shorthanded Chicago Takes Down Struggling Bobcats 95-89
by BrandonBecker on Jan 21, 2012 11:55 PM EST
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PrintThe Charlotte Bobcats entered the Windy City with hopes of snapping a two game skid on Saturday night, but Chicago had other plans for the inexperienced 'Cats. Even though Derrick Rose was a no-go and Joakim Noah was a late scratch, the Bulls were able to control the game from the opening tip and were able to brush off the Bobcats as if they were nothing more than a pest.
Carlos Boozer poured in a game-high 23 points to go with nine rebounds as he was afforded wide open looks for most of the night. Gerald Henderson continued to show off his improved game on the offensive side of the ball finishing with a team-high 22 points (9-17). It's becoming apparent that Henderson is developing into the Bobcats' go-to-guy when they need a bucket, or buckets in general.
The game started off with Byron Mullens bricking a long jumper that went off the backboard. That shot pretty much summed up the night for Charlotte. Mullens' long jumpers were a breath of fresh air a week or two ago, but they are getting straight up annoying now. Instead of working on his post game, which he doesn't have, or taking the ball to the hoop a bit more he continues to settle for 18-to-20 foot jumpers. Not exactly a recipe for success over the long haul.
Early on it looked as though the Bulls might pull away and never look back but give credit to the Bobcats as they fought hard to keep it close through the first half. Charlotte even held a lead up until the 2:53 mark in the second quarter when C.J. Watson buried a three to give Chicago a one-point edge. Watson's three started an 11-2 run in favor of the Bulls to close the the first half. The Bulls took a 50-43 lead into the locker room and wouldn't look back.
Neither team played particularly well in this game, yet the Bulls consistently got better looks than the Bobcats did. Charlotte settled for jumpers for much of the night while Chicago moved the ball well and often found someone wide open for a three or got a shot within 12 feet of the basket. The game never really felt close in the second half as the Bulls' lead usually hovered around 11, but ballooned to 19 close to halfway through the fourth quarter after Luol Deng sank a 19-footer. Speaking of Deng, he had a strong night offensively recording 22 points to go with eight boards and four assists.
Once the lead hit 19 the Bobcats started to chip into it slowly but surely, although it never got to the point where Chicago was in threat of actually blowing the lead. The Bulls started to let off the gas once the lead hit 19 and they looked across at their opponent and saw not one starter on the floor. I can't remember exactly at what point Paul Silas yanked all of the starters, but I do remember Boris Diaw looking somewhat engaged in the action for a change.
For those that missed the game you really didn't miss a whole lot. The rookies didn't do anything noteworthy and Kemba Walker really struggled against the size of the Bulls.
3 Studs
Gerald Henderson--I already mentioned that Hendo appears to be emerging into the Bobcats' go-to-guy, but I also think it's worth mentioning that he's becoming much more aggressive than earlier in the year. He still settles for jumpers at times though, which is something that is expected for a guy that is still learning how to score. Oh, he also snared nine rebounds to go with his 22 points.
Luol Deng--Without Rose in the lineup, Deng had to help pick up the scoring slack. He did his part scoring 22 points and he always seemed to hit a timely shot when the Bobcats were trying to make a run.
Omer Asik--The late scratch of Noah opened more playing time for Asik and he responded with 15 rebounds including five that were offensive. He only had six points but he gave the Bulls 39 good minutes.
3 Duds
Kemba Walker--The rookie had a rough go of it Saturday night. Walker passed on some shots in my opinion in order to try and make a pass which ended up leading to turnovers on more than one occasion. It seems that his confidence may be a little shook right now, and nights like this aren't going to help. He finished with just four points and had four turnovers.
D.J. Augustin--As bad as Walker was against the Bulls, Augustin was worse. His up and down season continued against Chicago as he shot 1-for-6, had just three assists and turned the ball over four times.
