New Orleans looks fresh and defensively charged since returning from the all-star break. The Hornets won their second in a row Friday night in Minneapolis, defeating the Timberwolves 95-81. Despite the absence of David West who missed the game due to a death in the family, New Orleans didn't miss a beat. The Hornets were absolutely relentless on defense, flustering Minnesota all night. Emeka Okafor returned from an oblique injury after missing ten games and patrolled the paint all night.
A long-awaited trade that would send all-star SF Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks has finally been completed. The blockbuster deal includes 12 players, 3 teams, 3 draft picks, and 3 million in cash.
Minnesota, owners of the worst record in the Western Conference, embarrassed the Hornets in New Orleans Monday night by the score of 104-92. The Hornets continue to struggle without injured starters Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor.
Timberwolves had the Hornets their tenth road loss of the season. Chris Paul's impressive stat line (22 Pts, 6 Reb, 13 Ast, 5 Stl) wasn't enough as Minnesota pulled away late, winning 113-98.