Hornets Top Clippers Behind Vasquez’s Career Night

The New Orleans Hornets 7 game losing streak is over. On the back end of a road back-to-back, the Hornets played their best game of the season, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 105-98.

Hornets point guard Greivis Vasquez (pictured left) finished with a career-high 25 points. He also dished out 10 assists and grabbed 9 rebounds to win his individual battle with Clippers point guard (and former Hornet) Chris Paul.

"Finally we get a win at the end," said a smiling Vasquez. "We have a young team. We want to play for our fans, play for our city, and at some point, games like tonight will become more regular."

With their two best players injured (Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon) and on the bench in suits, New Orleans got contributions from many. Ryan Anderson and Jason Smith finished with 17 points each. Anderson was lights out from beyond the arc, going 5-9 from three point land. Smith was solid defensively, helping shut down Clipper All-Star Blake Griffin, who finished with a career-low 4 points on 1-9 shooting before fouling out.

Simply put, New Orleans had their way with Los Angeles in the paint, and on the outside. While they nailed a franchise tying 15 three-pointers, the Hornets also scored 30 points in the paint.

Rookie Austin Rivers had the best game of his young pro career, finishing with 14 points, 6 assists, and 0 turnovers.

"We came out here confident," said Rivers. "My teammates believed in me. At the end of the day, I play with a great team."

For the Hornets, Monday night's victory was a culmination of constant grinding and hard work. Despite dropping 3 of 4 on their road trip, they closed it out on a high note. Now, they return to New Orleans for the next 5 games.

Next up, a showdown with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at the Hive. Tip-off is set for 7:00.