Byron Mullens--Yeah he had 17 points and ended up 7-of-14 from the field, but as I said earlier everything is a long jumper from Mullens. He also was a bit trigger happy against the Bulls as he forced up long shot after long shot early in the shot clock. On the defensive end he was routinely abused and he only finished with five boards.
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Disagree with your opinion on jump shots
Wide open jumpers that a guy knows he can hit is not necessarily settling. You say Hendo still settles for jumpers, I say he varies his offensive game which keeps the defense guessing when he has the ball. And why shouldn’t Mullens take the jump shot when he can make it. He’s still green when it comes to game time and he’s shown some post moves, so it’s apparent to me that he’s working on it. He’s also more of a change of pace center that’s forced to start because the roster is so weak. With a legit starting center, it’s great to have a guy come off the bench and vary the offense.
long jumpers are the most inefficient shot type. I agree that they can stretch the defense, but they also cannot be relied upon as the meat and potatoes of an offense like the Bobcats often do. Last night the Bobcats went 9-for-13 at the rim, yet took 35 shot attempts from between 16 and 23 feet, of which they made 15. Sure, not all jumpers may be settling, but the Bobcats do often settle for jumpers rather than attacking the paint. It is no coincidence that the Bobcats lead the league in shots between 16-23 feet and also have the fifth-least efficient offense. As for Mullens, while he most certainly has range, he’s a much better shooter when he catches and shoots in rhythm off a pass.
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
source for the shot location stats
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
I'm sorry Ben
But I thought it was well established that we do not use statistics or measurable evidence of any kind in making arguments on here.
by Aisander D on Jan 22, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’s even worse if your center is taking those shots, since he’s too far away from the basket to be in rebounding position. A stretch big man can help open things up for players driving the lane, but the majority of the points shouldn’t come from there.
by Handles Messiah on Jan 22, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
It's not terrible if you're playing small ball.
Long rebounds are about the only thing we’ll get with two tiny guards on the floor. It’s a flawed system and probably our best option at the moment.
Its not terrible at all
if you PF and SF make a CONSCIENCE effort to rebound. (Why I like Wes Johnson and TWILL alot). I dont mind Mullens taking alot of shots. What bothers me is the fact that DJ White is usually in the same spot on the opposite side of the court waiting to take his shot. Dont get me wrong, they both are pretty good rebounders but when they are in the game together, we usually get killed on the boards. And even with Tyrus in the game, thats not enough to make a significant difference bc White probably is a better rebounder…
Aren't we the league leaders in offensive rebounds?
by Tim Rudisill on Jan 22, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
19th in the league for offensive rebounds per game.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 22, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
Oh darn.
I thought I remembered a few games back that the announcers said we were leading in ORebs. Obviously I was mistaken. Thanks for clarifying.
by Tim Rudisill on Jan 23, 2012 1:34 AM EST up reply actions
I also disagree with your comments
Regarding Hendo, he’s the best player on this team. I don’t think you even watched the game. Hendo not only made jumpers, he is the only player that gets to the FT line. He flat out makes plays. I can’t say the same for our two PG’s. No energy by this team tonight, that’s all. Three days of rest in Charlotte did not help them. All these young guys can’t figure out how to play together. How many of these players even know how to when? And you didn’t even mention Rip Hamilton, that scorched the Bobcats tonight. Watch the game !
Augustin, Walker, and Henderson are all averaging around three free throws a game. Henderson’s been on an uptick recently, but so far this year he’s not significantly better at drawing fouls.
by Handles Messiah on Jan 22, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
On Walker
His confidence is shook because A) he has to play out of position to allow Augustin to run the point when they are both on the floor and B) he does not get the respect calls when he drives to the rim, so that’s why he is hesistant and passes up on shots when he gets in the lane.
Until Silas can understand that you CANNOT play two 5’10 ish guys on the floor at the same time who play THE SAME position, they will continue to lose. I told you, this little experiment playing Walker out of position on the floor with Augustin WILL NOT WORK!
