Boris, now is not the time to be quoting Shakespeare...but...this is Hamlet...right?

The Bobcats tried and tried again, but could not waiver the strength of an incredibly deep, disciplined, defensive, and hungry Oklahoma City Thunder team.  The Cats brought their A minus game tonight, which looked as if it'd be enough to sink almost any other team, but the Thunder would not be shook.  Final score of  82-99.  The Durantula was once again on point, but it was the overall play of his role players that kept the Bobcats from gaining any sort of competitive edge.  Russell Westbrook cashed in as well with 18 and 7.  The top Bobcats were Jack with 18(on 5-18 shooting...ugh) and Diaw with 13pts.  More after the tip.

In the first the Cats came out with far more life than they did against a Houston team not interested in winning.  Boris Diaw showed signs of brilliance as he was the only Bobcat able to score in the lane on Serge Ibaka.  The Thunder showcased their stingy D and significant shot blocking ability right off the bat, and the Bobcats had trouble hanging on.  There are few teams as well rounded as the Thunder and the Cats struggled on the defensive end to halt their all-out attack. 

In the second it was much of the same, as the second unit had more success offensively, but couldn't slow the Thunder down on D.  Tyrus Thomas is clearly still shaking off the rust and trying to recapture that consistent mid-range jumper and explosiveness he had in the beginning of the season.  DJ White and Dante Cunningham continue to be glimmers of hope in the future of this Bobcats' team.  The Cats would fall down by 10 and waver in between being down 6-10 for most of the period.  They pulled within 2 at the end of the half with a little help from mistakes and fouls by the Thunder. The Bobcats were not done fighting.

With the Third quarter came Battle: OKC.  The Bobcats fought and fought keeping tied or within 5 most of the quarter, but just not able to get over the wall of OKC's intense defense.  The Cats rambled around 48% shooting through the 3rd and looked in position to make a run at the win going into the 4th. Where the score was 65-72 OKC. 

Another game, another 4th quarter collapse.  The Bobcats could not find the hoop in the 4th going cold, and not keeping up. Not much to say here.

Game breaker award goes to Dante Cunningham as he was 5-6 for 10pts  with 7 rebounds. He has done nothing but impress since his addition to the team. He'll be a key asset as long as we keep him around after this season as he is a restricted free agent. 

What's Next:

 

The Bobcats go to San Antonio to face the league leading Spurs at home tomorrow night, in what is sure to be an incredibly tough matchup for the Cats.  Following that the Cats come home to face 8th seed Indiana in a battle for that last seed.

Trivia Question of the Night:  The Bobcats have won how many of the last 10 games against the Los Angeles Lakers.  For 2 pts.