New Jersey Nets at Charlotte Bobcats 12/27/2008

[TattoodCats4life]

We'll see similar matchups tonight as last, but tonight anyone with FS Carolinas can cheer on the team at home. Pregame at 6:30 with Steve Martin and tip is at 7.

I anticipate that we'll be running more second string players (good, GIVE DJ MINUTES!) this game, as our starters all logged tons of minutes last night. We can hope to see Sean Singletary active again, as he did well in the few moments he played yesterday, including stopping a fast break. We only required the services of 9 players last night, which is different and brought back memories of last year, especially the game where we played Wallace on the 1 because that's all we had. Anyway, after playing 9 of 12 last night, I'd think its possible we're going to see different names on the inactive (except the BigMac of course) and hopefully we'll see Shannon Brown and Lexy play some, and who doesn't want 5-8 minutes of Hollins per game :cool:.

Well, this is my first attempt at a game thread, those are my opinions, so give me yours :D

Oh and Bobcats staff who might read here, tell larry to start DJ/Brown/Wallace/Diaw/Okafor

-Tattoo

[TheLegend]

I don't think DJ should be starting right away. I still think that his ankle is still bothering him, but anyway lets make it our third stright win!

[TattoodCats4life]

I don't think DJ should be starting right away. I still think that his ankle is still bothering him, but anyway lets make it our third stright win!


3rd straight on the way to a 6 game win streak *no Jinx*

[ammofan]

tic tack toe 3 in a row!

[davcbow]

Tonight is the night to get that 3rd straight win finally... Go Bobcats....:cool:

[Melanie]

Come on Bobcats for win #3 and 5 of the last 6!

[TheLegend]

Come on Bobcats for win #3 and 5 of the last 6!

A girl?!?!?!?! w00t! lol jk. Let make our record 12-19!!!!!!!

[bellringer21]

We really controlled Harris yesterday.....not sure if we will be able to do that 2 games in a row.

The Nets have the biggest home/road record difference in the league-they are MUCH better on the road. I hope we pull it off, but today's game will be much tougher.

BTW, I love DJ but he doesnt look explosive out there anymore. I'm assuming its the ankle....

[G-Force for MVP]

this win would be pretty big for the cats

[Melanie]

A girl?!?!?!?! w00t! lol jk.

That's right. Looks like I'm still the only one.

[truthbtold21]

Im loving this trade more and more,people are starting to learn there roles, we are sharing the ball more,and our three front court players are playing well together.

[ziggy]

That's right. Looks like I'm still the only one.
I've always been kind of curious about that. Surely there must be more females on this site than you and SupaDiscoFly. :g:

[davcbow]

Congrats on the 4k mark Ziggy.....:o

[TattoodCats4life]

wow, that's alot of postin :)...

Far as ladies on the board, I know my wife just things boards are dumb...but I think myspace is dumb and she keeps one of those...so we each have our own thing i guess.

Woo, i'l be standing courtside in 2-1/2 hours.... I only make 10-12 games per season, but I'm there from the moment i can convince someone that i deserve to be let in early, until the security says "sir you need to leave now"

Hope we win, everyone enjoy...

[ziggy]

Congrats on the 4k mark Ziggy.....:o

I think at least 3500 of those posts where my rants against Sam Vincent :biggrin:

[bing!]

In the words of Han Solo - "Great, kid(s), don't get cocky"

The Cats don't need another boost to over-confidence (like the instance after Memphis, W 112-83), remain level-headed and let's hit a 3-game streak.

[BIGCatBobcat]

In the words of Han Solo - "Great, kid(s), don't get cocky"

The Cats don't need another boost to over-confidence (like the instance after Memphis, W 112-83), remain level-headed and let's hit a 3-game streak.

I cannot remember who brought that up, whether it was a writer or one of these guys, Juwan Howard was the vet saying these guys need to keep their head about them right? Speaking of Howard, has anyone noticed he's actually beating Morrison and Hollins up off the bench at time outs? I like it. I think the attention brought to the let down after Memphis will be enough to keep these guys in check tonight. Also, they won last night in solid but not blow-out fashion. Remains to be seen but I feel good. I can't wait until I can quit saying "Remains to be seen" or "We'll see." I want to expect wins, I do hope for wins but I feel like I have to temper that with a little reasonablility.

[spectre]

I'm worried about tonight's game as the Nets are night and day between home and away. All the starters from both teams played a lot of minutes so that should be equal...I just don't know if Harris can be contained like that 2 nights n a row.

We have it in us if we just play smart.

