New low reached with 14th straight loss

Well, at least they made their own record book. The Bobcats had never lost 14 straight games before Saturday's 111-86 home loss to the Clippers.

To say the Bobcats have lost 14 straight actually understates the problem: They have lost their last six by an average margin of 24.8 points. Saturday was indicative of the all-around futility: They shot 35 percent while allowing the Clippers to score 50 points in the paint.

Bobcats coach Paul Silas clings to the hope that the return of point guard D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson, the team's two top scorers, over the next two weeks will right things. Certainly restoring the 30 points a game those two combine for will help. But that might only reduce, rather than erase, the margin of defeat.

There's a lifelessness about the way the Bobcats play these days that is troubling. As returning small forward Corey Maggette put it, "We've got to play with some kind of passion."

Maggette didn't call anyone out by name, but forwards Boris Diaw and Tyrus Thomas certainly aren't playing up to their contracts. This team seems to be surrendering, and there's still half a season to play.

The Bobcats will try to avoid a 15th straight loss Monday, at home against the 76ers.

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.