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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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