[TheBeagle]

Getting ready to head down: very excited about the game (actually, I can say that for every game since The Trade...) and think this is a statement game; being able to sweep a home and home against a fellow playoff contender is big. I would be worried about the heavy minutes played by the starters, but we've got some hosses like Boris and Raymond and GW who drink minutes by the gallon, plus, like was said in an earlier post, the other guys are in the same predicament.

No clue what to expect with the outcome, as usual, but I'm just looking forward to seeing beautiful teamwork on both ends (AKA Larry Ball).

[spectre]

http://www.justin.tv/matt_carroll_13

Link for the game!

[SWedd523]

http://www.justin.tv/matt_carroll_13

Link for the game!
Preeeeeesh!

[tamburello]

Hopefully it works on game time. I have another one from atdhe that claims they'll also broadcast Bobcats game: http://albaaa.altervista.org/watch.php?id=201

[Muttley]

Nice start to the game thread, Tats!Right now I'm sittin in section 103 with my sis, and I can't wait to witness win number THREEEEEEEEEE!

[spectre]

ok, I think that guys' router died, but he provided this link:

http://www.andromedanet.com/tvtuner_justin.html?uninc33

access code andromedanet.com

[tamburello]

ok, I think that guys' router died, but he provided this link:

http://www.andromedanet.com/tvtuner_justin.html?uninc33

access code andromedanet.com

That apparently requires IE, I have Mozilla and now watching the game on http://www.justin.tv/cheez3333

The guy said he'll show the whole game, but he may change his idea, until that moment, you can see the game here :)

[spectre]

I like choices! If this gets too choppy another might be better.

[ohara831]

I dont want to be too overconfident. Last time I was it was the home game vs GSW and that turned out crappy. But I feel good about tonight's game!

[WarioVsMooChicken]

Im falling in love with Boris.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

lolleakyroof

[davcbow]

Ive seen a lot of bad passing so far....come on guys lets make a statement tonight....:cool:

[bonzibonzi]

Hello ! Someone got a good link ? i don't know where to put the pasw with andromeda ??

[bing!]

Boris - 1st q. 5/4/3 - pts/reb/asst... could tonight be the night ??

[spectre]

Nice end to the quarter to take the lead!

[davcbow]

Good comeback for a 4 point lead at the end of the 1st quarter....:cool:

[spectre]

Hello ! Someone got a good link ? i don't know where to put the pasw with andromeda ??

Tam's link is working, but when I went to andromeda a viewscreen with a big block came up asking for an access code.


That apparently requires IE, I have Mozilla and now watching the game on http://www.justin.tv/cheez3333

The guy said he'll show the whole game, but he may change his idea, until that moment, you can see the game here :)

[bing!]

I think it's safe to say that Raja has finally settled in NC. :)

[davcbow]

Tied at 47 at the half..... We need to toughen up on D and hit our shots....:cool:

[davcbow]

between Felts and Augustin in 25 minutes of play between them they are 0/5 5 RB's 3 Ast's 3 Turn Overs and 0 points... what has happened to them guys?:cool:

[bellringer21]

I love DJ alot (not hard to see that after some of the posts I have made) but he needs to sit down. His ankle is obviously bothering him and he hasn't done much recently. Let him recover and lets see what Singletary has until DJ is completely healthy.

[Muttley]

Our passing tonight has been at times terrible and at times good, but the latter instances are fewer. We've also not come close to slowing down Harris the way we did last night.I have heard plenty of people cheering against VC, though, which is both unexpected and welcomed.Down by 5. I hope we can pick it up.

[spectre]

Did Bell just pull something?

[bellringer21]

Did Bell just pull something?

Yeah it looked bad....he immediately started limping to the locker room. I doubt he comes back today. Best case is day-to-day.....

[Muttley]

damnit, don't be too injured Raja...

[Melanie]

I hope Bell's okay!

Come on Bobcats, we need a good run here.

[davcbow]

we are playing like hell tonight....Now LB gets a tech foul.:cool:

[davcbow]

I didnt see any emotion in that quarter from the guys... almost like they were just going through the actions...:cool:

[Ghost Kat]

How is Felton doing tonite?

[spectre]

strained left groin. :(

Games like last night almost make me re-think (again) Felton...then there's games like tonight. His defense is still not bad, but he's playing like he's a step slow and his decision making is subpar.

Wasn't GSW 2nd of a back to back?

[bellringer21]

I'm watching the game on the YES network and they said Bell has been ruled out for the rest of the game with a strained groin.....that sounds like a week or two....

