Fan Reaction: Hornets Win ‘Game of the Year’ Against the Jazz 121-117 in Overtime

New Orleans Hornets buzz

After going 3-2 on their recent home stand, the New Orleans Hornets went on the road to begin a brief three-game road trip. As we go down the stretch, New Orleans Hornets fans like me are anxiously awaiting to see if the Bees can make the playoffs. Entering play in the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings, every game is vital from here on out. If the first game of the road trip is any indication of what I'm going to go through the rest of the season, I'm not sure I can make it!

Hornets vs. Jazz

The Jazz entered the game having played very poorly recently. But that never seems to matter when those types of teams play the Hornets. New Orleans always gets a strong effort from their lesser opponents. Thursday night was no exception. Late in the 4^th quarter, Paul Millsap(notes) made one of the most improbable baskets I have ever seen. That seemed to inspire the Jazz who took the lead with under a minute left.

Trailing by two, David West(notes) drove the lane and made a basket to tie the score. However, he looked to severely injure his left knee on the play. In fact, the Jazz played the next possession with a five-on-four advantage. Finally, the ball went out of bonds and the Hornets substituted for West. But New Orleans committed a foul and the Jazz took another two point lead with 1.3 seconds left. Then something wonderful happened.

The Hornets threw a full court pass that was deflected. Somehow, the ball went right to Emeka Okafor(notes) who threw up a desperation one-handed heave at the buzzer. Miraculously, the ball hit off the backboard and went in! After further review, the ball left Okafor's hand just before the buzzer. So the game went to overtime. Finally, the New Orleans Hornets won 121-117. I know I've said this before, but this had to be the Hornets' game of the year!

Looking ahead

Once the Hornets get over celebrating this amazing victory, they may have to adjust to the reality of playing without David West. New Orleans has shown they can play well when starters go down. Unfortunately, they can also go into a funk when injuries occur. But regardless of West's status, the Hornets will have to play well to defeat the Phoenix Suns on Friday and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. If the Hornets win just one of the next two, they should maintain their playoff position before heading back to New Orleans.

Sources

"2010-11 New Orleans Hornets Schedule and Results," basketball-reference.com

CST original broadcast of the Hornets vs. Jazz game

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