New-look Bobcats push defending Eastern Conference champs
November 17, 2009 by Matt Rochinski
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There’s no question that Stephen Jackson is happy to be one of the newest members of the Charlotte Bobcats.
Just hours after being traded to the Bobcats along with Acie Law in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic, Jackson was in the starting lineup for Charlotte in Orlando on Monday.
Jackson’s impact on joining the squad was evident, as the Bobcats played at a high-level fueled by the newcomer’s energy and didn’t back down from the defending Eastern Conference champs in a 97-91 loss at Amway Arena. Jackson finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.
“I think he played great,” Head Coach Larry Brown said of Jackson. “He is an 80 percent free throw shooter so he made some free throws, took it to the rim and made some passes that we weren’t used to seeing. I love him and he gives us flexibility… We gave ourselves a chance to win without really having much organization. Now we just need to keep playing hard and play together.”
Not having had the chance to go through a shootaround, much less a practice, the Bobcats had to get creative against the Magic – putting together plays in the huddle and trying to fill Jackson in as best they could coming out of every break in the action.
“I was proud of my team,” said Brown. “It was like the school yard – we were drawing stuff up, but I loved the effort. I loved how hard we played and hopefully we can get better.”
Jackson’s first game with Charlotte almost overshadowed an impressive performance by Flip Murray. But it’s hard not to get noticed when you match a career-high with 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting in 34 minutes off the bench.
“He can score and we all know that,” said Brown. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen him do this, he looked relaxed.”
Boris Diaw is also looking more comfortable since missing most of the preseason with an ankle injury. For the second-straight game, he scored a season-high 21 points – this time on 10-of-13 shooting from the field.
“I always ask the players to play hard, play together and try to play the right way,” said Brown. “I thought they did that.”
4 Comments
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I’m really hoping for the best for our Cats and I would never question Coach Brown.
I’ve got to ask the question though, because I am curious……Why isnt Gerald Henderson getting any playing time? I’m aware of Coach Brown’s tendancy to not play rookies huge minutes, but what is holding Henderson back? Defense? Not being able to get into the offensive team rhythm? What is it?
great job guys we love THE BOBCATS here in Rocky Mount,NC !!!!!! Hey this is you guys year with the addition of slasher swing man Stephen Jackson and Diaw ,Felton ,Chandler , and the all star himself the G-FORCE my man Gerald Wallace!! Hey you guys can make a run in the east..
Holy crap. Where did this trade come from? Looks like Jackson is going to be instant offense, we soreiy need that. I’l miss Raja though, a real class act.
Please Win The Next Game!