I also wish DJ would sit out with his ankle but now without Bell he will probably play more....its clear he isnt moving the same he did before the injury......

[davcbow]

Felts is 2/11 1/3 on 3's and 1/2 free throws not too good:cool:

[spectre]

I frigging love Gerald Wallace!

[davcbow]

what a play by GW to get the missed foul shot put it back up and score plus the foul shot....:cool:

[spectre]

I frigging love Gerald Wallace!

I mean I REALLY love Gerald Wallace!

[Dead_Real]

Crash is the fucking man

[spectre]

46.9 seconds left and down by 1. I don't want to see Felton taking this shot; we had two chances to take the lead last possession and he took both of them...missed.

Well he did what I asked and Mek missed the point blank shot...dammit.

[Dead_Real]

wow at that thrown elbow no call

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Referees trying to give this game to the Nets.

[spectre]

Hey I know...let's give it to Crash!

[BobCatsFanInTx]

I have to wonder what might be if we had a healthy DJ tonight.

[spectre]

Ha! Felton delivered! Now he's got to hit the FT.

Lopez is outta there!

And he does. Tied game with 26.8 left.

[spectre]

Overtime!!!!

Excellent D by Felton on Harris at the end.

Great comeback...we trailed thru most of the 2nd half.

[Dead_Real]

I swear I thought Harris shot was falling we go to OT

[Muttley]

Overtime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Melanie]

Let's take this Win in OT!!!!

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Katy bar the door this one is over.

[Dead_Real]

Damn we look tired while they're just popping wide open 3 pointers

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Poor defense in the OT.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Shoot the referees.

[Melanie]

It's just not happening here.....

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Overall a good game but they just seemed worn out at the end.

[davcbow]

Yeah we look tired and the ref's seem to be giving the Nets all the breaks...:cool:

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Lack of any real depth will haunt us all season.

[davcbow]

Nets 114-103 in OT final ...............:(

[DanielWheeler]

Stupid Ass Refs!

[teej]

the refs definately showed some green tonight, but so did Feltons D and whats the update on Raja?

[ohara831]

Just like last week. We come off a great road win and blow a home game. Just horrible. Lack of Defense killed us tonight. That an 18 TO's! Just shows we are not yet ready for prime time. Very disappointing loss. LB needed to have the guys more prepared mentally as they just made too many TO's and defensive breakdowns.

But the Rookie Ref did make some bad calls tonight. No doubt.

[Muttley]

Damn. I really thought we coyld have this one, but our poor passing earlier in the game, resulting in turn overs, really hurt us.

[ohara831]

Anyone heard any update on Bell? Is he going to be out a while?

[teej]

on YES they said strained left groin but that was just a couple minutes after he got hurt, anyone know anything else?

[TattoodCats4life]

I know it was a loss, but I had the best game ever. Got upgraded from 201 F to 105 A5, 3 seats off of dead center, behind the bench...

I know the refs heard me when I told them they sucked. Reviewing Raja's 3 pointer at 2:01 in the 2nd during half time, don't ya think its a bit late.

I haven't had a chance to look at the box score but this game shows me that we have filled holes that needed filled at the 4 spot for sure, and because diaw and howard are flexible, we've got good backup for wallace. Nazr didn't stink as bad as previous games, but I would still rather see Hollins come in for the 10-15 Okafor should be resting. I was utterly jumping for joy when Little Sean (as opposed to big sean) got to go out and play some minutes, and he did an impressive job, even matched up against carter. The kid sure is fast (I think he might even win a race with DJ). So other than my typical "get rid of felton and get a good to great but not superstar 1 guard" babble, we're not horrible in the 1 spot. The 2 however, thats a whole other story. Now, Bell is coming up to speed with our team and thats great, but we need another 2 to go between him and Carrol, as carrol is good, but takes 5 minutes to build up steam.

Needless to say I think if Hollins over Nazr, and Shannon Brown over carrol or Adam were active tonight, we might have won, but who knows the refs had "bobcats cant win" goggles on.

In other news the word in the backcourt club about Bell is that it is a significant strain/sprain and will likely need at least 3-4 days rest (followed by 2 days practice before reactivation).

[TheBeagle]

Some horrific calls made it all the more frustrating of a loss. Terrible FT shooting overall, especially from Boris, again too many turnovers, but losing Raja cost us the game. Besides GW, he was the only thing going for us at all tonight, not to mention his defense on Carter; seeing him pull up with the strain took all the wind out of my sails, and it looked like it did the same to the team for a long while.

