Willie Green scored a season high 24 points for the Hornets who defeated the Magic 99-93. New Orleans beat Orlando for the second time this season, and in doing so, snapped a four game losing streak. The defense was solid as starting SF Trevor Ariza returned from an ankle injury. The Hornets have had trouble closing out games the last two weeks, but Friday night, they took care of business. Here is more from the AP and espn.com

They excelled down the stretch Friday night, though, rallying for a much-needed 99-93 road win over the Orlando Magic.

Willie Green had 24 points and David West added 17 points and 17 rebounds for New Orleans, which snapped a four-game losing streak.

The Magic are 5-6 since their last three-game winning streak last month.

Chris Paul added 15 points, Jarrett Jack had 13 and Trevor Ariza 10 for the Hornets, who held an opponent under 100 points for the first time in four outings.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310211019

The Hornets needed a win in the worst way. After blowing a game in Jersey on Wednesday, Monty Williams, Chris Paul and crew were determined to right the ship.

Chris Paul spoke to the press after the game, explaining how much his team needed a victory. "This was very needed. After four losses in a row sometimes you forget what it's like to win," said Paul. "When we came out of that last timeout midway through the fourth quarter, I told the fellas: 'Let's win it. We've had enough close ones. Let's take this game.' And we did that."

Tomorrow night Chris Paul will go up against one of the best young PGs in the leauge in Derrick Rose. Chicago visits the Hive for a showdown of probable playoff teams. Tip-off is set for 7:00.

More From 103.3 The GOAT