NBA: New Orleans Hornets Fan Site

2008-11-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Hornets fans!

2008-10-30T06:48:00.001-07:00

Get out and vote on November 4th!

The End of Suburbia

2008-10-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Wanna get really depressed about America for free? Watch this video. It's pretty eye-opening, but you might need a couple brewskies afterwards.

2008-07-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

In response to this comment: hornets fans are great people,
they also happen to drink a lot!

Hell yeah, we do! :) NOLA isn't known for its sobriety and cleanliness, that's for sure. haha. Thanks for the comment!

Just one of those things that sticks in your head

2008-02-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

So I stumbled onto Honeybees TV today, and so far I've watched it three times. Why? I'm not exactly sure, but I'm passing it on anyway. Enjoy!

Bringing the Hornets home

2007-07-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

For everyone who complains that NBA teams aren't connected enough to their home cities, what with players and even whole teams moving around the way they do, here's a story for you.

'New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn has agreed to sell 25 percent of his NBA franchise to a family-owned investor group led by south Louisiana businessman Gary Chouest.

Shinn introduced Chouest, owner of a Galliano, La.-based offshore supply company, at a dinner hosted by the team Tuesday night. And Shinn hailed his new partner's involvement as proof that the Hornets were serious about becoming a long-term fixture in this recovering city.

"I need somebody that has roots here, that has a business here, that has connections here, that's going to fight for it the same way I do, that's going to help me sell tickets," Shinn said of his new minority partner. "He's got a skin in the game now. He's going to do it. That's what we need to make this thing work. It's not just money."'

Hornets crumble in playoff race

2007-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

Simply put, they had a tall order in the first place needing to go 4-0 early in the playoffs. They didn't quite cut it, did they? The stars did not align in our favor this time.

2007-01-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans Hornets should be thankful to have Jannero Pargo on their team--he was one of the few bright spots in the Hornets game, who won, but barely.

You heard about it here

2006-12-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Oklahoman is looking for junior reporters a photographers ages 13-18 for all Oklahoma City home games. Every home game new kids are chosen so many may experience this. Not only do the kids get up close action and the very real possibility of meeting the players, but the story and photos taken will appear on NewsOK.com and the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets website, Hornets.com. I wish I would have done something like this as a child so I pass the information to you for your children.

The Hornets, with a record of 10-13, are struggling at 4th in thier division of 5 teams. They have been plagued with a series of losses that always come in groups and it is during these times that they need our support. Our players need a clear head tonight when they beat The Orlando Magic and end this 3 game losing streak that raised the losses above wins. Thats tonight, 6pm, in Orlando, Florida at the newly renamed Amway Arena.

Peja helping children

2006-12-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

We all know that most players have thier own website aside from thier respective team where you can go read thier blogs, see them training solo, or gain thier perspective on the game itself. Peja Stojakovic of the New Orleans Hornets has something a little different. Visit his website at www. Pejastojakovic.com and not only see the ads for his basketball training camps, with Vlade Devac, but also the links for A Majestic Evening of Hope. This is a fundraiser collecting for Peja Stojakovic's Childrens Foundation and The Wheelchair Foundation. It will raise money to send many wheelchairs and medical supplies to Serbia where they will be distributed regardles of race or religion. So if you find yourself in the Fremont California area and have a little extra cash, try to get yourself a ticket through the afore mentioned website. Cash is tight around these times but when others need medical supplies and wheelchairs shipped in from other countries, it lets you know how good most actually have it.

On the road again

2006-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets continue thier grueling road schedule, which is par for the course at this point, with thier next 3 games out of town. The Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 6th, the Seattle Supersonics on the 8th, and the Golden State Warriors on the 9th before returning for battle against The Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 11th in Oklahoma City at the Ford Center. They then will travel to New Orleans to play the San Antonio Spurs and The Dallas Mavericks before travelling to Florida for a game against The Miami Heat. It has got to be really hard on the players when even home games are like road games, but they are trying to spread the love to a large fan base. GL Guys!

Where is the sting?

2006-11-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets have not faired as well as their football playing comrades this year. Head coach Byron Scott has expressed his dissapointment in the Hornets offensive play this year. Understandable when you consider Peja Stojakovic is out with back spasms and David West not playing due to a forearm strain. The team is currently on a 3 game skid with shooting averages boucing around and below 40%. It cannot be easy when you are switching home town crowds after every road trip, and the Hornets have had their fair share of road life thus far playing 8 of thier 12 games this season away from the Hornets hometowns of Oklahoma City and New Orleans. Ask 20 year old rookie Cedric Simmons about road life and he will recount the comfort levels of the many hotel rooms he has resided in over the past month. Should i feel bad about that? I feel bad that it affects their play more. A team is a team whether the top guys are down or not. Pull it together boys and sting the Chicago Bulls one time for me.

42 points?!?!

