Hornets can’t solve Magic spell in second half

By Bud L. Ellis

Playing without their floor general, the New Orleans Hornets experienced for themselves the impact such a player can have Monday night.

Missing dynamic point guard Chris Paul, the Hornets tried to no avail to slow Vince Carter and the Orlando Magic in the second half. Carter scored 48 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, and a 15-point New Orleans lead at halftime evaporated into a 123-117 loss at Orlando.

Peja Stojakovic led New Orleans with 29 points. Darren Collison and David West each scored 27, but the Hornets simply had no answer for Carter or Dwight Howard (25 points, 12 rebounds).

This one belonged to the Hornets early. New Orleans led 32-28 after one quarter, then took control in the next 12 minutes, outscoring Orlando 38-27 to take a 70-55 lead into the locker room. But the Magic were unstoppable in the second half.

New Orleans takes on Boston at home Wednesday. The Hornets have lost four of six without Paul, who had knee surgery last week and probably will be out another four to six weeks.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 5:54 pm by bud

Tags: Boston Celtics, Chris Paul, Darren Collison, David West, Dwight Howard, National Basketball Association, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic, Peja Stojakovic, Vince Carter