GW summed it up nicely after the game when he, paraphrasing mostly, said, "It's another typical Bobcats game. We played as hard as we can and left it all out there, but the calls don't go our way. The other team always gets the calls, or the right bounce of the ball." Obviously, he was still hot from the way he left the game in OT, but those comments were really refreshing to me, and hopefully will continue to fuel the fire of the time come next time.

During shootaround, Raja bounced the ball to a little tyke sitting courtside who then would throw Raja the ball for a 3 pt shot. After his last shot, which he made, he gave the kid a fiver......another awesome guy that's easy to pull for!

Devin Harris is a master of the legerdamain or something. He's not nearly as good as his stats would indicate, IMO. He has the refs fooled into thinking he's a star player, resulting in him getting so many benefit-of-the-doubt calls on both ends it's ridiculous. Someon like Dwayne Wade earns a lot of his calls; Harris doesn't, and we got shat on tonight because of it.

And yes, depth is slowly killing us. I think losing Raja was what lost us the game, but the fact they have guys like Hayes and Dooling to bring off the bench, and we have Matt Carroll and a gimp rookie PG was a killer also.

Very nice crowd tonight; loud and enthusiastic. Really fun atmosphere!

With no Raja for a few games (or more:() I won't be suprised to see a losing streak of 3+ regretably...

[bing!]

I guess they didn't get cocky, just got caught by dead ol' tiredness. It's only logical to state that we don't have any depth when Larry decides not to play Adam, Ryan, Shannon or Ajinca for that matter. I'm not saying here that any of these guys would've made any difference, as a matter of fact I doubt they would, but it's always nice to be able to do away with all the what ifs after droppin' a close game.

[spectre]

Larry Brown (and most coaches) will cut the rotation down to 8 or 9 players, but a big role for said bench players is to stand up and produce when given the opportunity. It won't always be the same 3-4 players either as matchups and injury will will dictate changes.

They're just not very good.

We're still young though...in our 5th season. There are teams out there who've been around for decades and don't have the quality we have in the starting lineup/6th man.

Anyway...the GOOD from last night:

Raja Bell. I thought he played an awesome game. He was driving and dishing, hitting the 3 shot like it was nothing and playing pretty good defense. That one offensive set (in the 3rd quarter I think) we passed the ball at least 10 times, it ended up in Raja's hands and he was wide open. I just knew he was going to take the shot but at the last minute threw a bullet pass to Crash who was right underneath the basket for a layup.

If he hadn't gotten hurt this game would have been a W. Welcome to Charlotte Raja...way to kick the haters right square in the teeth.

Crash. My God he's played great since he came back. He put us on his shoulders and in typical Crash fashion willed us back in the 4th quarter. We should have kept going to him and forced them to adjust; at the least Hayes would have fouled out.

Mek. I think a few things have to be re-thought now. He is worth that money, and the previous coaches and his team mates hold a lot of blame for him not developing like he should have been. I'm glad we re-signed him, and I hope we hang onto him (and Crash) so they can finally experience what a winning team is like in Charlotte.

Boris. He shooting was crap, but look at his other line of 9 rebounds and 7 assists. He is what makes this engine run. I still maintain his TOs will decrease (like LB said...there are "good" TOs and bad "TOs), and over time I think he, Mek & Crash will be one intimidating front court.

Tough loss, but we played them very close and they know they were in a dogfight. With LB at the helm I have no doubt that we'll soon be rewarded for all the effort.

[Keetch]

I recorded the game on the DVR and started watching it about 2 hours after tipoff.

I agree with you Spectre. Raja's career shooting average is a little over 43%, so his shots had to start falling. He seems to be a guy who rarely forces his shots.

I think if Bell hadn't been injured and/or if DJ was 100% we probably win this game (big revelation huh?), but ... this one made me nervous because our guys played with a whole lot more intensity than the Nets did Friday night; and we've never been a team to sustain that kind of will on back-to-backs. Still that 10 point lead in the 2nd Quarter had me feeling pretty inspired.

Then the 3rd Quarter started and man oh man was it ugly. I started to "fast-forward" through the Nets possessions (I just don't like watching the Nets; what a bad team) and probably should have thru some of the Cats' as well.

I think Okafor and Diaw played well, but the fatigue showed in the missed chip shots and put-backs. Man I hate those; they drive me a little crazy. But in hindsight; I think it was fatigue, pure and simple. You can say the Nets played back-to-back as well; but did they really? lol

....and Felton had a few nice moments, but otherwise BAD FELTON. Bad Felton! You're in timeout; now go to your room and think about what you've done.