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Surging Hornets hope to continue strong play vs. Kings

Feb 5, 2007 - 3:11 PM New Orleans (21-26) at Sacramento (19-26) 10:00 pm EST

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Devin Brown and the New Orleans Hornets have surged back into playoff contention thanks to a renewed commitment to defense.

Brown and the Hornets shoot for their sixth win in seven games Monday when they visit the Sacramento Kings.

Despite dealing with a bevy of injuries throughout the campaign, the Hornets enter Monday's contest just three games behind the Los Angeles Clippers (24-23) for the eighth postseason berth in the Western Conference.

The Hornets have been outstanding defensively over their last six games, yielding just 84 points per game over that span.

Brown scored 18 points Saturday and locked down All-Star Tracy McGrady to lead the Hornets to an 87-74 victory at Houston.

Hornets star point guard Chris Paul scored 12 points and dished out nine assists in his third game since returning from an ankle injury.

The Hornets hope to continue their ascent up the standings Monday when they visit the Kings, who have won the last 10 home games in the all-time series between these conference foes.

Kevin Martin scored 28 points for the second straight game to pace Sacramento to its second consecutive win, a 94-87 triumph over Denver on Saturday.

The Hornets posted an 88-84 home victory over the Kings on January 26 in the only meeting this season between the clubs. However, the Hornets have not won in Arco Arena since January 12, 1997.