It’s the third straight 20-point game for Maggette, who’s averaging 19.7 points per game over the last 10 games.
Kemba Walker had 19 points and Byron Mullens added 16 for Charlotte.
The Bobcats trailed 80-64 entering the fourth quarter, but never really challenged for the lead despite getting within six points at the end.
What might have been the biggest news for the Bobcats is who didn’t play.
The Bobcats didn’t activate Boris Diaw, while Tyrus Thomas, Gana Diop and Matt Carroll did not play. Those four players take up a combined $27.1 million under this year’s salary cap.
Instead, Silas played his younger players as the team continues to look toward the future.
It’s the first time all four have sat out.
“Nobody said anything to me about how much a guy should play or when he should play or whenever,” Bobcats coach Paul Silas said. “That’s on me. I’m just trying to play guys that are out there trying to get it done. The one thing I learned tonight — and this is kind of a new team — is we’ve got to have the energy level up and play defense. We can’t sit back and let their offense go.”
After the game Thomas was asked what this means for his future. He has three years left on his deal worth $26 million.
“I’m the first guy in every morning and still working and bettering myself,” said an upbeat Thomas. “I’m not troubled by any of this. I’ve started for playoff teams and not started on bad teams. It’s the business.”
Notes: This was the first time Jazz assistant coach Sydney Lowe coached in the state since being fired as North Carolina State’s head coach. ... Mullens, the Bobcats’ 7-foot backup center who’s not especially known for his defense, had a career-high five blocks. ... This was the third 30-point game this season for Jefferson. .. Over the last three games, Maggette is shooting 92 percent (38 of 41) from the free-throw line.
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