Jason Smith shines as New Orleans Hornets roll over Sacramento Kings, 105-96 - NBA Recap
New Orleans Hornets coach Monty Williams had made it clear that he would not accept injuries as an excuse for losses and doesn’t expect that his players should go down without a fight. On Wednesday night the players responded with
Jason Smith leading the way. He powered Hornets with 22 points and 6 boards to beat Sacramento Kings, 105-96 here at the New Orleans Arena.
Jason is becoming a solid support for the team and it was the 2nd time in 3 games that he collected more than 20 points. Naturally Williams was contended to see something working in his favour in the midst of all the
disasters he faced this season.
“I don't know why he's not getting any acclaim for most improved (player)," Williams said. "Look at where he came from last year. This year, nobody expected Jason to be the kind of guys that comes in, hits big shots, plays good
defence. ... He's 7 feet tall. He can shoot to 18 feet. He can dunk. He can go to the basket. He plays solid defence. He's not afraid of the moment."
Apart of Smith, 3 other Hornets scored in double figure with Marco Belinelli on the top. He netted 21 points for Hornets. Guard Greivis Vasquez tallied 15 to go with 5 assists and Xavier Henry collected 14 coming off the bench.
Veteran Chris Kaman had 10 boards and 8 points.
Kings rolled down to a 6 game losing streak despite having 4 players hitting double figure index. Marcus Thornton marshalled all players with 25 points while Tyreke Evans poured in 19 and dished out 8 assists. Forward Jason Thompson
netted 18 and had 7 boards and reserve Terrence Williams recorded 16 points for Kings.
Both teams are cemented at the last 2 spots in the Western Conference and are way out of the playoffs picture but Hornets can use this win to boost their confidence.
After a slow start the scores were tied at 14 in the opening frame. Belinelli came up with flurry of freebies to create some breathing space, 18-14, for the Hornets but the away side replied furiously, capping off the segment with
a 15-2 burst for a 29-20 advantage.
Hornets responded early in the second, opening it on a 9-1 run to trim down the lead to 30-29. Shortly afterwards with 06:32 in hand, the scores were tied at 35 apiece. The game remained closely contested in the ensuing passage
and by the end of 1st half the hosts were up with a fragile 50-49 advantage.
Belinelli opened the 3rd with a 3-pointer but Sacramento rebutted with a 10-nothing run and changed hands 59-53. However they completely melted down after wards as Hornets rattled off an extended 26-9 spurt and left
the visitors startled at 79-68. Kings could score 2 more before the end of frame.
With 7:48 to expire in the 4th, Hornets were leading by double digits, 90-80, but Kings shaved that off to 96-92 with a 12-6 run. They went cold after wards allowing hosts to seal the matter at 105-96.
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