Kemba Walker scores 20, Bobcats beat Jazz
Al Jefferson put up his 10th double-double this season, scoring 19 points and registering 10 rebounds, to help the Charlotte Bobcats defeat the Utah Jazz, 104-86. The Bobcats played an efficient game offensively, shooting 42-87 (48.3%) from the field and turning it over just five times. Charlotte (8-19) has now won back-to-back games after defeating Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Jefferson finished 8-13, in what was an efficient performance. Other top contributors for Charlotte included Kemba Walker with 20 points and six assists, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with 13 points and 11 rebounds. On 6-14 shooting, including 2-6 from behind the arc, Gordon Hayward scored 14 points for Utah in the loss. Rudy Gobert added 11 points and 12 rebounds.
From a turnover perspective, this one played out like the numbers predicted. Charlotte, ranked first in the NBA at avoiding miscues (TO% of 10.6%) protected the ball well in this game (5.8%). Likewise, the defense of Utah is still struggling to force turnovers, with their opponents surrendering the fifth-fewest in the league this season (12.4%). After putting up a sparkling assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.20, the Bobcats are 4-7 on the season when eclipsing 2.50 in this category. However, the Jazz are winless (0-4) when allowing their opponents to achieve such a lofty ratio.
Coming up next, the Bobcats play the Denver Nuggets, who are 11-15 on the year. The Jazz match up with the Memphis Grizzlies, currently 21-5 this season.
