Print
RSS 
Sign up for E-news
NBAE / Getty Images
Gerald Wallace scored 27 points in Utah
|
By MATT ROCHINSKI
bobcats.com
February 24, 2010
February Gallery | Live chat transcript | Video Library | Boxscore | Play-By-Play | Bobcats TV Companion
The Bobcats did everything they needed to in the first half in their effort to come away with a win on Wednesday in Utah but were shut down in the second half on their way to a 102-93 loss to the Jazz.
Charlotte (27-29) took a 53-42 lead into the locker room at the break behind 18 points from Gerald Wallace and 15 from Stephen Jackson, but Wallace was held to nine points in the second half and Jackson managed only one free throw as the Bobcats were outscored 60-40 in the final 24 minutes.
"We're disappointed, but you have to give Utah a lot of credit," said Bobcats Assistant Coach Dave Hanners who filled in for Head Coach Larry Brown after he was ejected with 3:44 remaining when he received two technical fouls for arguing with the refs. "They played hard both halves and played like a team both halves. We were more selective, and we can't be that way and win a basketball game."
This one was decided in the third quarter, where the Jazz (37-20) outscored Charlotte 31-16 and turned an 11-point deficit into a four-point advantage. Carlos Boozer scored 16 of his 33 points in the frame to lead the Jazz.
"(Boozer) is a load for anybody," said Hanners. "We could have doubled him a little bit better a couple of times. We tried to get him to kick it out, but he's just so strong and quick. We didn't do a great job with it."
On the night, Utah outscored Charlotte 50-32 in the paint, 13-8 in fast break points and outrebounded the Bobcats 42-34, including 15-8 on the offensive glass.
"The Jazz were just physical (in the second half)," said Hanners. "All five guys were just physical every second on the court, and we just didn't match their physical play and aggressiveness. It turned into points in the paint for them and easy fast break baskets."
Wallace finished with 27 points and eight rebounds to lead Charlotte, followed by 20 points from Tyrus Thomas and 16 from Stephen Jackson.
The Bobcats now head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies at 8 p.m. on Friday.
Let us know what you think.
Send us your response to this article or video and we'll post it on bobcats.com using your selected screen name.
