Hornets Fall To Trail Blazers 99-93

 The Hornets ran out of gas late in Portland, falling to the Trail Blazers 99-93 on Thursday night. Marco Belinelli's (pictured left) game-high 27 points wasn't enough for the depleted New Orleans Hornets, who only had 8 healthy players in uniform.

Jarrett Jack was a late scratch due to a sprained ankle, leaving the Hornets with only one true point guard in Greivis Vasquez. Belinelli took some time running the point as well, though he's naturally a 2 guard. Marco tied his career-high in points, and set a career-high in 3 pointers with 7. He played a whopping 45 minutes, and played well.

In fact, the entire 8 man game roster of the Hornets played well, but there legs began to give out on them late in Thursday's game. Playing the back end of a road back-to-back, and having to log heavy minutes, New Orleans rotation defense was a second too slow in the final minutes of regulation. As a result, the Trail Blazers were able to knock down some 3 pointers to seal the victory.

Carl Landry chipped in with 24 points for New Orleans.

Despite sitting in last place in the Western Conference, the Hornets continued to show the undeniable effort that's become a trademark of this undermanned basketball team. Despite a record of 13-38, New Orleans still sports a top 10 defense. Credit to coach Monty Williams for continuing to get the best effort out of his club.

The Hornets will now travel to Los Angeles for a Saturday matinee matchup with the Lakers. Tip-off from Staples Center is set for 2:30.