Bobcats Snap 7-Game Losing Streak, Thrash Pacers 104-88

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

Nazr Mohammed (#13)

Sunday’s game between the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Bobcats was a two-fold homecoming, of sorts as Bobcats swingman Stephen Jackson used to play for the Pacers a few seasons ago while Pacers rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough was making his pro debut in his home state of North Carolina. But interestingly enough, it was a much-ignored player -Nazr Mohammed – who proved to be the key as Charlotte made short work of Indiana, 104-88.

The first quarter was nip-and-tuck for the most part with the largest lead for the Bobcats reaching eight on a Ronald Murray free throw; that lead would remain as both teams went into the second period. Charlotte would increase their lead to 15 on a pair of Derrick Brown free throws. Troy Murphy helped the Pacers reduce their deficit to 11 on a layup with 20 seconds left in the half; the Bobcats would go into halftime up 52-41. A layup by the Bobcats’ Boris Diaw would boost their advantage to 20 at 64-44 and courtesy of a Diaw three-pointer, took a 81-60 bulge into the final period. A pair of free throws by Stephen Graham with 8:33 left helped seal the contest for the Bobcats.

Six Bobcats scored in double-digits, led by Mohammed with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks while Diaw added 17 with 7 rebounds and 4 assists; Gerald Wallace notched a double-double, scoring 11 with 11 rebounds, an assist, 3 steals and a block. Indiana was led by Dahntay Jones with 19 points,4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks while Danny Granger added 18 with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a block. Charlotte (4-9) plays again on Wednesday when they host the Toronto Raptors while Indiana (5-6) travels to Toronto to take on the Raptors Tuesday.

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