Marco Belinelli stars as New Orleans Hornets stun Milwaukee Bucks 92-89 - NBA Recap
New Orleans Hornets are having a nightmarish season so far, however on Wednesday night, they proved that despite the poor run, they still the ability to stun any team at any night.
In what was their 29th outing of the season, the Hornets squeaked past the Milwaukee Bucks 92-89 in a thrilling encounter, to improve to 6-23 in the shortened season.
A good night it was for Hornets, however for Marco Belinelli, the night was extra special.
Marco was outstanding and marshalled the team with his season high 22 points on a career high 6 for 7 from downtown.
Former Los Angeles Clippers player, Chris Kaman had a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards while Gustavo Ayon recorded his career high rebounds by finishing with 12 points and 12 boards. Trevor Ariza also had a good night
and pounded 14 points in the 45:31 minutes, he spent inside the court.
Coach Monty Williams was excited with his team’s display tonight.
"We're a fighting team," coach Monty Williams said. "We have a little bit of grit about us. I'm pretty sure guys have read the articles about how bad we've been this year from a record standpoint. It's too bad you don't have a
stat for heart and intensity because we'd be at the top of the league."
Ersan Ilyasova led the Bucks with a game high 23 points and 7 boards while guard Brandon Jennings netted 18 points on a poor 7 for 21 from the floor. Jennings was disappointed with this loss and labelled it as an “embarrassing”
one.
“It starts with myself," Jennings said. "I need to come out with a lot more energy, and I need to play harder. I can't say I've been playing hard the last couple games because I really haven't”
Drew Gooden and Carlos Delfino both tallied 11 points each whereas Mike Dunleavy chipped in with 10 points.
The game was hung in balance by the end of first half with the Hornets only ahead by 5 points 50-45. They managed to maintain a 5 point lead in the first three minutes of the third frame but then changed gears in the ensuing passage,
rattling a 10-4 spurt, capped by Belinelli’s three, to get in commanding position at 66-55.
Ilyasova, Jennings and Jon Leuer kept fighting from the other end in the ensuing passage and ensured, Bucks entered the deciding quarter, only behind by 7 points 72-65.
Back to back 3s by Dunleavy and Jennings in the opening minutes of the last frame and brought the Bucks back within a striking distance at 71-72. The next few minutes saw an exciting battle as Bucks kept a check on Hornets lead
and did not allow it to swell any further.
With almost a minute remaining, the Bucks were behind by 2 points, 89-87, and needed a moment of brilliance to seal the victory. However, it was not to be as the Hornets used some stifling defence and a flurry of free throws to
get over the line.
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