Charlotte
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
Not only did the Charlotte Bobcats notch their first-ever win by downing the Magic111-100on Saturday, but they pulled the franchise into .500 territory for the first time ever as well. One more win will make it the first time the Bobcats ever had a winning record. There's lots of firsts when you're a new team. But rookie Emeka Okafor and his second consecutive double-double would be welcome on any team.
Okafor got 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, including three on the offensive glass, in his 37 minutes of action, contributing to the 44-30 Charlotte advantage in points in the paint.
Meanwhile, Tamar Slay has seemingly not impressed head coach/GM Bernie Bickerstaff with his defense. He did not play against the Magic and has logged only five minutes so far this regular season. Bickerstaff gave him a little talk to remind Slay that he needs to do more than just score in order to be on the floor. Eddie House seems to be taking those spare minutes, and with good effect, getting 7 points in just 13 minutes along with a steal and a block.
Rick Bonnell ofThe Charlotte Observerreports that Bickerstaff engaged in some trash-talking with the Magic in the fourth quarter. After Orlando's Stacey Augmon kept making choke signs towards the Charlotte bench, Bickerstaff told Cuttino Mobley he was shooting with his elbow out to try to get Cat to think about and alter his shot.
NEXT GAME
The Bobcats (1-1) go on a two day road trip starting Wednesday when they travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks (also 1-1). The game starts at 8pm Eastern and will be broadcast on C-SET, FSNN, and NBA League Pass.
TEAM NOTES
Read analysis and postgame quotes, including this by Emeka Okafor: "I was looking around just before they announced the attendance and thought to myself that there were a lot of fans here. These guys are really coming out and supporting us and it just puts a smile on my face. They bring us a lot of energy because they are always into it. You can’t ask for any better fans than that."
INJURY UPDATE
Jamal Sampson(ankle) is close to being ready to play but is still on the injured list along withTheron Smith(right knee injury) and Keith Bogans(originally there pending team physical).
The Associated Press writes inThe Chicago Sun-Times: Gerald Wallace was leaving the locker room with his young son when Charlotte Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff stopped them. ''Hey, Little Time,'' Bickerstaff said to the boy. ''Tell your daddy to play some defense.''Nothing wrong with a little joking after the expansion Bobcats' first victory, a 111-100 triumph Saturday against the Orlando Magic.
Rick Bonnell ofThe Charlotte Observer writes: You can easily picture the debate that's raging between the Charlotte Bobcats' coach and the team's general manager. The coach would say he can't win a game this season unless Steve Smith, 35, is in there to keep the kids composed. The general manager would reply that if Smith always saves the day, then the kids will never learn how to finish games by themselves. This debate exists only inside Bernie Bickerstaff's head, because he is both coach and general manager.
The Associated Press writes inWRAL.com: The Bobcats showed improvement from their season-opening loss to Washington.They had better ball control, didn't rush their shots and played as a team to build a 22-point lead in the third quarter. The Bobcats had 21 turnovers against the Wizards, but cut that to 14 against the Magic. Rookie Emeka Okafor had another good game, finishing with 12 points and 14 rebounds for his second straight double-double.
Brian Schmitz ofThe Orlando Sentinel writes: Guard Keith Bogans, traded by Orlando to Charlotte last week, has been on the Bobcats' injured list since arriving.He said he was "not down about anything. I'm just looking for an opportunity." The Bobcats have several players who can play shooting guard. Coach Bernie Bickerstaff said it was up to Bogans to "impress" him with his play in practice and how he meshed with his new teammates before he is activated.