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Struggling Hornets look to regain momentum vs. Hawks

Nov 30, 2007 - 3:59 PM New Orleans (10-6) at Atlanta (6-8) 7:30 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) - After a fast start, the New Orleans Hornets have lost some of their sting.

They will attempt to get back on track when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

The Hornets have dropped four of their last five games after sprinting out of the gate at 9-2. Defense has been at the root of the problem, as New Orleans has allowed at least 95 points in each of the four losses.

Team leader Chris Paul is off to a staggering start, averaging 18.6 points, 10.4 assists and 3.2 steals while shooting 90 percent from the free throw line.

But with Paul, Morris Peterson and Peja Stojakovic logging most of the minutes on the perimeter, the Hornets do not have a stopper for other team's starting guards. They were burned for 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting by Minnesota guard Marko Jaric in Monday's 103-94 loss to the Timberwolves.

The Hawks are moving in the opposite direction, having won three of four after beginning the season 3-7.

They earned a 96-80 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Joe Johnson led six players in double figures with 21 points.