Silas really makes some bonehead lineup choices imo. Why sit Biyombo at the start of the fourth? He was playing well all game and they needed his defense down low. Why put Carroll in the game at all? He’s already a liability on defense so when he is bricking shots, what is the point of him being in the game? Why take TT out for White? TT was having a great game down low on defense, again, something they needed in this game.
Combined with Silas and his ridiculous lineup changes and substitutions along with no consistency from players or a proven gameplan that works, this team will continue to lose. It’s like Silas gave up in the fourth by emptying the bench. lol.
"You ain't supposed to be smiling and giggling after we lose. I've never had the mentality of losing in my whole life and for a person to tell me you can't win them all, that's a loser's mentality." - Cam Newton
He only took 5 shots its not like he completely struggled
And he is 6’1 it is so annoying people keep saying he is 5’10.
Walker is not 6'1
“Kemba Walker 2011 NBA Draft Combine: Walker Measures in at Less Than Six Feet
Kemba Walker arrived at the draft combine on Thursday despite not participating until Friday, and the initial measurements didn’t exactly work in his favor.
Although his height is not a troubling concern for many considering taking a gamble on the UConn standout, it is worth noting that he didn’t even crack the six foot barrier when his height was recorded.
He came in just short at 5’11 3/4", and that alone should quiet any talk about Walker playing off the ball at the next level.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/706727-2011-nba-draft-combine-news-analysis-and-results/entry/84630-kemba-walker-2011-nba-draft-combine-walker-measures-in-at-less-than-six-feet"
Walker played SG at college
he blew up on the national scene as a undersized SG that scored alot of points. In the draft combine he didn’t even participate in alot of the PG drills and I believe it was to hide his flaws in order for him to be a lottery pick. Here’s my problem, Kemba isn’t 6ft tall, DJ isn’t 6 ft tall, they are both playing PG (Kemba is learning on the fly how to be a PG) they both shoot first, neither of them are great playmakers, neither of them can make passes or plays that taller PG’s can make, and they are both defensive liabilities, so why would we draft Kemba when we already have DJ who’s the exact same player?
If we trade DJ away for another PG, if we get a PG of value and he has some game, he may be a better player than Kemba, then what do we do? Still play 2 PG’s, bench the better taller PG to play Kemba, bench Kemba and then the fans of Kemba are upset because they want to see the rookie play?
I’ve never been keen on small PG’s, and we have a small pg who’s not even a pure PG, so this will be enteresting to see how this plays out.
by Mr Goodlove on Jan 22, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
uhhh Kemba played PG at UConn
he won the bob cousy award for best college point guard in the nation last year…
http://www.cousyaward.com/past_winners.php
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
Shabazz Napier played more as a point guard than Kemba did imo
also remember what the draft report said about Kemba " He came in just short at 5’11 3/4", and that alone should quiet any talk about Walker playing off the ball at the next level. "
He was a freaking PG
Lamb was the SG. No one cares what you think he was when it was a freaking fact. Damn I hate when people argue with facts and thats all you’ve been doing. He played PG at UConn that was his position, get over it you are wrong your fighting fact versus opinion you will always lose.
You play basketball with shoes, but when you say he's 6'1 thats still stretching it
every opposing teams announcers chuckle when they say Kemba is 6’1 because he clearly isn’t. The only reason players exagerate their height is to help get drafted or recruited. When Kemba says he’s 6’1, and then you play against a real 6’1 player who puts his shoes on making him 6’3, you wonder why the two guys aren’t the same size. It’s because we’re trying to psyche ourselves into really thinking Kemba is 6 feet anything when he really isn’t.
He was measured at 6'1" in shoes at the combine
Why are you disputing that? Everyone’s listed height is their height in shoes, because you play wearing shoes.
Players are listed by height w/ shoes.
Dwight Howard is only 6’9" without shoes, but I hear people calling him a “7 footer” all the time.