2006-11-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Peja Stojakovic was not his usual self. His shooting has been lacking this season but not after the game against the Bobcat's. Hitting a 30 footer from the right wing at the clock buzzer was just his style that evening. With 50% 3 point shooting the style was good. He soloed the teams first 20 points setting a new team record of 22 points in the first quarter alone. No more losing streak for the mighty mighty Hornets.

Meanwhile the Hornets cheering squad, everyone's favorites, The Honeybees will be holding a Junior Honeybee Dance Clinic on December 9th at the New Orleans Arena for girls ages 5-12. The cost of the day filled with fun is a mere 90 dollars compared to what one receives. A pair of honeybee pom poms, a junior honeybee T-shirt, 3 1/2 hours of dance clinic led by the Honeybees featuring a new routine, and 4 $25 tickets for the December 16th game against The Dallas Mavericks where the new routine will be unveiled before the public for the first time. This deal sounds like a steal with The Hornets and The Honeybees in one great package stuffed with fun for the whole family.

Which Was Your Favorite Quarter?

2006-11-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Hm, in our game against the Indiana Pacers, that would have to be the 4th. I bet Rasual Butler would agree with me, since that was when he got all his points, eleven of them to be exact. Overall, our Hornets put on a balanced attack, but as Emeril would say, we kicked it up a notch late in the game. The Pacers were sitting on a 74-69 lead when we ran off 14 in a row, including a beautiful dunk by Cedric Simmons. When their heads stopped spinning, Indiana was looking at a final score of Hornets 100, Pacers 91.

A Lot of Weight on Sophomore Shoulders

2006-10-31T13:22:00.000-08:00

Every one of the ten Daily Dime predictions regarding the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets on espn.go.com mentioned Chris Paul. And they are expecting a lot. But if anybody can deliver, I think it would be Chris, who earned his Rookie of the Year title last season by being good at...everything. He won't have Speedy Claxton to work with, but Bobby Jackson is a solid replacement. The Hornets have some other nice additions in outside shooter Peja Stojakovic and rebounder Tyson Chandler.

Newbies

2006-10-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

With preseason just about over and only 11 days till the Hornets games count for real, the boys are trying to pull together something better than what they have had especially with so many new players and the hectic schedule the team will be carrying this year. After a devastation loss to the Kings on Sunday the 22nd, the guys had to hand out a little payback last night. It was a very close battle but the Hornets leave the preseason with a win. Chris Paul scored 22 points, very good even considering the free throws he missed. How can someone who gets paid to play basketball miss a freethrow?

Hornets Are Buzzing

2006-10-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Hornets are buzzing after Tuesdays win over the Dallas Mavericks. The team was a little anxious and excited for thier first preseason game and it showed in foul trouble. Head Coach Byron Scott was pleased with his starters and hopes the second team can pull up even with them. Tyson got a few fouls under his belt so Coach Scott left him in the game most of the third and part of the fourth quarters. That will settle you down some Chandler! The team got 8 blocked shots on the night more than doubling last years average for the team. The Hornets will have a little more preseason time as they bee line straight for a win over the Magic on Friday the 13th. Scary Spooky

NBA: Hornets, A team of Two Cities

2006-10-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

The New Orleans / Oklahoma City Hornets is a team of two cities. The Hornets are going to have it difficult in the near future as they switch hometown venues in between nearly every round of road games. Even with thier hectic schedule this basketball team still somehow manages to help the community with several outreach programs designed to help the young, the poor, and the sick. It really makes me proud to see that ticket money goes back to the people who need it most. It's almost preseason now so I am sure that Head Coach Byron Scott, of Arizona State, will have his team ready. Time to feel The Sting!

new acquisition

2006-10-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Hornets have gained Peja Stojakovich, arguable the best available outside shooter on the market. Although the Hornets arguably overpaid for him, he is expected to be a powerful force and great in combination with Chris Paul. This will allow the Hornets to open up the floor a bit and throw opposing defenses for a loop. Stojakovich spent his better years in Sacramento running off screens, which should be a good complement to New Orleans’ offense.

New Orleans won’t give up the Hornets!.

2006-06-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

The New Orleans Hornets do plan to return to playing in New Orleans by sometime in 2007-8. They are currently in a settlement discussion with Oklahoma City over what they owe the city under the revenue agreement. The first offer was over a million dollars short according to Oklahoma’s officials but the two entities plan to work out their differences in good faith. I can’t wait for their return but appreciate the help Oklahoma has been able to give in our time of need. Hopefully the arrangement will benefit both cities and won’t prove detrimental to New Orleans chances for a full recovery of its entertainment assets following this difficult healing period.

Like a Hornet in the Sun

2006-05-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have been cheering for the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs. I am certain that Steve Nash deserved the MVP award for the second year in a row and I really want to see them go up against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Go Suns!

Hornets get stung by season ending losing streak.

2006-04-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Hornets finished the season off with four losses in a row finally ending with a 38-44 record and no chance of entering the playoffs. I was hoping for more but never thought the New Orleans Hornets were strong enough to beat the best teams in the league even if they had made it to the playoffs. I am interested to see what changes are made for next season.

120-113 in Double OT

2006-04-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

I would like to congratulate Chris Paul on his first triple-double. His performance was impressive against the Toronto defense. The game went into double overtime and I didn’t move from my chair for almost an hour straight. It is nice to see the New Orleans Hornets playing aggressive round ball.

Will Work For Win

2006-03-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

We still have a winning record but it appears our steam is running out. The New Orleans Hornets just extended their losing streak to four games and we are facing the Indiana Pacers tonight. I am worried about where his team is going.

On a better note – I’ve got Kid Rock tickets for tomorrow night at Ford Center in Oklahoma City. That should be a blast!

Hornets Stay in OKC

2006-02-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

It has been announced that the New Orleans Hornets will return to Oklahoma City for the 06-07 season. They have a better win record than last season and have been thriving in Oklahoma City. I don’t see why they shouldn’t stay there while New Orleans is rebuilding. Do you?

Nice Place To Visit

2005-11-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

Lots of survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the floods that followed have had more on their minds than blogging, at least not about the New Orleans Saints or the Tulane Green Wave or the NBA team—the New Orleans Hornets—which arrived in 2002 and barely got to know New Orleans and now has had to be relocated all the way to Oklahoma.

But let me take this belated opportunity to say thanks to the fans and sponsors in Oklahoma City who opened the doors to Ford Arena and are making the season happen. Keep buying the tickets and enjoy the year! Just don’t get too attached to our Hornets!

A Debate for the Ages

2005-06-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Who is better Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlin?

Now before anyone decides to answer this question, one should take time to think about it. To think about all the factors that comes into play.

For one I am not a big fan of Shaq but the man is very good at what he does and will some day join Wilt in the Basketball Hall of Fame. But consider it was two different eras and two different styles.

Overtime

2005-05-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

What is the world coming too? People work to earn the money they need to support themselves. Some people even work overtime just to feed the family or pay the bills. So what happens when people work the overtime hours and do not get paid for it?

In New Orleans eight people have filed for lawsuits against their former employer, the New Orleans Hornets. These eight people are claiming that they worked extra hours, overtime hours, and were not paid for it. In fact, they were threatened by certain Hornet officials that they would lose their jobs if they didn’t show the willingness to work beyond normal business hours.

Sign 'em Up

2005-05-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

The New Orleans Hornets have decided exercise their option on rookie forward Jackson Vroman. That means the forward will stay with the team though the 2005-06 season. Vroman was originally acquired from the Phoenix Suns along with Casey Jacobsen and Maciej Lampe in exchange for Jim Jackson and a 2005 second round draft pick.

Mott Named Hornets President

2005-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

from the official Site of the New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets announced that they have hired Paul Mott as the team's president.

In his new role, Mott will oversee all business aspects of the franchise, including strategic planning, business development, sales, marketing and branding and day-to-day operations. He will begin with the team after relocating from New York with his wife.

"This hire will help us become a premiere franchise in the National Basketball Association," said Hornets Owner George Shinn. "Paul's remarkable experience in professional sports and the leadership skills he has exhibited throughout his career as an executive, an educator and a coach will help us enhance the position of our organization both locally and nationally. I believe I hired the best coach in Byron Scott, and now I've added the best front office executive in Paul Mott."

Mott comes to the Hornets from the NBA office in New York, where he has served as the senior director of team marketing and business development since December 2001. While in that position, he worked with eight different NBA franchises (including the Hornets) on relevant issues key to each respective team, including marketing, development, public and community relations and ticketing.

"Paul's leadership, teamwork and consensus building skills were evident in working with teams in the NBA, WNBA and NBDL to achieve their goals," said NBA Commissioner David Stern. "Undoubtedly, his background as an educator and proven sports executive will be a valuable asset to the New Orleans Hornets organization and their fans."

In the End

2005-05-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

from the official site of the New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets closed out the regular season with a loss to the L.A. Clippers…overall, the Hornets are now 9-8 all-time in season finales…that includes wins in their seven of their last eight finales(four of the last five at home)…the team had not lost a season finale at home since the 1995-96 season and now has a 5-2 all-time record at home on the last day of the regular season.

The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 18-64…with the loss to the Clippers, the team finished with the worst record in franchise history…the 1989-90 Hornets went 19-63 on the year…coincidentally, that was the Hornets’ only other season as a Western Conference team…the Hornets streak of 12 straight seasons with a .500 or better record also came to an end this season.

And the winner is...

