Pelicans 102 - 104 Suns
Final
  for this game

Hornets hope to get back on winning track in the desert vs. Suns

Jan 30, 2011 - 3:46 PM (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Hornets hope to bounce back from their first loss in three weeks when they finish up a three-game road trip in the desert against the Phoenix Suns.

The Hornets tasted defeat for the first time in 11 games Saturday in Sacramento when emerging rookie DeMarcus Cousins filled the stat sheet with 25 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, as the Kings beat New Orleans, 102-96.

David West had 21 points for the Hornets, who shot just 43.2 percent from the field. All-Star Chris Paul contributed 19 points and seven assists for the visitors, who never led and failed in their attempt to set a franchise record with an 11th consecutive victory.

Marcus Thornton had 16 points, Emeka Okafor 15 and Trevor Ariza 12 for New Orleans.

"I just thought we had this mindset that we were just going to win 11 (consecutive) by showing up," Hornets coach Monty Williams told the team's website. "When you win this many games you have a target on your back. We've just got to turn the page, but not without learning some of these lessons."

Despite the loss, the Hornets, who are 12-3 in January, still have a chance to set the franchise record for most wins in a month with a win tonight.

The Suns, meanwhile, improved to 1-1 on a five-game homestand Friday when Marcin Gortat recorded a career-high 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds off the bench, leading Phoenix to an 88-71 victory Friday over the Boston Celtics.

Vince Carter scored 17 points and Steve Nash finished with 13 points and 10 assists for the Suns, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Robin Lopez and Mickael Pietrus added 11 points apiece in the win.

"Obviously it was a much needed win for us," said Suns head coach Alvin Gentry. "I thought we did a good job of competing and playing hard. I thought our defense was really good."

This is the first meeting between the two clubs this year. Phoenix won three of four over the Hornets last season.






Related News