Hornets drop the Bucks for Second Consecutive Victory

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Published: February 15, 2012

Unlikely stars Marco Belinelli and Gustavo Ayon lead the way as Hornets get a rare road win 

New Orleans Hornets 92 FinalRecap | Box Score 89 Milwaukee Bucks
Trevor Ariza, SF 46 MIN | 6-13 FG | 1-1 FT | 7 REB | 4 AST | 14 PTS | +2

He had his moments, but in the second half he reverted back to the Trevor Ariza who tries to do too much. I can’t really blame him when you look at the players around him, but I don’t have to give him an A either.

Gustavo Ayon, PF 32 MIN | 4-7 FG | 4-4 FT | 12 REB | 1 AST | 12 PTS | +9

How were there not more teams after this guy? Demps has made a bunch of moves that have made national headlines, but I will say his under the radar signing Ayon has been the best move so far. Ayon gets every thing he possibly can out of his talents, and he was tremendous tonight.

Chris Kaman, C 37 MIN | 8-23 FG | 2-4 FT | 10 REB | 2 AST | 18 PTS | +7

Somebody has to get in Kaman’s ear and tell him not to hesitate. Just let it go Chris. Kidding, of course, as Kaman took a game high 23 shots and only managed two assists despite having the ball in his hands for the majority of the game. He makes his mind up to shoot if he doesn’t see a double coming, and good for him. The guy is showcasing himself for a contender, and I hope one comes a callin’.

Marco Belinelli, SG 35 MIN | 7-10 FG | 2-2 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 22 PTS | +9

While Ariza tries to do too much, it seems like Belly has done the opposite of late and just made the game more simple. Hover around the arc and wait for a kick out. If you get it, shoot the J. That simple. He did it this game, and he hit 6 of 7. The only one he missed was a bad shot that was more of a heat check.

Greivis Vasquez, PG 26 MIN | 3-8 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 7 AST | 6 PTS | -2

He was benched due to some foul trouble and due to the fact that Sloan actually had the speed to penetrate Milwaukee’s defense. But Vasquez made some nice plays late to help the Hornets pull away. He is a backup in this league, and the future is bright with him and Ayon anchoring the second unit.

Solomon Jones, C 11 MIN | 2-5 FG | 2-2 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 6 PTS | -3

Move over Lin-sanity, the Solomon Jones area is set to begin. Hornets undefeated since this D-League project signed with the team and started sleeping on Jason Calmes couch. The Hornets will be Riding Solo from here on out!

Donald Sloan, PG 22 MIN | 1-5 FG | 1-2 FT | 1 REB | 4 AST | 3 PTS | +5

Has some quickness to his game, and offered a nice change up from Vasquez. Needs to stop settling for outside shots.

Al-Farouq Aminu, SF 17 MIN | 1-5 FG | 1-2 FT | 4 REB | 0 AST | 3 PTS | -7

The guy just has some terrible luck. He had a great drive to the hole, but the ball rolled around the rim and came out. Someone cleaned it up for two points, so end result was a positive for the Hornets. Later in the game he had a nice baseline J hit nothing but net, but it was waived off due to an illegal screen. He’s getting better, but I don’t expect major improvement until he gets a full training camp.

Xavier Henry, SG 13 MIN | 3-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 0 AST | 6 PTS | -6

Perhaps his best game as a Hornet so far, Henry is starting to look comfortable with the team. Looks like he can guard 2’s and 3’s equally well, and I think that is where he stands out in this league. Any offense is just gravy.

Five Things We Saw

  1. Brandon Jennings is fun to watch and puts up great stats, but I wouldn’t want him on my team. He is not good enough to be a #1 or #2 guy on a true contender and he doesn’t have the game or personality to take a back seat as a #3 or #4. Fun to watch, but even if he leaves to a bigger market as he has threatened, he won’t win big.
  2. I just like the Vasquez-Goose combo, and I am already trying to figure out what they need around them to build an ideal second unit next year. I say: 1.) A spot up shooter 2.) A big who can stretch defenses 3) a wing with playmaking skills who can allow Vasquez to be off the ball at times.
  3. Charlotte really had a chance to make this a great night, but they stunk it up in the second half against the Timberwolves. No coincidence, Hornets MVP Michael Beasley barely played at all while the game was still in reach. Man, I am starting to hate that Kevin Love guy. Good news- Detroit beat Boston.
  4. How can Houston not pull the trigger for Kaman? They got a good team, and the center position is the only thing holding them back. In their 96-95 victory over OKC tonight, Dalembert went 1-6 and Thabeet didn’t play. With Kaman, Rockets make the playoffs, and Knicks definitely will with Lin, so neither of those picks will be in lottery. Hill, Thabeet, and 1st rounder for Kaman. Done and done.
  5. Hornets announced Okafor, Smith, and Landry will all be out until at least All-Star break. Goose should get 30+ minutes a night, and 10 day contract guys are gonna have their chance to shine.

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