How many more times can I say it? It was another close loss for the Hornets as they fell to the Warriors 106-101. I can’t wait to write a recap where we can discuss a win. I mean over and over I point out where we were behind in categories, and I blame that for the loss. Last night, we had the better field goal percentage (43.7% versus 42.4%), we got to the foul line more (19-23 versus 15-16), and, um, that’s it. We were out-rebounded (46-44), out-assisted (28-27), and just outplayed down the stretch. We should have won this game.
Honestly, who is Marreese Speights? I mean he scored 27 points last night, and the bulk came in the 4th quarter. The guy was unstoppable. This single stat makes me the angriest. There was NO ONE on the team that could shut the guy down. I just don’t get that.
In the post game presser, Coach Clifford was visibly angry. He made mention that we were just out rebounded (I wouldn’t think 46-44 was all that big of deal other than the second chance points the Warriors would score off of those rebounds), and he left the press conference without taking any questions. That’s very unlike him. He’s pissed at this team. I think we all are. If he visits Twitter, he’s probably pissed at the fans too. I, for one, am sick of everyone saying that it’s his fault for the losses. The guys on the court are professional basketball players and they have completely fallen apart in the 4th quarter in so many games. I’ve seen our guys play with such heart in games, and for the last 8, I see that they aren’t giving up, but they should have been protecting the lead the entire time. We have been playing sloppy in the 1st, and we turn it on in the second. They come out in the 3rd and sometimes keep playing well and fall apart in the 4th, and sometimes they just fall apart in the second half. The only thing I can come up with is that they are either trying to be too cautious due to the injury bug in the locker room, or they keep trying to force the offense instead of flowing with whatever works. I believe that both are the current culprits. I hope someone from the organization stumbles across this article, or sees on Twitter that we all believe that we are not just letting the game flow and we’re forcing too much on offense.
This part is for Lance Stephenson and I pray he’s active enough on Twitter to read this.
Lance, if you read this, I want to offer some advice to you. I’ve followed this team, Bobcats and Hornets, and I think you need to know this. Coach Mike Dunlap, though a very flawed coach, had one statement that should be followed by this team. If you’re open, shoot the ball. I know that a 3-pointer is great to have, but often, you’ll be the recipient of the ball at the elbow, or on the foul line and you’ve got an open and easy shot to take. Instead, the ball floats back out to Kemba on the 3-point line. Kemba isn’t going to shoot it. He’s going to dribble and FORCE the ball in to Al. Keep in mind, when you received the ball, there was about 10-12 seconds on the shot clock. Just take the shot. We have become a finesse basketball team with lots of passes, constantly looking for “the better shot”. Reality is that we aren’t that great of a scoring team. If a shot is open, you’ve got to take it. This is especially true if you’re within 10 feet of the goal. I know that we want to rotate the ball around the 3-point line, and in and out, to get the ball to someone that’s open. Truth of the matter is that when we extend the possession, we usually take a forced or contested shot instead of the open shot. I just think we need to take what is given to us and stop forcing possessions. Watch any of the game film and you’ll see. Sometimes you have to be a little selfish.
This part is for Cody Zeller and I pray he is also active enough on Twitter to read this.
Cody, great job starting last night. I have been saying all season that starting is what you should be doing. 15 points on 4-8 shooting, 14 rebounds, and only 2 fouls was a great job. Those 2 fouls though, get tougher on defense. I really can’t complain about anything you did last night. I can’t wait for MKG to return to action. You, Al, and MKG together on the court is going to be really good. You and MKG have such hustle that other teams aren’t going to know what hit them. Keep it up young man.
I’m really not going to talk to any of the other guys right now. I really just wanted to talk to Lance and Cody; however, Bismack Biyombo needs a mention as well.
Biz, I’ve had your back ever since you arrived in Charlotte. I knew that you were raw and athletic and had lots to learn. Each season, you’ve learned a little bit more. I said that in 4 years, you would finally come around and be effective at the NBA level. I can’t say it in enough of my recaps that I am so proud of you. 8 points on 4-8 shooting, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks on the night is just what this team needs. I would have like to see you with some extended minutes with Lance because I think the 2 of you are starting to click and he understands how you need the ball thrown to you. I loved the alley oop and the left hook in the paint last night. You’re getting there, and you’ll continue to improve. I’ll continue to give you my “big brother” like support. Keep it up Biz!
Here are the stat lines for everyone else, not yet mentioned:
· Brian Roberts: 20 points, 1 assist, & 1 block
· Al Jefferson: 18 Points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, & 2 blocks
· Kemba Walker: 13 points, 13 assists, 1 steal, & 1 block
· Lance Stephenson: 11 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, & 2 steals
· PJ Hairston: 8 points, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal
· Gerald Henderson: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, & 1 block
· Jason Maxiell: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, & 1 steal
I want to offer my starting lineup for tonight, should anyone be reading and want to comment on it. My guess is that we won’t have the guys that weren’t available last night, available tonight either:
Starters:
Kemba Walker
PJ Hairston
Lance Stephenson
Cody Zeller
Al Jefferson
Second Unit:
Brian Roberts
Gerald Henderson
Lance Stephenson
Bismack Biyombo
Noah Vonleh – (Hey, why not)
If Noah stumbles, bring Cody back in. At least that way, Clifford can show everyone what Noah can and can’t do. We face Atlanta tonight, and it isn’t like they have a big, bruising center. We need to match up with them as best we can, and this would be a different unit to see. Kemba struggles against Teague, so I’d even be willing to have Henderson guard Teague, should containing him become a problem.
Ready for tonight’s game? I know I am. After it is over, the guys get 3, much needed, days of rest and practice time. Hopefully, Lance, Cody, Biz, or someone from the organization stumbles across this article and focuses heavily on my message to Lance. I really believe it’s a key to start winning more games. In the meantime…
Let’s Go HORNETS!!!
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