New Orleans Wins In OT

New Orleans arena was loud and proud Wednesday night as the Hornets defeat the Grizzlies in overtime 103-102. It's the sixth straight win for the Hornets, and their third overtime game in the last five contests. Chris Paul, David West, and Emeka Okafor all had double doubles. However, it was Marcus Thornton's spectacular play on both ends of the floor at the end of overtime that gave New Orleans its ninth win in the last 11 games. The AP and espn.com has more about the thrilling finish in the Crescent City.

 Marcus Thornton broke up an inbounds pass with 14 seconds left in overtime and then finished a fast break with a reverse layup, lifting New Orleans to a 103-102 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night that extended the Hornets' winning streak to six.Chris Paul had 20 points and 12 assists, and corralled the critical loose ball that was tipped by both Thornton and Trevor Ariza. Paul then raced up court and passed to Emeka Okafor, who bounced a pass to Thornton under the hoop.

Rudy Gay, who had 22 points, had one last shot to win it for Memphis, but his jumper near the top of the key bounced off the back rim.

David West had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets, while Okafor added 11 points and 11 rebounds. Thornton finished with 17 points.

Read more: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310119003

Another fantastic victory for the Hornets. Thornton continues to prove his worth. Tonight, he was the epitome of a "spark plug" for the Hornets in the fourth quarter and in overtime. His willingness to continue to work on his defensive game is paying off, and now he's beginning to play significant minutes. Paul, West, and Okafor are all having all-star caliber campaigns. I've been critical of Okafor at times, but he has been playing terrific, and getting the most out of his undersized (only for a center) frame. Late in OT, down 4, it seemed improbable that the Hornets could pull it out. However, Chris Paul nailed a 28 footer, and then Thornton's amazing play on both ends of the floor, keeping the Hornets right in the thick of the NBA's Western Conference.