Eric Gordon returns as New Orleans Hornets dent Denver Nuggets 94-92: NBA Recap
After nearly two months, Eric Gordon returned to action for the New Orleans Hornets to score 15 points in a 94-92 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Gordon scored two free throws in the final seconds of the game to clinch the match after he was fouled by Arron Afflalo late in the 4th. The loss has dealt a serious blow to the Broncos, who have now slipped to the eight
spot in the Western Conference.
The Hornets started the match strong, leading 18-7 at one point in the 1st quarter. The Nuggets rallied back late in the frame to go on an 11-2 run and finished the quarter trailing by just 2. The score was 20-18 to
the Hornets.
The 2nd quarter was much more evenly balanced, with the score being tied 7 times. There were 3 lead exchanges as well and no team led by more than 5 points.
The second half started well for the Hornets who took a 7 point lead early in the third. The Nuggets tried to chip away at the deficit but a lay-up followed by a 3 pointer from Eric Gordon gave the New Orleans a 68-59 lead with
3:05 to go in the quarter. Greivis Vasquez of the Hornets scored another 3 pointer to give the Hornets a 10 point lead but Ty Lawson responded on the next possession with a three of his own, reducing the Hornets lead to 73-66.
The Hornets started the final quarter with a 75-67 lead and after a three pointer by Al Harrington early to bring the score the 75-70, the Hornets went on a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 84-73 with 8:24 remaining in the match.
5 consecutive points by Kenneth Faried followed by 2 free throws by Afflalo and a reverse lay-up by Jordan Hamilton brought Denver to within 2 with just over 3 minutes left in play. Al Harrington then scored a crunch time 3 pointer
to tie the game at 92 a piece, with just 10 seconds left.
However, Eric Gordon pump faked and caught contact with Arron Afflalo to get two easy free throws. He connected both and New Orleans won the match 94-92.
Eric Gordon scored 15 points for the Hornets, while Chris Kaman scored 14 and grabbed 10 rebounds. 6 Hornets players had double digit points, including all 5 starters. Ty Lawson led the Nuggets scoring with 22 points and Arron
Afflalo scored 15 points and dished 7 assists.
The Hornets outdid the Nuggets in rebounds, grabbing 41 compared to 32 by the Nuggets. New Orleans had far too many turnovers, 18 against 9 by Denver. Overall, it was an evenly matched game with the difference being the foul in
the final seconds of the match.
With this loss, the Nuggets fall one place in the Western conference to 8th, and are in danger of losing their spot to Phoenix or Utah, both 1 win away from them.
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