New Orleans Hornets
After two straight losses, the New Orleans Hornets went north to face the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hornets defense has been deplorable in recent games and it got even worse against the Bucks. However, Anthony Davis had his best outing as a pro as the Hornets lost an entertaining game to the Bucks, 117-113.
Lately, I can’t tell if the Saints or Hornets are playing worse defense in New Orleans. Over the last three games, the Hornets have given up an average of 109 points per game. Unfortunately, that point total is trending upward. It is also the first time since the 2010-11 season that New Orleans has allowed at least 100 points in three straight games.
Against the Bucks, the 117 points allowed was more a result of offensive turnovers than lackluster defense. The Hornets actually held the Bucks to 46 percent shooting. But 19 New Orleans turnovers gave the Bucks the extra possessions they needed to outscore the Hornets.
Anthony Davis
Besides falling to two games under .500, the worst part of this Hornets’ loss to the Bucks is that New Orleans wasted Anthony Davis’s best game in the NBA. Davis notched a double-double against the Bucks as he scored a career-high 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. More importantly, most of his damage came in the second half.
Having seen every New Orleans game so far this season, I continue to be amazed at how athletically gifted Anthony Davis is. His height coupled with his leaping ability make his shots close to the basket almost indefensible. If the opposition insists on trying to block his shots, they will consistently send Davis to the free throw line for potential three point plays, as was the case multiple times down the stretch against the Bucks.
Looking ahead
Monty Williams and the rest of the Hornets coaching staff need to sit down over the next two days and figure out what is going on with New Orleans’ defense. In the short term, the Hornets may keep playing this up-tempo style when the old New York Knicks visit New Orleans on Tuesday. But I know Monty Williams would prefer low scoring games moving forward.
Patrick Michael was born in New Orleans and currently resides in the Big Easy. A loyal New Orleans NBA fan, Patrick was a diehard New Orleans Jazz fan and now cheers for the Hornets. Patrick was in attendance the night the Hornets were one win away from the Western Conference Finals. Follow Patrick Michael on Twitter at patmichael84.
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