2005-05-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Five ties among teams that finished the 2004-05 regular season with identical records were broken today through random drawings to help determine the order of selection for NBA Draft 2005, which will be held on Tuesday, June 28, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The drawings were conducted live on NBA TV earlier today at the St. Regis Hotel in New York by Stu Jackson, NBA Senior Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The results of the random drawings:

New Orleans (18-64) won a tie-breaker with Charlotte
Toronto (33-49) won a tie-breaker with New York
Golden State (34-48) won a tie-breaker with the Los Angeles Lakers
Boston (45-37) won a tie-breaker over Memphis and Washington; Memphis then won a tie-breaker with Washington

San Antonio (59-23) won a tie-breaker with Miami

Attached is the order of selection for the first round of NBA Draft 2005, as well as the number of chances for teams in NBA Draft Lottery 2005, to be held May 24, at the NBA Entertainment studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Dropping a Line

2005-04-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

George Lynch has been dunking in practice, but has missed several games with a "knee injury." Coach Byron Scott questioned if he's really hurt, and Lynch is likely sitting in a protest to a lack Jamaal Magloire is questionable for the last two Hornets games this season with back spasms. If we haven't seen him again by now, chances are he's done for the year. The swelling in Chris Andersen's ankle has gone down, but it's still black and blue. He's questionable for their last two games, and based on the fact they are meaningless, we're guessing his season is over.

A Dismal Season

2005-04-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Hornets lost there fifth straight to the Denver Nuggets, 94-83. Andre Miller helped his teams cause with 16 points, Dan Dickau led the Hornets teams with 20 baskets, Lee Nailon posted 16 points, and Chris Anderson helped his own game tying a career high 12 rebounds and nine buckets.

Anderson was helping to swing the moment towards the end when the Hornets came back on a vicious run, but with less 1:30 in the game he turned on his right ankle. New Orleans only shot 30 percent in the first half, and stat that would have to improve stepping in two year.

Honerts loose 17-point lead, lose in OT

2005-03-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

Brett Martel / Associated Press, from ESPN.com

His team on the verge of getting routed for a third straight time, LeBron James dribbled down-court with a disgusted look on his face and quickly drilled a jumper from just inside the 3-point line.

"I just wanted to get in the game and put us in a position to win," James said. "It was time for me to shoot the ball and everytime I shoot I feel like it is going in - that's just my confidence level."

For nearly the entire fourth quarter, the ball did go in whenever James shot. He scored 17 of his 44 points in the final period of regulation Monday night, when the Cleveland Cavaliers erased a 17-point deficit en route to a 109-108 overtime victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

James' only big miss came when he tried to tie the game with a tough jumper from the right wing late in overtime. But Drew Gooden, who hadn't scored since the first quarter, grabbed the rebound in traffic and scored as he was fouled with 6.4 seconds left, converting a three-point play that proved to be the game-winner.

Dan Dickau's driving floater that could have won the game for New Orleans in the final seconds bounced wide off the glass.

Dickau said he wanted to pass off the drive, but James stayed in the passing lane to prevent the ball from going to J.R. Smith, who had led the Hornets with 22 points.

"So in that situation, I want to get the ball on the glass," hoping that Jamaal Magloire or P.J. Brown, who were collapsing into the lane, could get a rebound if the shot missed," Dickau said.

But it was Gooden who grabbed the rebound and hurled it toward the rafters as the buzzer sounded, ending Cleveland's 11-game road losing streak and two-game skid overall.

"We had faith. We made a good run. I had a chance to win the game," Gooden said. "They were on their heels down the stretch in the fourth quarter, so I think the tables turned."

The Hornets led 84-67 early in the fourth quarter before James scored 14 points during a 25-7 run that vaulted Cleveland into the lead. He hit on drives, jumpers, and four free throws.

"You could see it in his eyes," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "The thing that disappoints me is we just took a back seat. We didn't challenge him or their whole team. We took a step backwards instead of matching their intensity."

The Cavs hit their first 11 field goals and first 10 free throws of the quarter. Aleksandar Pavlovic added a baseline jumper and three 3-pointers during the run, his last giving Cleveland a 92-91 lead with 4:41 to go. James followed with a 3 and a driving score as Cleveland built a 97-91 lead before New Orleans clawed back in a wild finish that included two turnovers in the last 15 seconds.

James then missed one of two free throws with 8.3 seconds left in regulation, allowing New Orleans to tie it on Boston Nachbar's short fade with 2.4 seconds left .

Pavlovic scored 13 for Cleveland, all during the fourth-quarter comeback. Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 14 points, while Robert Traylor added 12 and Gooden finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Smith led New Orleans with acrobatic driving layups and dunks while hitting four 3-pointers. His last 3 gave the Hornets a 106-103 lead in overtime, but James responded with a 3 of his own to tie it.

P.J. Brown, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, hit a jumper with 24 seconds left in overtime before Gooden's shot.

Nachbar scored 17 for the Hornets. Jamaal Magloire and Lee Nailon each scored 15 and Chris Andersen 11.

Hornets Acquire Claxton, Davis

2005-02-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

Hornets.com

The Hornets have acquired guard Speedy Claxton, forward Dale Davis and cash considerations for guard Baron Davis. Claxton averaged 13.1 points, 6.2 assists (tied for 12th in the NBA), 3.3 rebounds and 1.89 steals (seventh in the NBA) in 46 games for the Warriors before being traded to the Hornets, while Davis averaged 3.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 36 games.

Hornets 111, Warriors 108

2005-02-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Bostjan Nachbar helped make sure the New Orleans Hornets won't go down as the worst NBA team ever.

Veteran Rodney Rogers scored 20 points, and Nachbar hit all five of his 3-point attempts in a 19-point showing, leading New Orleans to a 111-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

"When I made the first 3, I kind of felt good," Nachbar said. "I was thinking about staying aggressive, then made one after another."

New Orleans also got the benefit of a controversial call with 4.3 seconds left after Dan Dickau was trapped on an inbound pass and lost the ball. Jason Richardson failed to control the loose ball and rookie J.R. Smith dove on it, calling timeout as he slid out of bounds. Referee Michael Smith gave New Orleans the timeout, drawing vehement protests from the Warriors, who trailed 109-108.

Smith then caught the next inbound pass as he was fouled and made both free throws. Mike Dunleavy Jr. had a chance to tie it with a 3-point attempt that bounced off the front iron as time expired, ensuring a second straight victory for New Orleans (10-40).

The worst NBA record is 9-73 by the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers.

Nachbar, the 15th overall pick by Houston in 2002, was traded to New Orleans this season, during which he has averaged about five points. But he had 13 in the Hornets' victory Wednesday in Portland.

Against Golden State, he had 11 of his points in the second half, finishing 7-of-9 from the field overall. Dickau and P.J. Brown each scored 16 points, and Smith and Casey Jacobsen each had 15.

"As long as we get this type of contribution from a number of guys we can win some ballgames," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "Bostjan was terrific offensively and the rook (Smith) is really coming. He made some very heady decisions at the end of the game."

Derek Fisher led Golden State with 23 points, hitting three of his five 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to help Golden State take a 95-90 lead. Richardson and Dunleavy each scored 20 points. Speedy Claxton had 18 points and 11 assists, but fouled out with 14 seconds to go.

But the Hornets, who have shot about 41 percent from the field this season, finished at 54 percent - and 55 percent from 3-point range - against Golden State, which had Warriors coach Mike Montgomery deriding his team's defense.

The Hornets "shouldn't be that good offensively. We're allowing guys to get to the basket that shouldn't be able to get there," he said. "They're a team that's averaging 80-something points and we give up 111."

Brown hit a pair of jumpers and drove past layup to put New Orleans ahead 104-97 with 3:56 left. But Golden State responded with a 7-1 run that ended with Dunleavy's three-point play on a driving bank shot as he was fouled.

After Dickau's free throws, Fisher's driving layup pulled the Warriors to 107-106 with 15.4 seconds left. But second-year player Mickael Pietrus fouled Smith before the inbound pass, giving New Orleans a technical foul shot that Dickau made. With the Hornets keeping the ball, Jacobsen was fouled and hit one of two foul shots to make it 109-106. Richardson's driving layup made it 109-108 with 10.4 seconds left, setting up the disputed inbound play.

The Warriors led 74-64 midway through the third quarter after 3s by Fisher and Dunleavy and a jumper by Richardson. But Smith helped the Hornets answer, scoring seven points on three strong drives - one for a three-point play - while also setting up Nachbar's 3 during a 10-0 run that tied the game at 74.

Nachbar then hit another 3 and a turnaround jumper at the buzzer, giving New Orleans an 81-79 lead heading into the final period.

Golden State, going with the smaller, quick lineup that had produced an average of 104.5 points during the previous two games, shot nearly 60 percent through most of the first two quarters and led 60-54 at halftime. Rogers kept the Hornets in the game in the first half by hitting his first seven shots, including three 3-pointers, for 18 points. Cliff Robinson returned from five-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy and scored six points. ... The teams combined for 22 3-pointers, 12 for the Warriors and 10 for the Hornets. ... Rogers tied a franchise record with eight turnovers.

Just a side note. I read an article saying the Warriors deserve respect for beating the Spurs, well they just lost it loosing to the Hornets.

Difficulty in San Antonio

2005-01-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Spurs took out the Hornets with a 93-83 victory at the Spurs hometown. The Hornets seemed to be trying really hard but just not cutting the mustard. For about half of the game, the Hornets had been using recent draft picks that hadn’t even had too much experience with the pros.

Manu Ginobili had a great game; cutting through the Hornets defense with ease. With many scores to keep them in the lead, Tim Duncan had no problem adding in his two cents. From the beginning, the Spurs were leading 10-0.

Most of the Spurs game came from their defense. Time and time again, the Hornets just could not make it to the basket. Dan Dickau, who was a powerful force for the Hornets at only 6’0”, was rejected by the Spurs from advancing to the goal. I don’t blame him though, he’s six foot and still looks like a midget on the court.

Dickau stepping up

2005-01-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Dan Dickau was the only healthy point guard in uniform for the New Orleans Hornets -- and the only one they needed.

Dickau capped a career-high 27-point outing with a pair of 3-pointers inside the last 18 seconds, leading New Orleans to an 88-85 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.

``It's any player's dream -- you want to play as many minutes as you can,'' said Dickau, who logged 42 minutes, had eight assists and scored 17 in the fourth quarter. ``I felt good coming down the stretch, I felt fresh. ... I just wanted to keep shooting when I was open.''

Dickau was fourth on Dallas' depth chart when the Hornets acquired him in exchange for Darrell Armstrong on Dec. 3. But he became one of only two point guards on New Orleans' roster Friday when Junior Harrington was cut to make room for three front court players acquired in another deal that sent Jim Jackson to Phoenix.

Regular starting point guard Baron Davis, who bruised his right ankle a week ago in Toronto, missed his third straight full game against the Clippers, meaning Dickau, in less than two months, had gone from disposable in Dallas to indispensable for New Orleans (7-32), which has now won five games this month.

``That's one of things in the NBA -- when you're not playing you can't get too discouraged or too frustrated. You keep working and you're going to get an opportunity eventually,'' said Dickau, who has averaged 12.8 points with New Orleans.

Dickau tied the game with 39.7 seconds to go after drawing a foul on a drive and hitting his first free throw. He missed the second, but Hornets forward P.J. Brown ran down a long rebound, diving over the sideline to get the ball back to Dickau. The diminutive Dickau let some time run off the clock before burying a straightaway 3.

The Clippers tied the game on Bobby Simmons' high, arching 3 with 10.3 to go. But Dickau came back with another straightaway 3 over Mikki Moore with 2.1 seconds remaining. Several Hornets -- and even Simmons -- laughed in seeming disbelief as the crowd roared.

``He took it from about three feet beyond the 3. I feel like I played good defense,'' Moore said. ``He just shot an unbelievable shot.''

Simmons got one more shot to tie it at the buzzer, but his off-balance shot from well behind the 3-point line missed the rim as the Clippers lost their fifth straight game.

Lee Nailon scored 22 points -- his fifth straight game with 20 or more -- to help New Orleans win its fourth in a row at home. J.R. Smith scored 12 and Rodney Rogers 11, with both hitting crucial 3-pointers in the final five minutes. Chris Andersen had 10 rebounds for New Orleans.

Elton Brand led Los Angeles with 28 points and 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double in a row. Simmons finished with 17, while Chris Kaman and Quinton Ross each scored 13. Rick Brunson had 12 assists.

Darrick Martin's 3 capped a 10-0 run that gave the Clippers a 72-68 lead with about seven minutes remaining. Then Martin hit another jumper, and Los Angeles got the lead up to 75-70.

But the Hornets stormed back with consecutive 3s from Smith and Dickau, followed by Dickau's driving floater to put the Hornets ahead 78-75. The lead then changed three more times before Dickau put the Hornets ahead for good.

``We knew they would have a lot of fight in them ... but we didn't think we'd lose,'' Brand said.

Brand scored 19 in the first half and his drive on Brown for a three-point play capped a 7-1 run that gave the Clippers a 44-42 lead late in the second quarter. After Simmons' 18-foot jumper made it 46-42, Smith made one of two free throws to cut it to 46-43 at the half.

In the midst of us having the most starters and big scorers' injuries, only one man stepped up. Dickau has really stepped up and taken in the position of Davis, atleast until he recovers( if he ever does) from his back injury. The massive amount of injuries is hurting our team greatly, and is the real factor that is holding us back. Lets hope Dickau can play like he did in the Clippers game in the next game against the Rockets. GO HORNETS!

Davis bringing back a well needed spark.

2005-01-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Dan Dickau's breakout season and Baron Davis' return to form have suddenly made the New Orleans Hornets a much tougher team to beat.

Dickau made six 3-pointers and scored a career-high 25 points, leading the Hornets to their third victory in four games, 112-106 over the struggling Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

``I never consciously decided'' to start taking 3-pointers, Dickau said. ``A couple open ones popped up. I just knocked them down. Then I got left wide open a few more times, and if you're a shooter you've got to take it.''

Davis, who returned from a back injury in late December, scored 22 points, including seven key free throws in the final 1:03, to help New Orleans overcome Damon Stoudamire's 54-point performance.

Stoudamire set a career high and broke Geoff Petrie's franchise record of 51 points. The Portland star was 20-of-32 from the field and made eight 3-pointers (tying the team record Van Exel set Monday in Philadelphia), including one with 8 seconds left to make it 110-106. That came after Stoudamire was fouled on a 3-pointer and made all three free throws.

Lee Nailon added 22 points for New Orleans, while Chris Andersen had a season-high 15. P.J. Brown had 10 points and 12 rebounds as the Hornets outrebounded the Trail Blazers 46-30. The Hornets had 19 offensive rebounds, leading to 25 second-chance points. New Orleans also outscored Portland 30-12 on free throws.

Nick Van Exel scored 23 for Portland, which has lost six of seven and eight of 10.

But like the Hornets earlier this season, the Blazers have been plagued with injuries of late. Leading scorer Zach Randolph (right knee) was the latest scratch, further hurting a front court that had already lost Shareef Abdur-Rahim (right elbow) and Darius Miles (left knee).

That left the scoring burden on Stoudamire and Van Exel, who had little help as no other teammate scored more than eight.

``I sure wish we could have had an inside scorer today so we could have got a win,'' Stoudamire said. ``We've just got to find somebody to throw that ball down low to who can take a little pressure off. In that second half especially, they were really guarding me and Nick and saying, 'Hey, let other people beat us'.''

The Hornets, who trailed by 17 after one quarter, had their largest lead at 87-75 when Davis found Brown underneath for a dunk late in the third period. Portland trimmed it to 91-85 on Van Exel's 3 early in the fourth quarter, and New Orleans' lead was down to 98-93 when Stoudamire drove inside and scored in traffic with under 4:20 left.

But Andersen hit a free throw after being fouled on an offensive rebound. He then tipped in Davis' miss to put the Hornets up 101-93 with 3:20 to go. He made two more foul shots to give New Orleans a 103-96 lead with 1:32 left.

``Baron's getting healthier ... He's just doing a great job of distributing the basketball and leading the team right now and we're all falling in and hitting shots,'' Brown said. ``After all the hard times we had closing out games in the fourth quarter we're doing a better job of that. We've got young guys maturing. We're just growing as a team and it's going to get better and better.''

The Hornets (5-30) still have the worst record in the league, but they are no longer on pace to set a new mark for NBA futility, a distinction that currently belongs to the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers, who were 9-73.

The teams combined for 28 3-pointers, one short of the NBA record of 29 set in 1997 by Denver and Seattle.

And the game looked more like a 3-point shooting contest in the first half, when the teams combined for a 23 3s -- an NBA record for a half -- in an exhibition that drove the crowd wild.

Portland was 7-of-8 on 3s in the first quarter alone and shot a whopping 76.2 percent from the field in taking a 40-23 lead.

New Orleans responded by setting a franchise record for second-quarter scoring with 43 points and for 3-pointers with nine, opening the period with a 10-0 run that included 3s by Dickau and Davis.

Stoudamire, who had 30 points in the first half, kept Portland ahead most of the quarter by hitting three of his five first-half 3s.

Then, fittingly, the Hornets tied it at 56 on Dickau's fourth of five first-half 3s. Bostjan Nachbar's 3 gave the Hornets their first lead, then Dickau's fifth 3 put New Orleans ahead 64-61. Nailon's 18 footer in the final second made it 66-63.

Although we are at a disgraceful 5-30, just 5 games ago we were at, 2-28. It may not mean much for the time being, but if we can keep it up for a while, we will grow overtime and eventually break .500. All I hope is that Davis can keep up this play, because, right now, without him, we are nothing. Keep up the "better" work Hornets!

DAVIS IS BACK!!!

2005-01-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

The NBA's worst team finally received some good news.

New Orleans Hornets All-Star guard Baron Davis, who has missed over a month with an inflamed disk in his lower back, was activated from the injured list Tuesday.

A two-time All-Star, Davis has not played since November 12. He sat out Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers but is playing in Wednesday's contest against the Lakers.

In their first season in the rugged Western Conference, the Hornets are an NBA-worst 2-22. Both of the Hornets' wins have come without Davis, who has played in just five games.

Davis, who missed 47 games due to injury the last two seasons, is averaging 24.6 points and 8.0 assists.

I'll have to say that with him coming back from the IL, I am hopeful that it will turn the season around. In lesser news, Jim Jackson failed to show up after he was traded from Houston to here. Lets see if Davis can play like he did before the injury. GO HORNETS, DAVIS IS BACK!

Dickau Dials Up a Hornets Win

2004-12-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

from NBA.com

Dan Dickau gave the New Orleans Hornets the lead after three quarters and made sure it stood up in the final 12 minutes.

Dickau ended the third quarter with a rare four-point play and added 12 of his career-high 23 points in the fourth period to lead the Hornets to their first home win of the season, a 98-89 triumph over the Golden State Warriors.

With New Orleans trailing 66-62 late in the third, Dickau began an 8-0 run by hitting a short jumper with 27 seconds remaining before banking in a 3-pointer from 32 feet as he was fouled by Speedy Claxton with four-tenths of a second to go. Dickau sank the ensuing free throw to give the Hornets a 68-66 edge.

"You see something like that and I was kind of feeling like it was going to be our night," Hornets guard Junior Harrington said. "That was a big shot by him. It changed the momentum of the game. It got the crowd into the game and gave the players a little bit of a boost."

After scoring 11 points in the first 36 minutes, Dickau took control in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 to eclipse his career high of 18 set on Dec. 10 against New Jersey.

The point guard once was a member of the Warriors but never played for them. He was traded to Dallas this summer in the Erick Dampier deal before New Orleans acquired him on Dec. 3 for Darrell Armstrong.

"He's been a great, pleasant surprise," Hornets coach Byron Scott said of Dickau, who is averaging 12.9 points in seven games with New Orleans after scoring five points in just 16 minutes with Dallas. "He's played extremely well. He came into my office and said nobody's given him a chance. I told him I was going to give him a chance. He hasn't disappointed me."

David Wesley scored 18 points, Harrington added 15 and P.J. Brown had 11 and 11 rebounds for the Hornets, who ended an 11-game losing streak -- one shy of the franchise record -- and improved to 1-9 at New Orleans Arena, becoming the last team to win at home this season.

"You look at every guy in this (locker) room and they play basketball because they love to play and because they want to win," Dickau said. "Each guy in this locker room wouldn't be here if they didn't have those qualities. To get that losing streak off our backs and to move forward and get going from here, it's definitely a good feeling."

The Hornets (2-19) rebounded from two overtime road losses in the previous five nights, including a 94-93 decision against the expansion Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday.

"New Orleans had a lot of energy; we didn't match it," Golden State coach Mike Montgomery said. "The Hornets had a sense of urgency. We didn't have it, and it showed. In every statistical category, they beat us. We didn't do much to hang our hat on."

Troy Murphy had 25 points and 12 rebounds and Claxton added 21 and a season-high 12 assists for the Warriors, who have dropped eight straight road games against the Hornets franchise, including three at New Orleans.

"We didn't show up," said Murphy, who helped the Warriors end a 12-game Dallas road skid on Tuesday. "We came out a little lackadaisical and took them for granted a little bit. We're never going to be good until we kick the inconsistency. This was a game we were supposed to win."

Claxton and Mickael Pietrus scored six points apiece during an 18-4 second-quarter run that gave the Warriors their biggest lead, 36-30. Golden State led 44-42 at the break.

But in the second half, the Hornets -- who entered the game last in the league in shooting -- shot 50 percent, outrebounded the Warriors 27-11 and matched their largest point total in regulation this season.

"We've been in games. We've had our opportunities," Wesley said. "We've found every different way to lose those games. It's nice to hold on to a lead, keep one down the stretch and win."

Sacramento vs. New Orleans

2004-12-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

from NBA.com

The Sacramento Kings aim for a ninth victory in 10 games when they visit the lowly New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.

The Kings bounced back from a home loss to Minnesota on Sunday with a 98-93 triumph at Memphis on Tuesday.

Peja Stojakovic scored 29 points to pace Sacramento, which held just a 94-93 lead when Mike Bibby slapped the ball off Mike Miller's leg out of bounds as the Memphis forward was driving for a go-ahead layup with 59 seconds left. Bibby - who scored just seven points - then nailed a jumper 16 seconds later and Chris Webber iced the game with a basket with eight seconds left.

Webber collected 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for Sacramento, which made half of its 78 shots.

The Hornets are a league-worst 1-12 and have lost four straight games.

On Monday, New Orleans lost at Denver, 76-67, in its second game since losing All-Star center Jamaal Magloire to a dislocated finger. He may be out three months.

Lee Nailon scored 16 points to lead the Hornets, who shot just 4-of-17 in the fourth quarter.

New Orleans, which is 0-6 at home, was swept by the Kings last season.

Spurs Give Hornets the Boot

2004-11-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

From NBA.com

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 29 (Ticker) -- Tony Parker is out to show he is more valuable to the San Antonio Spurs than team officials think.

Parker scored eight of his 16 points in the third quarter as the Spurs broke open the game and went on to a 102-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in the preseason finale for both teams.

Parker, who will be paid $1.5 million this season, broke off contract extension talks Wednesday after Spurs management declined to increase their offer of six years at $64 million. If no extension agreement is reached by Sunday, Parker can become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

San Antonio turned a 44-40 halftime lead into an 80-64 advantage after three quarters. Parker and Tim Duncan combined for 19 of the Spurs' points in the third. Duncan finished with 17.

Brent Barrycame off the bench to add 14 points, including consecutive 3-pointers late in the third quarter. Tony Massenburg chipped in with 12 for San Antonio (4-3), which won its fourth straight.

Baron Davis had 21 points and Chris Andersen added 13 and nine boards as the Hornets fell to 3-5.

New Orleans, which moves to the Western Conference this season, opens the regular season Wednesday at home against the Dallas Mavericks. San Antonio hosts the Sacramento Kings on the same night.

Welcome to my Hornets Page!

2004-09-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Once basketball gets a little closer, I'll be ranting about all things NBA here, with a definate bias towards my New Orleans Hornets.