Game 40: Charlotte Bobcats (10-30) vs. Houston Rockets (21-21

[cdandi1]

Martin Luther King Jr. Special as the 'Cats host the Rockets. The 'Cats are struggling, nothing knew. The Rockets are on a 7 game skid so they are looking to right the ship vs Charlotte. Good start my Charlotte with MKG get a hoop and Henderson with the steal and basket. Lets see if the 'Cats can get a W.

[cdandi1]

Like always the online streams are non-bobcats..so I'm getting to listen and watch the Houston broadcast. All the talk is about how the Rockets SHOULD get off the losing streak and that they couldn't have a better matchup to get back into a groove. That being said, with the 'Cats hot start, the announcers are pretty upset at the officiating. lol

[cdandi1]

Some interesting matchups so far...the Rockets are running a lot of screen n' rolls with Lin-Harden, Lin-Parsons, and Harden-Parsons. The 'Cats have the personnel with Kemba-Henderson-MKG to switch all those screens or hedge long enough for the other to recover. Seems to be working well so far. The Rockets may look to use more Lin-Osik (sp) and Harden-Osik screen action to force the 'Cats interior to play outside. Just some interesting notes so far. MKG is playing well, very active. It appears Dunlap has put a focus on getting him involved offensively. Good start by him, Henderson, and Kemba. Biyombo has also been active defensively so far with a block and deflection.

[cdandi1]

Charlotte is very, very, active defensively so far. Biyombo with another big block of Harden, Henderson with another strip, and good on-ball perimeter defense by Jeff Taylor.

[rscott94]

That was a sick dunk by Taylor!!! Also Biz is on his block party today

[cdandi1]

Charlotte - 30 Houston 22 End of First Quarter GO CATS!

[rscott94]

Nice dunk by Sessions!!!

[cdandi1]

the 'Cats are feeding MKG the ball in the post..obviously Dunlap has seen something in matchups vs Houston's SFs and SG's trying to defend him. MKG is making them pay.

[cdandi1]

Lin is having a tough time guarding Walker one-on-one and off the pick n' roll and the 'Cats have recognized that and are taking advantage.

[cdandi1]

Harden is really the only offense by Houston right now...the 'Cats have been doubling him, which typically leads to backside defensive breakdowns. If Charlotte can continue to force harden to give up the ball and recover well on D it may lead a frustrating offensive day for Houston.

[cdandi1]

Another big block by Biyombo...that's three so far today by my math.

[cdandi1]

ANOTHER BIG BLOCK BY BIZ!! Leads to a fast break triple by Walker!! That's four blocks so far in the first half for BIZ

[cdandi1]

Charlotte - 56 Houston - 45 at Half. Charlotte is leading the turnover battle 3-9 and its leading to fast break opportunities. Look for Dunlap to alter their defense on Harden just a little because you know Houston is going to try and take advantage of double teams. Lets see if the 'Cats can continue with the momentum gained in the first half and get an MLK Day victory at the Cable Box.

[cdandi1]

Charlotte is struggling out of the half...Houston has made some defensive adjustments by doubling the screens initiated by Walker forcing him to give the ball up...so far Charlotte hasn't adjusted well if at all. Turnovers are abundant so far in the third quarter allowing Houston to get on the break (second in the league in fast break ppg). Charlotte has to make an adjustment or execute better.