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Down two games to zero, the Hornets can get back in this series with a change of pace.
It needs to come from Baron Davis.
So far in the series, Sam Cassell has shackled the second-year point guard from UCLA. Averaging nearly 17 points a game in the playoffs, Davis scored just four points in Game 2, all on free throws.
But Davis doesn't have to pour in 20 points for Charlotte to beat the Bucks. Distribution could be the key.
In the three regular-season victories against Milwaukee, Davis averaged 9.3 assists. That number has fallen to 6.5 in the two playoff losses to Milwaukee.
If Davis can get his teammates -- mainly Jamal Mashburn and David Wesley -- even more shots, maybe the Hornets can outscore the Bucks and Ray Allen, who is killing Charlotte so far.
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Sam Cassell has to be feeling pretty good right about now.
As much as any Bucks player, Cassell and his defense against Baron Davis has guided Milwaukee to a 2-0 series lead.
No time to rest, though.
With his paltry effort in Game 2 (4 points, 0-for-4 FG), Davis blamed himself for the loss last Tuesday. Those are not Davis-type numbers, and chances are we won't see them again.
That is, unless Cassell can continue to get the basketball out of Davis' hands early in Hornets' possessions, which Cassell did masterfully in Games 1 and 2.
Expect Davis to have an more of an impact in Game 3 with dribble penetration and aggressive passing.
Cassell and Bucks coach George Karl are experienced enough, however, to make the necessary adjustments for Game 4 and beyond.
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