Carolina On My Mind: Weekend Wrap

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina on my mind is a new feature for Old North Banter that will offer our thoughts about the teams, players, and events that happen in North Carolina sports on any given day, highlighting outstanding performances and game recaps, or maybe introduce you to inspiring personalities.

North Carolinians are as fanatical about their teams as they are about sweet tea and barbecue, and it is our hope to offer something for everyone.

Bobcats come up short in Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

Miami has Charlotte’s number. With a 99-88 win against Charlotte on Sunday, Miami has won 17 straight games against the Bobcats.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats are still seeking their first win in the playoffs since joining the league 10 years ago.

Charlotte was holding its own while holding a lead for most of the first half, but All Jefferson’s foot injury at the 2:10 mark in the first quarter took away a lot of firepower that the Bobcat’s weren’t able to overcome. Though Jefferson finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, he wasn’t nearly as effective after the injury.

Charlotte wasn’t able to overcome 15 turnovers or the 20 points Miami converted them into, or the fact that the Heat made more free throws (18) than the Bobcats attempted (12), or an 18-4 Miami run in the fourth quarter that put the game away.

Kemba Walker led the way with 20 points for Charlotte, and former Duke standout Josh McRoberts added 15.

This is Charlotte’s first playoff appearance since 2010, when it was swept by Orlando in four games.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is set for Tuesday.

Former Deacons shine in opening playoff games

Tim Duncan and Jeff Teague helped their teams come out on top, while Chris Paul had a great individual performance for a team that came up just a little short.

Duncan finished with 27 points and seven rebounds in San Antonio’s 90-85 win against Dallas in Game 1 of their playoff series, and Teague was scoring at will on strong drives to the basket to finish with 28 points–14 of which came in the third quarter as the Pacers took command–, five assists, and three rebounds as Atlanta upset top-seeded Indiana at home 101-93.

Despite Paul’s best efforts in a 28-point, eight-assist, seven-rebound, and four-steal performance, the Los Angeles Clippers fell 109-105 to Golden State in Game 1 of their series. You can also credit Klay Thompson for his defensive performance on Paul, who forced the All-Star guard into six turnovers and missing his first eight shots from the floor.

NASCAR has Easter weekend off

The guys and gal who make their living turning left didn’t race over the Easter weekend, but will pick back up on Saturday at the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Speedway.

Jeff Gordon leads the Sprint Cup points standings by 1-point over Matt Kenseth. Gordon’s teammates at Hendrick Motorsports–Dale Earnhardt Jr. (fourth) and Jimmie Johnson (fifth) give Hendrick three teams in the top-five.