Outlaw sees action in Hornets' win over Blazers
By By Richard Dark/EMG staff writer
November 16, 2003
NEW ORLEANS At this very abbreviated juncture of former state star Travis Outlaw's NBA career, it wouldn't be fair to ask the former Starkville High standout if he feels he made the right move by foregoing a college career at Mississippi State.
The Parade All-American has only been active in four of the Portland Trailblazers eight games thus far in the early season, missing the first games with tendinitis in his knee.
Each of the latter contests he has sat on the end of Portland coach Maurice Cheek's bench, not seeing any playing time at all. That trend ended Saturday night when the Blazers came to New Orleans to take on the Hornets. In the latter stages of a 101-79 blowout win by the Hornets, he checked into the game.
Another state standout, Qyntel Woods is beginning to make his mark in Cheeks' rotation as well. Last season the former Northeast CC product averaged 3 points per game in his rookie campaign. Thus far this season, he is producing 4.7 and two rebounds. "I am starting to kind of feel where I belong in this rotation," he said. "I also think Travis has handled this all really good considering him just coming out of high school."
Against the Hornets (7-3), however, he was shut out, as was his team when New Orleans broke open a tight game in the latter stages of the third quarter and routed the Blazers in front of 12,583.
A 20-5 explosion that bridged the final two frames did the trick. Once again, Baron Davis paced the Hornet attack dropping in 23 points and eight assists. Darrell Armstrong again provided thrust off the bench with 20. David Wesley added 16. Steve Smith scored 13 on his ex-Portland teammates in what Cheeks called "a bad offensive output."
Wesley's driving layup at the 4:49 mark of the third tied the game at 60 before the wheels came off the Blazer wagon.
Portland (5-4) was led by Rasheed Wallace and Bonzi Wells' 19.
The Hornets, who are off to their best start after 10 games in franchise history, do not return home until Friday when they face Jonathan Bender and the Indiana Pacers.
