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Hawks and Hornets tangle in the Big Easy

Jan 29, 2012 - 3:42 PM (Sports Network) - The Hornets hope to build on their first win in over two weeks when they host the Atlanta Hawks in the Big Easy.

New Orleans tasted victory for the first time since Jan. 9 on Friday when Carl Landry netted a team-high 17 points as the Hornets rolled over the Orlando Magic, 93-67, to snap a nine-game losing streak.

Marco Belinelli had 15 points, Jason Smith scored 14 and Jarrett Jack added 11 with nine assists for NOLA, which is a Western Conference-worst 4-15 on the season.

"I can look at the stats sheet and point out a number of things, but when I'm in that locker room and in that huddle and the guys are supporting one another, out there fighting for one another and playing the way they played tonight, it makes the prospects in the future for our organization look bright," Hornets head coach Monty Williams said.

The win came on the heels of the team shutting down veteran center Chris Kaman in order to garner more playing time for Smith as well as Gustavo Ayon and Al- Farouq Aminu.

Kaman, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Chris Paul, was told he will no longer suit up for the Hornets as the team pursues a trade.

"We had a conversation with Chris and expressed that the Hornets are going to go in a different direction," general manager Dell Demps said. "Chris has been the ultimate professional during this process and we thank him for the way he has handled the situation."

The Hawks, meanwhile, improved to 2-1 on a five-game road trip Friday in Auburn Hills when Joe Johnson scored 30 points, including a game-tying three- pointer in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, to lead Atlanta to a 107-101 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Marvin Williams added 22 points and eight rebounds, while Josh Smith had 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks in the Hawks' third win in four games.

"We were relentless. We never gave up," said Johnson. "Even when things didn't look so bright for us, we hung in there, stayed with each other, stayed mentally tough, stayed with the game plan and were able to pull a big win out."

Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague was forced to leave the game against the Pistons late in the third quarter after rolling his ankle and is questionable for tonight's contest.

The Hornets have won three straight over the Hawks, including both meetings last season.