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Hornets show toughness in win over Spurs
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-19 16:57
After losing Friday night in their first game of the season in Baton Rouge, La., the Hornets were greeted by a crowd that was 104 more than capacity in their return to Oklahoma City. They average more than 18,000 fans there, and the big home crowds are part of the reason a team that won only 18 games last season is off to an 11-13 start this season.
Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (R) works for position against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett during second half NBA action in Dallas, Texas, December 18, 2005. [Reuters] |
"The fans are fantastic and they give us support," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "That really makes a difference to the players. We know that if we make a run they are going to be behind us. It's a testament to Oklahoma City and the people here, the way they have come out and supported us."
Finley and Tony Parker scored 17 points apiece for the Spurs, who had won three in a row without Manu Ginobili (sprained foot), but by the smallest of margins. The Spurs' wins were by one point, two points and in overtime.
"We're catching teams that are well-rested and well-prepared at their house. They're some hot teams," Finley said. "They've been playing great ball and unfortunately for us, our ball hasn't been up to par."
Mavericks 102, Timberwolves 95
At Dallas, Josh Howard, Jason Terry and Devin Harris sparked a fourth-quarter surge, carrying the Mavericks to their eighth win in nine games.
Howard scored 23 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 19 points, seven rebounds and a season-high four blocks for the Mavs.
Wally Szczerbiak scored 28 points and Kevin Garnett added 20 points, 16 rebounds and five assists, but the Timberwolves lost their season-high fourth straight.
Trail Blazers 97, Wizards 92
Juan Dixon scored 20 points against his former team and the Trail Blazers won before just a couple of thousand fans — at best — after a snow and ice storm hit Portland earlier in the day.
Portland snapped a three-game losing streak despite playing without starters Darius Miles, Sebastian Telfair and Joel Przybilla.
Gilbert Arenas had 29 points for the Wizards.
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