Fourth quarter failures (9 turnovers) by the New Orleans Hornets (19-35) prevented them from stealing one from the Chicago Bulls (31-22). Chicago's outstanding defense helped them leave New Orleans Arena with a 96-87 victory over the Hornets.

The loss was bad, but there were a few bright spots for the fleur-de-bees. With so many things going right for the Hornets heading into the All-Star break, one big thing continued to go right on Tuesday night...the play of Anthony Davis (pictured).

Davis' quick progression to the NBA game was on full display, throwing down several lobs, showing off his unmatched length, and being extremely active both on the glass and in the paint. His most impressive play may have been at the end of the first half with time expiring. Davis caught a full court pass from Greivis Vasquez and had the athleticism to immediately throw it in off the glass while also being fouled.His stat line of 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 1 block is impressive for any player, much less a 19 year old rookie.

Vasquez finished with a double-double (11 points, 10 assists), while Eric Gordon scored a game-high 20. Al-Farouq Aminu added 10, as did Ryan Anderson off the bench. However, for only the 4th time this season, Anderson did not make at least one 3-pointer.

Chicago was extremely physical, and the Hornets had lapses when they didn't match the Bulls intensity. Chicago outrebounded New Orleans 47-39 and scored 15 second-chance points.

"It bothers us," said Vasquez. "That's a physical team. They're big guys play strong and talk a lot...playing a team like that, you have to match their intensity."

New Orleans has a quick turnaround. They're on the road tonight in Cleveland for a 7:00 contest with the Cavaliers. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

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