Charlotte Bobcats snap 16 game losing streak; beat Toronto Raptors 98-91- NBA Recap
What can be more alluring then a victory as a present for Michael Jordan on his 49th birthday, from his team that has won only 3 game in the NBA season before tonight.
Believe it or not, Charlotte Bobcats finally banked one, as they outmatched Toronto Raptors 98-91 on their turf. Courtesy of Reggie Williams’ season high 22 points, the spell bound Bobcats finally broke out of their 16 game losing
streak.
Just when the stigma of worst ever team was about to be associated with Charlotte, they proved to the sceptics that they are not completely a lost cause yet.
Apart from Williams 22, four other players hit double digit score as well.
Forward Corey Maggette was in the mix as he netted 16 while Kemba Walker had 14 points. A double-double was registered by D.J. Augustin as he scored 11 and dished out 10 assists and reserve DJ White recorded 10 points in this much
desired 4th victory for Bobcats.
This was the first victory since they had beaten Golden State Warriors on January 14th, over a month ago.
"It's big, we're excited about it," Augustin said. "We've been losing a lot. That's not a great feeling. But to win, it feels good."
Bobcats had a good shooting night as they netted 50.0% from the floor and 78.3% from the charity stripe while Raptors were struggling with 41.7% and 67.9% respectively.
The game remained closely contested with the lead changing hands 12 times to go along with 8 ties, and it went right down to the last minutes of decisive quarter.
Raptors had 10-4 run from the jump ball, but Bobcats, who were bolstered by Williams 14 points in the 1st segment, replied with a 15-11 run that narrowed the deficit to 21-19 with only 00:30.6 in hand. With a 3-pointer
from Williams they took the 22-21 advantage, however Raptors capped off the segment at 23-22.
Charlotte opened the second frame with a 7-1 run that helped them scratch off the deficit and placed them ahead with 29-24 lead. Afterwards both teams kept on scoring and midway through the 2nd stanza scores came as
close to 36-34, with Bobcats in the lead.
Raptors hit a 9-2 run that was catalyzed by a 3-pointer from Jose Calderon which placed Toronto in the comfort zone with a, 43-38 advantage with 03:08 in hand. But Bobcats, who were determined to rewrite their fate came up with
a 7-0 run at the end of stanza to go into halftime on top.
A jump shot from DeRozan in the opening seconds of 3rd period tied the scores at 47 apiece. After some back and forth action, the scores were within one point, 55-54, Bobcats ahead. At the end of the segment though the
Raptors had regained a slight advantage, setting the game up for an exciting finish.
Charlotte opened the last quarter with an 11-2 run, that forced Raptors to call for a timeout after the 79-71 score with 08:40 left in the game. Bobcats run was halted with a 3-pointer from Calderon and a slam dunk by Davis that
brought the scores close at 79-76, but the Bobcats rebutted with a 6-2 run, taking their lead to 85-78 with 5:58 on the clock.
The game reached its culmination with a flurry of freebies from Maggette and Charlotte were able to hold on for a much awaited win. Raptors suffered their 11th defeat at home after this despite having 4 players in double
figures.
DeMar DeRozan recorded the game highest 24 points while guard Leandro Barbosa poured in 16 points. James Johnson along with Jose Calderon also netted 14 apiece.
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