Raptors Top Bobcats in Toronto

By: Caroline Sikes
bobcats.com
March 15, 2013

THE RESULT
Despite only being down by one late in the game, the Bobcats could not close the game out, eventually falling, 92-78, to the Raptors on March 15 in Toronto. The Cats had four players finish in double-figures led by 22 points from Gerald Henderson, while Kemba Walker added 20 of his own.

Raps Top Cats in Toronto

TURNING POINTS
The Bobcats hung close for most of the first quarter, but allowed the Raptors to extend their lead to as many as 13 during the second frame. However, the Cats gained some of their momentum back, going on a 12-6 run before halftime to cut the deficit to six at the break… The Raptors extend their lead to 14 in the beginning of the second half going on a 10-2 spurt, but the Bobcats answered with a 22-8 run of their own to tie the game at 68-68… In the final frame, the Cats tied things again at 69-all but couldn’t get shots to fall from that point, as the Raptors held Charlotte to only 10 points in the fourth quarter.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Despite only shooting 31.9 percent in the first half, the Bobcats were only down by six to the Raptors who were shooting 54.8 percent in the first two frames. On the game, the Cats converted on 32.5 percent of their shots compared to the Raptors 48.5 percent… The Raptors dominated down low, winning the rebound battle, 46-36, and scoring more points in the paint (40-26)… The Cats did a good job of scoring on the break where they had 15 points compared to Toronto’s three. Charlotte forced 20 Raptors turnovers, converting them into 20 points, while only committing 13 miscues.

BOBCATS PLAYERS OF THE GAME
After scoring a career-high 35 points in the Bobcats previous game, Gerald Henderson had a good follow-up performance with 22 points, including 15 in the second half, with seven rebounds, three steals, two assists and just one turnover.

Kemba Walker finished with double-figure scoring for the seventh game in a row for the Bobcats. Walker kept the Cats in the game early, scoring 14 of his 20 points in the first half and added a team-high four assists, four rebounds and three steals.

RAPTORS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Amir Johnson had a big game cleaning the glass for the Raptors. Johnson finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing a career-high 21 rebounds.

GAME NOTES
Jannero Pargo saw his first action as a Bobcat, playing five minutes and dishing out two assists… Josh McRoberts almost saw his second double-double in as many games with 10 points and team-high nine rebounds, while adding three assists, three steals and two blocks in 38 minutes… Ben Gordon was the only Cats reserve to finish in double figures with 10 points, adding two rebounds and two assists… Jeffery Taylor added eight points off the bench on 2-for-3 shooting and 3-for-4 from the free throw line… Rudy Gay scored a game-high 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting, with three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block… Ramon Sessions (knee) was inactive for the Cats.

NEXT UP
The Bobcats have a quick turnaround when they take on the Celtics at 7:30 p.m. on March 16 in Boston. Then, make sure you come out to support your Cats when they return home to take on the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m. on March 18 in Time Warner Cable Arena®. You can watch both games on SportSouth or listen to WFNZ. Make sure you join the live in-game chat by going to bobcats.com or download the Bobcats app on your smartphone.