By Dan Savage

The Charlotte Bobcats are about to embark on their first playoff journey. Unfortunately for them, it’s likely to be a short one since they’re matched up with a superior Magic team in the First Round.

But that’s beside the point. Charlotte has already made franchise history and it’s no secret which player has been the key factor in the franchise’s turnaround, one of the league's ultimate competitors, Stephen Jackson.

After another disappointing start to the season (3-6), Charlotte appeared to be on pace to head to their usual destination at this time of year, vacation. But instead of staying with the status quo, they completed a trade with the Warriors for Captain Jack. Since the time of that transaction, the Bobcats have gone 41-32 and climbed their way up to the No. 7 seed in the East.

And Jackson has been the main reason why. He’s not only Charlotte’s leading scorer, firing off 21.2 points per game since becoming a Bobcat, but he’s also the team’s emotional leader.

“It’s going to be a great challenge to try and slow him down,” said Matt Barnes, who will be responsible for covering Jackson. “He’s definitely the leader of that offense, so I am going to have to do my best to slow him down and get him out of rhythm.”

In order to prevent Charlotte from posing a threat to Orlando’s championship aspirations, the Magic are going to have to make slowing down Jackson their premier priority.

In Orlando’s only loss to Charlotte this season – it won the other three matchups – Captain Jack was the deciding factor. Without Gerald Wallace in the lineup, the Bobcats emerged victorious, courtesy Jackson’s sensational night as he erupted for a game-high 28 points.

“Stephen Jackson brings a lot to the table for that team, in terms of his leadership, his emotion and his intensity," Magic point guard Jameer Nelson explained. "They’ve been more aggressive and played with more energy (since he’s joined the squad).”

By Josh Cohen

A strained hamstring, a turned ankle, a sore hand, and a bruised ankle. You may be assuming I am describing the ailments of your patient in the classic game “Operation.” But rather, I am referring to Stephen Jackson, the Charlotte Bobcats’ top weapon and go-to scorer in the clutch.

Bothered by countless injuries and various bumps and bruises, Captain Jack should not be the chief concern for the Orlando Magic in the First Round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs. The main focus, on the other hand, should be Gerald Wallace, the Bobcats’ All-Star and versatile forward.

Wallace ranks among the top 10 in the NBA in rebounding, top 15 in steals and top 30 in blocked shots. In fact, the only remaining member of the original Bobcats team when the franchise inaugurated in 2004 is arguably the most multitalented player on the team.

His unrelenting energy and defensive focus is exactly what Charlotte Head Coach Larry Brown preaches, and as a result, you can be assured that Wallace will be relied upon to help sustain Dwight Howard in the paint and Rashard Lewis on the perimeter.

“I like a lot of things about Gerald,” Howard said. “He’s very athletic and can really take the ball to the basket. He’s the reason why Charlotte is doing so well right now. He can block shots, he can rebound and attack the basket. It’s hard to stop a guy like Wallace.”

Wallace is only 27 years old, five years younger than Jackson, and is believed by most critics and analysts to be in his prime. Earlier this season, the former Naismith Prep Player of the Year became the first Bobcat ever to rack up 30 points and 10 rebounds in two consecutive games.

The Bobcats are not going to beat you with their scoring. In fact, Charlotte was ranked No. 28 in the league in scoring average this season. They were, however, ranked No. 1 in opponent’s scoring. In effect, if the Bobcats intend on presenting any kind of problems to the Magic, it will be because of their defensive attitude and agenda. And at the forefront of their plan, moreover, is Wallace.