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With Jefferson not fully recovered, the Bobcats' chances are very slim

As Jefferson is struggling with a tricky foot injury that prevented him from practicing since the first game of the series, it is very likely the Cats will suffer their 18th consecutive defeat against the defending champions

Although they ended the regular season with a rather pale performance, unlike the Indiana Pacers, the defending champions did not allow themselves to be surprised in the first game of the playoff. It is true that the Charlotte Bobcats have proven to be an unpleasant opponent, but through a great second half performance coach Spoelstra's team won their 17th consecutive win over Jefferson and the guys.

Despite the Bobcats great start in the game and a 29-13 lead after the first quarter, by halftime the Miami Heat turned the score in their favor, and went on to resolve the game with an 18-4 series in the final quarter.

- If we put aside the opening of the match and the start of the third quarter, I think we played a very good game. We'll take a look at the video of the game now, and see what adjustments we can make to do better in the second game- commented Wade.

And while they did not shine on offense with 46.1% shooting, the reigning champions fully cut down their turnovers, totaling only seven in the end.

- Turnovers were a big problem for us this season, especially over the last month and a half. Preparing for the playoffs we realized how important each possession is, and how important it is to reduce the number of turnovers- said James.

He was also the most efficient player among the Heat with 27 points (8/16) and nine rebounds, while Wade supported him with a great performance of his own, adding 23 points (10/16) and five assists.

- Physically I feel fine, I haven't felt anything injury related tonight, so I can say this game was great for me- commented Wade.

Although they won in the end, the defending champs know they can do much better. This goes primarily for guarding Jefferson and Walker, while on offense they need a third scorer besides James and Wade. The unpleasant foot injury Jefferson is struggling with at the moment might make things easier for Miami. They seem to be aware of the Bobcats' center status so they "tested" him in the very first game.

- You could say he practically played on one leg. Once we noticed that we tried to pressure him to see what condition he is in- said Bosh.

Despite Charlotte achieving their goals for this season with the very fact they entered playoff , in the first game against Heat they showed they don't intend to fold quietly. The outcome of that game might even have been different if Al Jefferson, the primary player for the Cats, did not get injured in the first quarter.

- I don't thing there is any team in the league that depends on one player more than we depend on him- said coach Clifford.

Although Big Al continued to play after two shots, you could tell the foot injury limited him a lot. In the time he played before the injury he scored eight points, while after entering halfway in the second quarter he only managed to add another 10 points in the rest of the game.

This left the Bobcats center with a total of 18 points (9/17) and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes on court, while the Cats' most efficient player was Walker with 20 points (6/15), five rebounds and six assists.

Apart from the injury of Jefferson, who is very hard to replace, the main reason the Cats lost in the end are 15 turnovers which led directly to 20 points by the defending champions.

- If we continue to give away 15 turnovers, we will not win- commented the Cats' coach, while Jefferson agreed:

- We cannot give a team such as Miami easy points. We have to limit our turnovers as much as possible.

This goes primarily for Walker, who had six in the first game of the series. As Jefferson's status remains pretty much an unknown quantity, it is Walker who should be pulling the strings tonight. Coach Clifford announced he will try to create shooting options for him through pick-and-roll actions, but Miami's aggressive defense might result in more turnovers if Walker and company are not very careful in their execution.

-I think I'll have to raise the level of my game now. We've already had a situations such as this one (Jefferson absent) at the start of the season, and we played very well- said Walker.

Apart from reducing turnovers which lead to easy transition points for James and Wade, the Cats need to have Kid-Gilchrist on defense much more. As their best defender, he spent just 15 minutes defending James in the first game, mostly due to foul trouble.

Despite all this, the main issue troubling the Bobcats fans is whether Jefferson will play. He said he will, but as he spent the entire day yesterday with a protective boot on his foot and did not practice, his appearance is still uncertain.

Unfortunately for the Bobcats, Big Al's injury ruined what little chance they had of making life complicated for the defending champions, but it might bring s some joy. As Jefferson can no longer carry the team, I expect Kemba Walker to take the lead. On Sunday he scored 20 points on Heat with modest 6/15 shooting including 3/6 for three points, and I expect at least the same tonight as Jefferson is injured and Henderson won't be able to do anything against Wade.