Charlotte Bobcats weekly: Bittersweet Week
The Charlotte Bobcats great week was overshadowed by head coach Steve Clifford’s heart procedure on Friday. The first-year head coach had stents placed in his heart. Clifford checked himself into the hospital Thursday night after experiencing chest pains. Former NBA great Patrick Ewing will is taking over head coaching duties during Clifford’s absence. For behave HoopsHabit community, we wish Clifford a speedy recovery.
We all wish Clifford a speedy recovery. (NBA.com photo)
Here is a look into the Bobcats week:
Monday: Charlotte Bobcats 102, New York Knicks 97
MVP: Kemba Walker– 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
LVP: Bismack Biyombo– 1 point, 19 minutes, 4 turnovers
Key Stat: 42– The Bobcats attempted 42 free throws
Zeller Watch: 7 points and 5 rebounds
Summary: The Bobcats have gotten better. That is what Monday’s game told us. I am not saying that just because they won against a playoff team, but rather in how they won. Charlotte had a huge lead in the third but the Knicks got to as close as four. In years past, a young and inexperienced Cats team would have lost this game. Kemba Walker and company showed mental toughness and resilience. They attacked the paint all night and it showed in the box score through their 42 free throw attempts. They guarded All-Pro scorer Carmelo Anthony well, as he struggled from the field- shooting 10 of 28 minutes. The key for Charlotte will be the ability to duplicate this intensity throughout the season.
Wednesday: Charlotte Bobcats 92, Toronto Raptors 90
MVP: Gerald Henderson– 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting
LVP: Kemba Walker- 5 points on 2-of-13 shooting
Key Stat: 14–Charlotte’s first quarter lead
Zeller Watch: 6 points, 3 rebounds
Summary: Another sign that the Bobcats are growing up: players are stepping up when needed. Kemba Walker had his worst night of the season, but shooting guard Gerald Henderson was able to have his best night as the Bobcats sneaked past the Raptors. Toronto big man Jonas Valanciunas gave Charlotte some trouble as he racked up a double-double in 28 minutes. Bismack Biyombo had the game winning block. With 27 seconds left in the game and the Raptors down 3, DeMar DeRozan drove to the basketball. Little did he know that Bismack Biyombo was waiting for him as he blocked the Raptors shot attempted and ultimately ended their chance of winning the game.
Gerald Henderson stepped up when needed. Flickr.com photo by B. Wendell Jones
Friday: New York Knicks 101, Charlotte Bobcats 91
MVP: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist– 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a steal
LVP: Kemba Walker- A plus/minus of 14
Key Stat: 40–Charlotte’s shooting percentage
Zeller Watch: 3 points and 2 rebounds
Summary: After losing head coach Steve Clifford, the Bobcats had a hard time playing well against a New York Knicks team they had beaten just four days earlier. Walker struggled with his shot, shooting 8-of-22. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had a decent all-around game, but it is time for him to step up on the offensive end. Melo scored 28 points off 22 shots as he carved Charlotte’s defense all night long.
Upcoming week: The Bobcats have a tough week ahead of them as they are slated to play four games. The first three games are winnable matchups against Atlanta, Boston and Cleveland. Then on Saturday, the two-time defending champion Miami Heat come to town.
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