"With the third pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select, Adam Morrison, Gonzaga."
Biyombo looked really bad on defense last night – he was constantly out of position and Boozer took advantage of it. I’m all for Biyombo getting increased minutes, but last night yanking him was probably a good call.
by Handles Messiah on Jan 22, 2012 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
The starting lineup should be..
Walker, Hendo, Brown, TT, and Biyombo. That is the most athletic lineup and gives them the best chance for winning.
Although Mullens is capable of making threes, he needs to be more of a center and leave the threes for shorter guys. The frontcourt does not understand how to utilize their height, box out, set good picks, etc. The things tall forwards and centers are suppose to know. That’s bad coaching.
"You ain't supposed to be smiling and giggling after we lose. I've never had the mentality of losing in my whole life and for a person to tell me you can't win them all, that's a loser's mentality." - Cam Newton
the first half of your post is wrong in every way.
The most athletic does not translate to best chance of winning. Walker is still very inconsistent overall, Hendo I wont dispute because he should be starting, Brown can slash but often mistimes his slashes and his shot/defense are inconsistent, TT has completely dropped his production from last year and I’m not sure i’d have him as 2nd string PF even on this team, Biyombo has strong D and is slowly learning Offensive sets, but he’s still way too green offensively to be starting.
If you start that troupe and play them the most minutes, i’d be shocked if we topped 60 pts a game. They just dont have it in them.
DJ, Walker, Hendo, Mullens, Biyombo
Mullens shoots 50% and we want to bench him? I don’t get it. Don’t force him to play to his weaknesses, move him beside somebody who can compensate for his weaknesses so he can play to his strengths.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
by southtunnel on Jan 22, 2012 9:06 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree with this post
If we are developing our future players, these guys need to be playing together with D. Brown in the starting lineup instead of DJ and Kemba together. Walker needs to learn the point so playing him out of position at the SG spot wont help him. Biyombo and Tyrus need more touches AROUND THE RIM, no more 18 foot jumpers for Tyrus, and Tyrus needs Protein shakes and steak every night and weight room workouts everyother day to help him bulk up.
Mullens, DJ and Boris off the bench is a nice backup squad to have. This Bobcats really team isn’t as bad as we look right now, I know the goal is to tank so we can get Harrison Barnes, but Silas should be teaching these guys better than he has been, instead, all I see is a concerted effort to make Henderson get better and to allow Mullens to shoot away whenever he feels. Even if we lose alot of games, we should be an exciting team to watch.
by Mr Goodlove on Jan 22, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Mullen’s main talent is his outside shot. If Silas is OK with him gunning from distance, the three is a much, much better shot than the twenty footers he’s taking, even if it’s at a slightly lower percentage.
by Handles Messiah on Jan 22, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Small sample size on the 3s
He’s shooting 46% from 16-23 feet and 37.5% (eFG% is 50%) from 3. He looks really comfortable taking the 20 footer and it’s clearly a large part of what’s earning him minutes. We can expect that Mullie makes the 20 footer on a regular basis.
Mullie has just started shooting the 3 ball in the last 4 games, so it’s too soon to tell if this is what we should expect from him on a regular basis. There’s no reason to think that he couldn’t be a Ryan Anderson type shooter, but he’s probably going to have to keep working on that shot before it becomes his primary weapon. Biyombo and Mullens a poor man’s Howard and Anderson? Perhaps in time.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 22, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Decisions
This was a top team. The small ball w kemba on a 6 ft 7 rip was a joke. White shud have started instead of kemba and played deng. Diaw shudda played more on boozer too.
The pt gds struggled w height and the better speed of the defense whc plays the passing lanes and help each other out. Getting in the paint n dishing solid passes and avoiding the turnovers that put the cats in the hole was critical.
Mullens took some bad shots in the first qtr that rebounded long n triggered ther fastbreak but he settled down later . He must get stronger quickly. Hendersons jumpers were all mid range so his shot selection wasnt bad. The rest of his shots were drives whc he got fouled on .
