The New Orleans Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 95 – 91
The Portland Trail Blazers were turned away in the fourth quarter by the New Orleans Hornets as they recorded a 95 – 91 win at the New Orleans Arena on Wednesday. After Portland led for most of the game, the Hornets heated up for a 16 - 4 fourth quarter run to seal their victory. Willie Green contributed 10 points during that run, adding an exclamation point to his statement by slamming in a ferocious dunk on a missed jumper by Jarrett Jack.
Carl Landry led the way for New Orleans with 21 points, Chris Paul chipped in with 11 points and 12 assists, while Emeka Okafor also had a good game to add 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Marco Belinelli had a nearly flawless shooting performance. He made 4-of-5 shots from beyond the arc, and was also perfect from the free-throw strip as he racked-up 16 points on the night.
In what could be called an otherwise evenly matched game, the Hornets shot 47 percent from the field. Portland had the better shooting percentage as they made 50 percent of their shots, but just couldn’t hold onto the game in the pivotal final quarter.
The Blazers led early in the game, putting up a fine shooting display. Aldridge’s jumper in the second quarter made in 46 – 35. LaMarcus Aldridge poured in 14 points in the first half, as both teams shot higher than 50 percent, while Portland held an advantage by shooting an impressive 65.5 percent to out-do the Hornets.
But the Hornets were buzzing. They soon fired-off an unanswered 10-point run to cut the lead down to just one point. It was 50 - 48 at halftime, in favour of the Trail Blazers.
The Blazers tried to challenge the Hornets late in the fourth, but New Orleans proved too strong in the final period and came out with the win.
LaMarcus Aldridge put up 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Gerald Wallace had 14 points and 10 boards, while Andre Miller added 19 on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. Patrick Mills was a perfect addition off the bench, as he made all of his five shots to contribute 13 important points for the Blazers.
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