The Hornets have been struggling as of late. Having lost nine of their last twelve going into Wednesday night's game against the Kings meant New Orleans had to come away victorious against a five win Sacramento team. It didn't look good for awhile. The offensive woes of the last month continued in the first half, and into the third quarter. Then Monty Williams went to a three guard lineup, gave Marcus Thornton big minutes, and the Hornets did something they had never done in franchise history.

 Chris Paul had 22 points and 11 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets completed a franchise-record 23-point comeback to beat the Sacramento Kings 94-91 on Wednesday night.Marcus Thornton scored a season-high 19 points, including 13 during a crucial 6-minute span in the third quarter when the Hornets climbed back into the game.

David West added 11 points and Emeka Okafor and Willie Green each scored 10 for New Orleans, which won for only the fourth time in 13 games.

Tyreke Evans scored 22 points and Beno Udrih 20 for the Kings, who led 66-43 on Donte Greene's 3-pointer with 8:48 to go in the third quarter.

DeMarcus Cousins and Carl Landry each scored 13 for the Kings, who have lost 11 of 12.

Thornton, who had been a healthy scratch in three of the last five games, checked in right after Greene's third 3 had the game looking like a blowout in Sacramento's favor and almost single-handedly turned things around. Thornton hit a pair of 3s and two driving layups during a 20-4 run that got the Hornets and the crowd back into the game at 72-65.

http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=301215003

I know Monty Williams hasn't played Thornton much this season because of his defensive skills. However, New Orleans was in desperate need of some instant offense, and have been for the last month. Thornton gives you instant offense. And his defense, while not great, is admirable. Marcus has been working his tail off on that side of the floor, and it's a part of his game that was not coached last year by the doltish Jeff Bower. With Utah coming to New Orleans Friday night, the Hornets had to snap a three game losing streak. Chris Paul was magnificent, but he usually is. Marcus Thornton was the key spark to the biggest comeback in Hornets history.

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