Its time to start playing diaw. He first came in w 4 minutes left in the 2 nd qtr and was needed badly against boozer. White too is too good to sit. The cats were on the road and both are veterans .
i agree with the long jumpers for mullens and it’s what i was afraid of as far as him getting a lot of love so quick. It’s sweet when those shots go in but it is tough to swallow when he shoots and that means there is no one to rebound. he’s had some flashes down low wish he would take this season to work on that in the games since they arent too worried about winning games
did this dude just did this
So play him with BB. Problem solved.
And Mullins can keep shooting 50% with someone to get the boards.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
by southtunnel on Jan 22, 2012 9:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
i agree
pretty drunk when writing that last night. it bothers me when there is no one close near position to rebound when people shoot. no matter who’s shooting
did this dude just did this
by OldschoolBlue on Jan 22, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah who wants a big man who camp
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
by southtunnel on Jan 22, 2012 8:50 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Yeah who wants a big man that shoots 50%? That sucks!
No. We just need a true C and let Mullens play PF. Maybe even play him more with Biyimbo. Their strengths would offset each others weaknesses.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
by southtunnel on Jan 22, 2012 8:55 AM EST via mobile reply actions
If Biyombo develops a few post moves, they could be a good pairing
but I still think that Mullens is best suited to a back up role. He’s our best starting center for now, but I’m hoping Biyombo takes over as starter later in the season. I think the pair are best used playing the 5.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 22, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe Hendo settled for jumpers in this game
But lately all he has been doing is making his own shot and he is playing like an all-star caliber player right now. Him Kemba at the guards positions will be amazing. Anyone that gets onto Kemba after this game can shut up now because your overeacting and being stupid because he only took 5 shots so hr didnt really majorly struggle if he would of took more shots then that then yes I would say so. And DJ had the same amount of TO’s so nobody say anything about that unless you address both. I have never seen Kemba turn the ball over this bad so I think is was just a bad night like most rookies have. And I will continue to ask this question what rookie is consistently having good game every game and the only answer is Irving. So im not going to freak out about this because Kemba is on pace to be a great player.
Even with Noah out Chicago is a very rugged team and we didnt put in a lineup that is as close to rugged as they are. While i still like the lineup with both Kemba and DJ I think Silas just needs to vary the line-up based on the team we play which he said he would so yeah Biyombo/White/Diaw shouldve slid into the starting lineup. I do like Thomas on Deng but Boozer is just a force and will over power most everyone so he shouldve drawn the Biyombo/White/Diaw matchup. Henderson shouldve drawn the “Jordan protege” matchup against Rip.
Ah well. On to the next one.
It's a little silly to jump all over this guy for offering one minor critique of Henderson.
Hendo is turning into a capable starter and he’s showing a willingness to work on his weaknesses.
Like everyone who watched the game last night, I thought the Bobcats took way too many long jumpers. We can call that settling because it is, but the truth is that the Bulls played great defense. Even without a lot of their best players, the Bulls were tougher, quicker, sharper, more organized, and simply better than the Bobcats. There weren’t many opportunities for the Bobcats to drive the paint. So yea, they settled for long jumpers the way Germany settled for the Treaty of Versailles.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 22, 2012 10:21 AM EST reply actions
Not even Ben is SAFE
against the Hendo Slice fan club…
Well Hendo is playing great
He said something we didn’t agree with. Just because he is the manager doesn’t mean we cant dispute with him.
What did I say?
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is,
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
- Guru, of Gangstarr
Saying Gerald still looks to take open jumpers
Thats the only part I disagreed with. I dont know what everyone else is saying.
In tonights game
I want to see a starting lineup of BB, Mullens, Brown/Diaw, Henderson, Augustine.
Let players play their natural positions, and do adequate rotations. Play Higgens some at SG instead of PG, letting Walker play where he needs to play.
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