Bobcats outlast 76ers 88-83 4/3/13

The Charlotte Bobcats were able to achieve their 12^th Home victory this season defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 88-83 on Wednesday night. The 76ers came into this game with eyes on making the playoffs this year trying to extend their three game win streak, but the Bobcats were able to spoil their chances. The 76ers are chasing the Milwaukee Bucks for the 8^th spot. With the win, and the Bucks losing, they would have only been five games behind. “They are a team that wants to get in the playoffs”, Bobcats Coach Mike Dunlap said. “They wanted the game bad and they couldn’t get it”.
Charlotte was lead behind Starting Guard Gerald Henderson with 24 points recording his 17^th straight game scoring in double figures and his 8^th 20-point game in the last 14 games. “I’m just trying to be aggressive. When I’m aggressive it makes our team better”, Henderson said. “I’m able to draw defenders and make a play for my teammates”. Also Star Guard Kemba Walker added 17 points and 10 Assist, while Forward Josh McRoberts also contributed with 12 points and grabbing a career-high 16 rebounds. Missing three centers in tonight’s game, Byron Mullens, Brendan Haywood, and Gana Diop was not a problem for Charlotte as they were able to out-rebound their opponent 50-47.
Philadelphia was able to jump out on Charlotte’s pretty strong gain to lead up to 16 in the second quarter but, Charlotte was able to battle back. The Bobcats defenses were too much for the 76ers. All Star Guard Jrue Holiday went 2 of 24 from the field and missed a key shot in the final minutes. “It was one of those nights where the ball would go in and out”, Holiday said. Despite the struggle of Holiday, Damien Wilkins was able to lead the 76ers in scoring with 20 points shooting 7 for 14 from the field and grabbing nine rebounds. Wilkins was able to hit the last point for the 76ers of the game allowing them to gain an 83-82 lead but Henderson was able to spoil that. With less than a minute in the 4^th, Henderson was able to knock down a 15-footer giving the Bobcats the lead.
Right after a timeout, Henderson came alive again stealing an in-bounded pass and driving it all the way for the slam giving Charlotte a three point lead. Jrue Holiday could have tied the game hitting a 3-pointer, but decided to drive to the lane and came up short. The Charlotte Bobcats improve to 18-57, while the 76ers will fall to 30-44 cutting their playoff hopes away.