Hornets Beat Nets Behind Big 4th Quarter

Going into Saturday night's matchup with the New Jersey Nets, the Hornets had only one win this year when trailing after 3 quarters. Last night, they were down 12 heading into the 4th, but remained poised. Clutch shooting and superb defense paid big dividends as New Orleans earned a 102-94 victory.

Marco Belinelli (pictured right) and Chris Kaman each scored a game-high 20 points for the fleur-de-bees, including big baskets late in the shot clock in the winding moments of the 4th quarter.

"We were down, but we never panicked. Me, Jack, Chris, we all made big shots and that's how we won this game," explained Belinelli, who nailed a game-sealing fade-away 3 pointers with 16 seconds left. "I think everyone was happy to get this one."

Head coach Monty Williams certainly was. He credited his young team's poise down the stretch.

"Sometimes, teams just miss shots and the opponent makes shots. A lot of teams would have quit playing, but our team had a huge amount of poise," remarked Williams in postgame. "Our defense was good down the stretch and we made shots. The execution only looks good when you make shots."

Thanks to Belinelli, Kaman, and Jarrett Jack, the shots continued to fall.

One day after agreeing to a deal that will keep the Hornets in the Crescent City through at least 2024, the fleur-de-bees gave their fans another reason to smile on Saturday night. Its been a tough year for the 11-34 Hornets, especially the 4th quarter. So when New Orleans outscores an opponent 32-12 in the final frame, it gives plenty of Hornet fans reason for hope.

The Hornets will return home for a few days of rest before a Wednesday night matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Tip-off from the Hive is set for 7:00.