Opponents stifle Carroll, Bobcats

The decline in the Bobcats’ offensive output of late has been dramatic. In their five-game winning streak that ended Wednesday, the Bobcats averaged 107 points on 46 percent shooting. In the three losses that followed, they averaged 91 points on 43 percent shooting.

Matt Carroll is probably the best barometer of this. He told me after Sunday’s loss in Cleveland that he hasn’t had a wide-open look at the basket in two games. Carroll’s productivity is somewhat dependent on opposing teams doubling down on the post, essentially leaving him alone along the perimeter.

Consider this: Against Atlanta, Washington and Dallas, Carroll made 14 of 18 attempts from 3-point range. That can’t help but draw an advance scout’s attention, and apparently the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers made it a priority to stay with Carroll along the perimeter.

Seemingly that should benefit Emeka Okafor in the post. He exploited that against the Rockets, going 10-of-19 from the field for 23 points. But Okafor was a nonfactor offensively against the Cavaliers, shooting 4-of-13 for 10 points. He also was limited to four free throws, making two.

I think Okafor’s poor foul-shooting – 57 percent this season – means he sometimes draws fewer double-teams. Opponents know that if he beats you with a move, you can foul him rather than give up a dunk and not be hurt so much with free throws.