New Orleans lost their fourth consecutive game Wednesday night, their longest losing streak of the season. The Hornets were up by 5 with 45 seconds in regulation, but let the game slip into overtime. Chris Paul's three point shot rimmed out at the end of overtime, and the Nets beat the Hornets 103-101. That wasn't the only opportunity the Hornets let slip away. Here is more from the AP and espn.com

The Hornets had three chances to either tie or win the game in the closing seconds of overtime. Paul turned the ball after losing his footing following a bump. Willie Green missed a jumper with about 5 seconds to go after Harris was called for 5 seconds while inbounding the ball.

Kris Humphries got the rebound after the Green miss and was fouled but he missed two free throws, giving New Orleans one final chance. It went to Paul, who was wide open after Nets guard Jordan Farmar was knocked down.

Paul's 3-pointer went halfway down and came out, allowing New Jersey a chance to celebrate.

"I should have made that shot, but we shouldn't have been in that situation," Paul said.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310209017

New Orleans also missed a shot at the end of regulation, as David West's jumper hit the front of the rim. Despite the miss, West's stat line was impressive (32 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals), while Aaron Grey had a double double. It was Chris Paul's play that was baffling, and as one would expect, Paul put this game on himself.

"I don't care what anybody says about a bunch of different things happening over the course of the game," said Paul. "I feel like this was my loss. The turnovers. The decision-making down the stretch. We have to impose our will."

New Orleans was missing starting SF Trevor Ariza, his backup Quincy Pondexter, and starting C Emeka Okafor. Monty Williams hopes to have Ariza and Pondexter back this weekend. Okafor is more likely to return on February 23rd, after the all-star break.

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