Hornets sting Wizards for win

By By Richard Dark / EMG staff writer
Jan. 8, 2004
NEW ORLEANS With the city putting the wraps on a hearty celebration of its state's flagship university's first football national title in 45 years, it would be no surprise to hear that the New Orleans Hornet's fan base was a tad lackluster coming into their first home game of the new year.
Good thing the Hornets themselves weren't.
Perhaps they were disenchanted with the whole "Elvis Presley Night" theme, but it took a good three-plus quarters before the Hornets awakened the crowd, despite dominating the struggling Washington Wizards 97-87 in front of 15,486 at the New Orleans Arena.
Baron Davis continued his assault on the rest of the league, as he lit up the Washington defense for 28 points and 10 assists. David Wesley got the hot hand early from long range and finished the night with 20. Jamaal Magloire pumped in 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Larry Hughes, who put in 15, paced Washington (9-24) offensively. The Wizards pulled to within 10 points at the end of the third with a 7-0 run, but New Orleans (22-13) jumped out by 20 to begin the fourth quarter. Backcourt mate Gilbert Arenas added 13. Darrell Armstrong kept his campaign going for Sixth Man of the Year, with 14 points, seven boards and four assists off the bench.
The final score was not indicative of the contest, as the Wizards thrived in garbage time against the Hornet backups, ending the game on a 22-9 run. New Orleans largest lead of the night was 23, and Washington was unable to cut it to single digits after the 10:23 mark of the second. The Wizards are 1-20 when trailing after three periods.
For the game, Washington shot 38 percent, and New Orleans finished with 46.
The Hornets return to action Friday night when they host the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.