Just got done watching Hornets-Nuggets. Actually, I only caught the second half because Cox messed up my cable installation and it took me way too long on the phone to get it fixed.

Anyways, the Hornets lost. 105-99.

I don't have a bunch of notes for you on this one, but here's a few observations…

• Interesting how the Nuggets played Chris Paul. They had Anthony Carter completely overplay him, forcing him to the sideline every time. They always had someone help from the low post so CP didn't have an easy baseline drive. I'm not sure if Denver were doing that all game, but it really seemed to work in the fourth quarter. Chris had a few turnovers, fumbles, and threw up some bad shots. Overall he had a great game, finishing with 30 points and 12 assists, but methinks he'll be frustrated with that finish.
• Shit, Byron Scott just told the media that Melvin Ely suffered a bruised eye socket. I missed that. The injuries are starting to pile up.
• Tyson Chandler seemed to be limited by foul trouble, but he did a good job tipping some rebounds out and giving the Hornets a few second chances in the fourth quarter. He finished with 5 points and 9 boards.
• Rasual Butler finally had himself a strong game, and we really needed him to step up with Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson hurting still. Butler knocked down 6-of-11 from the field for a season-high 18 points, and he played pretty good defense on Carmelo Anthony from what I saw. Melo did finish with 32 points, but he shot just 10-of-28 from the field.
• Julian Wright got 10 minutes in this one, despite playing big minutes and holding his own the past two games. He must be one confused cat right about now.
• Jannero Pargo: 4-of-17 from the field. I know he's a streaky shooter and you have to take the good with the bad, but when it's not working it's not working. And we had other options. Every other Hornet that took more than two shots hit at least fifty percent of them. At least Pargo did a half-decent job with Iverson though, who scored 22 points, three below his season average.
• David West came through with a nice performance (25 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists), and didn't seem to hesitate too much on his jumpers this game. Always refreshing.
• Several times, I thought the officials made questionable calls tonight, on both ends of the floor. I'm sure CP traveled and picked up his dribble twice on one possession and nothing was called. And that Camby timeout when he dived after Paul's turnover? Please.

So all in all, not a bad job by the Hornets tonight. Depleted, knocked up, on the road and in foul trouble, yet we gave ourselves a chance to win. Next up, we're at Dallas on Friday. Them Mavericks just got beat pretty bad by the Raptors up in Toronto. They remain just a half game behind us in the standings, while the Nuggets now share our 14-8 record.

Leaving you with some game linkage: Recap | box