We can’t just look at stats on this loss. Well, you can, but it doesn’t make the loss appear to be a cut and dry one.
The Hornets had a better overall field goal percentage than the Trailblazers (43.6% vs. 42.4%). They also out-assisted the Blazers 29-21. Those are key numbers that can decide victories and losses. On this night, those weren’t the specifics to our loss. This loss could be attributed to being out-rebounded 50-47, allowing 12 3-pointers, and only making it to the foul line 15 times. We also had yet another collapse on defense. It is true that the Blazers had a field goal percentage worse than ours, but in the first half, we had an 11-point lead, and the Blazers were shooting south of 38% from the floor.
We let them back in…again. We allowed them to score 34 points in the 3rd quarter, and that was really all it took to ice the game for them. Outscored 60 to 41 in the second half was our poison.
So, what are we doing wrong?
First, stop blaming Coach Clifford. I’m so sick of reading that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s an NBA coach that the Charlotte Bobcats fans were praising a season ago. With not a whole lot, he got us back to the playoffs for the 2nd time ever in franchise history.
Next, quit saying that the injuries are a crutch for the losses we are piling up. The injuries are real, and battling through them is what we have to do. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the engine that gives this team energy and life on the court, and we have been without him for most of this streak. If he comes back too soon, the stress reaction turns into a stress fracture, and he’s out for 8 weeks. I want MKG back on the court in the worst way, but if the training staff says he’s not ready yet, then he’s not ready. We have been dancing through injured wings. We were without PJ Hairston because of an ankle sprain, but we had him back last night. Gary Neal, who had a concussion, missed some games, but had returned for a game. He was out last night due to a shoulder strain. Marvin Williams, who I still say should come off of the bench, left the game in the second quarter with a sprained shoulder. Kemba Walker took an elbow to the head and we were at least blessed that he could come back in the 4th quarter. One thing about this team is that while on paper we look to have lots of talent, injuries to core guys takes its toll this early in the season. Lacking Jeff Taylor is just another thorn in our side for 9 more games.
Everyone screaming for Noah Vonleh to play since Marvin Williams was hurt last night, he’s not ready. Don’t tell me that he needs the on court experience in order to get ready. Looking at him, he’s working very hard to get into the rotation, but he’s also lost some “baby fat”. I don’t say that in a mean way. I’m saying that he’s probably lost some weight that he desperately needs to be in the NBA playing the power forward position. He’s 18 and lacking some strength to be out there with the men of the NBA. Better to let him keep adding muscle and only use him if you absolutely have to. Throwing him into the mix right now could put him into the paragraph above as another injured player. Think of how much Cody Zeller was used last season at the beginning of the year. It wasn’t much. If you weren’t following this team last season, go look it up. It wasn’t much. It was mid-season before Zeller got more time. It was also mid-season before Zeller was in physical condition to start banging in the paint, and even then, his strength wasn’t quite there.
(Deep breath taken…)
Lance Stephenson is not a superstar. He has skills that could make him one, but he is not one currently. Everyone was so excited about getting him here, as was I, but the whole time, I kept saying that his stat line wasn’t much different from Gerald Henderson, the player everyone was ready to send out. I’m just as guilty as everyone else. In my mind, Lance was going to step in and average 18 points, 8 assists and 10 rebounds. Reality is that it wasn’t going to happen all at once. Will it? Only time will tell. My guess is that with Lance sitting on the bench in the 4th quarter over the last couple games, once we get the back-to-back games over this weekend, Michael Jordan may be visiting a “special” practice with Lance. Some of that practice will probably encompass some talking. MJ will most likely share some of his wisdom with Lance. He’ll probably also do some demonstrations of what he sees Lance doing, and what he could do in order to do it better. I just see Lance being a guy that MJ could take under his wing and sharpen. Jordan tried it a little with Hendo at one point. I think he did it a little with MKG too. Stephenson could benefit the most from MJ’s tutelage. I think that’s what it’s going to take.
Gerald Henderson. I’m guilty of sitting on the NBA Trade Machine trying to figure out where we could trade him. He’s looked pretty bad over this season so far, but the reality is that over the past few games, he’s been a bit of a bright spot in a rather dim losing streak. Last night he was 6-8 for 15 points. He also had 5 rebounds, and an assist. Now, Lance’s 4-11 for 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals is what we really need, but for some reason, it just doesn’t seem to flow with the rest of the team. By the way, until December 15th gets here, there’s no need to look at any of my trade tries. I’m also going to say that as frustrating as his first few games were for the season, Henderson, once the rust is off, is going to give you decent numbers from the bench. With that said, once Jeffery Taylor returns, I think Taylor gets Hendo’s minutes, and Hendo gets moved. One note, Jeffery Taylor becomes available in 9 games (December 17th). My trades will work after the 15th…just sayin’
So, in conclusion, I want to say to the Bobcats fans turned Hornets fans; it is the same team, just with some new faces and paint. You guys get what I mean. We are faithful and patient fans, and we knew that the name change would draw lots of revenue to the team, and more fans, but inherently, it’s the same team. Injuries and new players wreak havoc on this team and we know it will come together with time, and healed players. For those of you who have joined up with us now that the team is known as the teal and purple Hornets; welcome aboard and hold on tight. This is what being a Charlotte basketball fan has been about for the past decade. Believe it or not, we are in the best shape we have ever been in as far as contracts and talent goes. You guys are coming in just as we can start tying the talent together. Please be patient and don’t slam this team. They have feelings that can be hurt. Treat them like family and have a blind but firm love for them. These guys will come around. You can believe that. It’s just going to take a little time.
Tomorrow we face the Warriors on our home court. Steph Curry is stopping by his home, the Queen City. He’s a favorite of the city and we’re glad to have him home, but truth of the matter is that when he takes the court, he’s a Golden State Warrior. We root against him, and we will cheer our Hornets to a victory. Who’s with me? Let me hear it…
Let’s Go Hornets!!!
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