POSE KNOWS…AGAIN!!! James Posey is credited with the game-winning layup for the second straight game. Hornets knew they had to step it up with David West out with he sprained his ankle late in the second quarter.
Game 42: Hornets 96 @ Wolves 94
–With a team that has a record of 9-35, this should not have been a close game and the Hornets should have closed out the W in the fourth quarter when they took a double-digit lead early in the 4th. Wolves crawled back and the Hornets squeak out the win, thanks in large part to Peja’s free throws and Posey’s game winning layup. If David West would have been in the lineup, we would’ve closed the W early because at the time of his injury, West was the leading scorer with 14 points, large in part to 8-9 free throws.
–Bench was solid…not great, but solid. To be considered for playoff contention, the Hornets should win the games against the teams that they should beat and blow them out. If the Hornets make any more trades before next month’s trade deadline, hopefully any moves they make will bolster their bench. They will be lucky if they can get a buyer for bench guys that are contributing nothing at the moment such as Mopete and Bobby Brown.
–Paul had 23 points on 50% shooting and 9 dimes…West had 14 at the time of his injury…Emeka was not as dominating because he was going against a future all-star center in Al Jefferson but Emeka got 10 boards but only 4 points.
–Bench Play: Posey had 6 but the last 2 are what mattered the most…again. Songalia continues to be a consistent force with 13 points. I thought for sure he would be Ryan Bowen #2…but I was mistaken. Collison and JuJu had 8. Thornton had 9.
–Songalia did make a huge mistake that would’ve cost us the game when he fouled Johnny Flynn on a quick lay-up to tie the game, which is the biggest no-no in the NBA when you are leading in a close game. Bower’s face was stunned and priceless at the same time. But Peja and Posey were able to save us.
–Hornets now 23-19 and @ Nuggets tomorrow…vs Carmelo and Co @ Denver = a tough game…it’s unknown at the moment if West will be able to play.
-Mr. Kennedy