New Orleans Hornets defeat Phoenix Suns 100-95 despite allowing 14 3-pointers
Despite struggling to defend the 3-point line for the second consecutive game, the New Orleans Hornets beat the Phoenix Suns 100-95 behind Chris Paul's 26-point, nine assists and five rebounds performance.
The Suns finished with 14 3-pointers. Backup guard Jared Dudley led the Suns with 25 points, which included five 3-pointers. Suns guard Steve Nash was held to eight points in 34 minutes. The Hornets entered with a 1-13 record when they allow at least 10 3-pointers.
FOURTH QUARTER
Center Emeka Okafor had not scored in double figures in eight of the previous 10 games. But he has 12 points on five-of-six shooting. The Hornets have not been threatened in the second half. They lead 79-67 with 9:58 remaining. For the second consecutive game, the Hornets have surrendered more than 10 3-pointers. The Suns have made 11. The Hornets are 1-13 when they surrender at least 10, which included allowing 17 in a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Suns gaurd Vince Carter has scored 21 points, making five of nine 3-pointers.
THIRD QUARTER
Hornets are cruising behind Chris Paul, pushing their lead to 15 early in the quarter. Paul has 22 points. Hornets have outscored Suns 32-12 in the lane. Hornets have lead by as much 19 in the quarter. Paul has outscored Steve Nash 24-8.
SECOND QUARTER
Chris Paul outscored Steve Nash 20-5 to help the Hornets take a 56-46 halftime lead. Paul made seven-of-10 shots and the Hornets outscored the Suns 26-12 in the lane. Hornets' backups coming out aggressive at start of quarter, but have missed five of seven shots but lead the Suns 35-32. Phoenix has made five-of-12 3-pointers. Hornets allowed 17 in Monday night's loss to the Denver Nuggets. Since trailing 29-24 in the first quarter, Hornets are on a 18-3 run to take a 42-32 lead. Quincy Pondexter has scored eight points in seven minutes. Pondexter had not scored in double figures in the previous five games. Forward David West is off to a slow start, taking only three shots for two points.
FIRST QUARTER
Despite starting sluggish, the Hornets were led by Hornets' 12 points to close out the quarter with a 31-29 lead. The Hornets allowed the Suns to make 4-of-7 3-pointers. Guard Vince Carter led the Suns with eight points, which included two 3-pointers. Guard Marco Belinelli commits two fouls within the opening minute of the game and is replaced by Willie Green. Hornets gives up their first 3-pointer of the night by Vince Carter. Hornets go nearly two minutes without making their first basket before Trevor Ariza scores on layup after trailing 6-0. Hornets take a 19-16 on Green's 3-pointer and Emeka Okafor's layup, but Carter makes his second 3-pointer to tie the score at 19 with 2:34 remaining.
PREGAME NOTES
Since returning from a concussion, New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul has averaged 30 points, 12.5 assists, six rebounds and six steals in the previous two games. . . .The seventh-seeded Hornets (39-30) enter tonight's game 1 1/2 games ahead of eighth-seeded Memphis (37-31) and four games ahead of ninth-seeded Phoenix (33-32). . . .Suns guard Steve Nash will return tonight after missing two games with a pelvic instability injury. . . .Dating to last season, the Suns have won three in a row against hte Hornets dating to last season. In January, the Hornets lost to the Suns 104-102. . . . Center Emeka Okafor has not scored in double figures in eight of the previous 10 games.
