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Hornets show toughness in win over Spurs
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-19 16:57
The New Orleans Hornets have become a tough ticket, and a tougher team, in
Oklahoma City. P.J. Brown sparked everything from a first-half altercation to
the game's decisive run, leading the Hornets over the San Antonio Spurs 89-76
Sunday night before a Ford Center-record crowd of 19,267.
New Orleans Hornets
guard Speedy Claxton (5) shoots while defended by San Antonio Spurs guard
Michael Finley (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game
Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005, in Oklahoma City, Okla.
[Reuters] | "Teams are going to come in here thinking they've got wins against us, and we
just don't have any pressure," Hornets forward David West said. "We're out there
playing, we're not going to back down. We're just going to fight and do whatever
it takes."
It took a strong defensive effort against Tim Duncan, who was limited to 11
points by Brown and the Hornets, matching his season low. But while Brown's
tough defense is expected, his actions in the second quarter were out of
character.
Feeling he had been fouled by Duncan under the basket, Brown blocked Michael
Finley's path on his way back up the court with his shoulder and was called for
a flagrant foul.
Finley stepped toward Brown and pushed the ball into Brown's chest as Robert
Horry approached. After the players were split up, Finley followed Brown as he
backed toward midcourt and the two continued talking to each other. Four players
were called for technical fouls.
"It was a physical game," Brown said. "I know everybody thinks I'm like St.
Nick or Santa Claus �� which I am �� but I get a little heated, too. I'm human.
"Finley's a good guy. I wasn't trying to hurt him," Brown added. "I'd never
try to hurt nobody or be malicious. I try to play the game hard. It was just one
of those things. ... He just happened to be the next guy with the ball. It could
have been anybody."
In other games, it was: Philadelphia 107, Toronto 80; Atlanta 110, Denver 107
in overtime; New Jersey 118, Golden State 90; Dallas 102, Minnesota 95; Portland
97, Washington 92; and Houston 76, the Los Angeles Lakers 74.
Brown's jumper snapped a 69-all tie with 8:12 to go and began a 10-0 run.
Rookie Chris Paul had a steal and a three-point play during the spurt and
finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds. West led the Hornets with 19 points.
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