Chris Kaman leads New Orleans Hornets to a 97-92 win over Dallas Mavericks - NBA Recap
On Friday night, New Orleans displayed excellent team work to down the reigning NBA champions Dallas Mavericks 97-92.
In what was a thoroughly exciting encounter, almost all the players from Hornets played their part brilliantly. Chris Kaman led the offense with 20 points on 9 for 18 from the floor and 13 rebounds while reserve Xavier Henry netted
19 points. Jarrett Jack, who failed to guide the Hornets to a win in the game against Toronto Raptors, covered for his recent mistakes and put up a solid performance down the clutch tonight. He finished with 15 points 5 boards and 6 assists.
"We were up two and Coach (Monty Williams) called a timeout," Jarret said. "I went up to him and told him I am ready and just give it to me. I don't know if he heard it, but I had the confidence in myself to knock down the shot."
Marco Belinelli had 14 points; Solomon Jones finished with 11 while Gustavo Ayon accumulated 10 points.
Point guard Rodrigue Beaubois marshalled the Mavs with a game high 25 points on 11-for-17 from the floor while the big man Dirk Nowitzki tallied 19 points and 9 rebounds. Veteran Vince Carter chipped in with 14 points.
Although there was nothing much to differentiate between both teams in terms of shooting, Hornets completely outclassed the Mavs in rebounds department (50-34), and that did a play an important part in the Mavs loss.
"The game was won on the boards," said Dallas centre Brendan Haywood, who had four points and seven rebounds. "If we do a better job there, we win this game."
After the scores were 11-10 in the favour of Hornets in the first seven minutes of the game, Hornets rattled an 8-0 spurt, which allowed them to dominate the remaining quarter and end it with a 25-19 lead.
Hornets pushed the momentum into the next quarter and were comfortably placed at 41-30 midway through it, before the Mavs rattled a 14-2 comeback to end the Hornets dominance, making it 44-43. The Mavs froze in the ensuing passage
though and this allowed Hornets to finish the first half of the game with a 52-46 lead, courtesy of a 9-2 spurt.
Dallas put up a good fight in the third frame but never managed to slash the deficit and an exciting period came to an end with Hornets ahead by 74-69. Hornets started the deciding quarter with an 8-1 run to increase their dominance
in the game, making it 82-70, however in the ensuing passage; the Mavs rattled a fierce 19-9 burst to announce their comeback, by making it 89-91.
However, once again the Mavs failed to finish the game perfectly, as Jack and Belinelli fuelled a 6-2 run from the other end to guide Hornets to a win.
Tags: