(Sports Network) - The Charlotte Bobcats have hit a snag and look to halt a
five-game losing streak Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Save a lopsided 114-69 loss to the Oklahoma City on Nov. 26, when the slide
began, the Bobcats have been competitive in each of their last four defeats.
Charlotte was handed a 100-98 setback Wednesday versus the New York Knicks in
the finale of an unsuccessful homestand and was burned by J.R. Smith's game-
winning basket as time expired. Kemba Walker paced the Bobcats with 25 points
and 11 assists, Gerald Henderson scored 18 points and Ben Gordon totaled 17.
"They played some good defense at the end," Walker said of the Knicks. "I
thought we got some pretty good shots too, but we made a few mistakes that
cost us really. We just got to get better with that kind of stuff."
The Knicks scored 23 points off 14 Bobcats' turnovers. Walker registered his
first double-double of the season and has scored in double figures in 16 of 17
games this season, including five games with 20-plus points. Walker leads the
team in scoring (17.1), assists (6.2) and steals (2.1).
The Bobcats' last four defeats have been by no more than six points. They are
6-2 this season in games decided by four points or less. Bobcats forward Byron
Mullens had only six points versus the Knicks, but is averaging 13.2 points
and 8.5 rebounds in his past 11 games.
Charlotte needs one more win to eclipse last season's total of seven (7-59).
After visiting Milwaukee, the Bobcats will return home for three straight
games versus the Spurs, Warriors and Clippers.
The Bucks haven't played so well lately either, losing two straight and seven
of nine games, and are back home after a quick road trip.
Milwaukee suffered a 110-99 setback at San Antonio on Wednesday as Monta Ellis
posted 21 points and 11 assists to lead the way. It was Ellis' 30th career
double-double. Ersan Ilyasova scored 17 points in the loss for a Bucks team
that was outscored 24-7 early on in the fourth quarter.
"They just went on a run and we couldn't get back into the game," said Bucks
head coach Scott Skiles.
Skiles' squad hasn't scored 100 points in each of its last seven games and is
averaging 96.2 ppg this season. On the injury front for Milwaukee, forward
Mike Dunleavy is doubtful for Friday with a bruised left knee.
The Bucks lost at Charlotte 102-98 on Nov. 19 this season, but have won 20 of
the 29 matchups in this series. The Bobcats are winless in eight straight
trips to the Bradley Center, where they are just 1-13 all-time.
The Sports Network