It is the Hornets first win under new head coach Jeff Bower, and the first win for Bower on the bench. The team presented the game ball to Bower in the locker room following the game, all celebrating and end to a three game losing streak.
Forward David West carried the offensive load with 24 points, to go with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. It’s West’s second double-double in the Hornets last three games.
Paul was averaging 23.8 points per game before being sidelined, points that now must be made up by guards Bobby Brown and rookie Darren Collison. Tuesday, the duo scored 12 points apiece and combined for 11 assists.
L.A. trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half, and never led after the first quarter despite making a few runs late. Al Thornton led the Clippers with 30 points, and former Hornets point guard Baron Davis finished the night with 23 points. Davis at times seemed to be disinterested in the game, going 7-21 from the field. Another former Hornets player, guard Rasual Butler, had 12 points.
Hornets forward Peja Stojakovic had 15 points despite shooting 3 of 10 from the field and 1 of 7 from three point land, but hit six free throws in the final minute to seal the win. Center Emeka Okafor scored just 7 points but pulled down 14 rebounds.
The Bench also contributed as former LSU Tigers Marcus Thornton had 12 points, 3 rebounds and an assist. Darius Songalia had 6 points, Julian Wright, James Posey, and Sean Marks each had 2 points.
The Hornets next play Thursday night at the Hive against the Phoenix Suns.
Related posts: