COMMENTARY | When Chris Paul left the New Orleans Hornets, he left behind an enormous vacuum of leadership on the court. Jarrett Jack filled in admirably, but late in the 2011-12 season, Greivis Vasquez emerged as an outstanding NBA point guard. Vasquez is now the unquestioned floor general for the Hornets for both the present and future.
Take a closer look at Greivis Vasquez's top five scoring games in the NBA.
5. 11/3/2012: Hornets defeat Chicago Bulls, 89-82: 18 points
With Anthony Davis back in New Orleans nursing a concussion, the Hornets needed someone to step up against a tough Bulls team in Chicago. Greivis Vasquez led New Orleans in scoring with 18 points. Vasquez also made half of his three-point attempts and contributed six assists.
5. 4/9/2012: Los Angeles Lakers defeat Hornets, 93-91: 18 points
If New Orleans had defeated the hated Lakers just once during the difficult 2011-12 season, I would have gotten through the hard times a lot better. In early April, Greivis Vasquez gave an epic effort in a tough two-point loss to the Lakers. Vasquez made five of six three-point shots and notched 11 assists.
2. 2/1/2012: Phoenix Suns defeat Hornets, 120-103: 20 points
Defense is the hallmark of all Monty Williams coached teams. But New Orleans and Phoenix put up a total of 223 points when they met in February, 2012. Greivis Vasquez came off the bench to score 20 points and tally 12 assists. Vasquez was also perfect on three attempts from behind the arc.
2. 2/6/2012: Sacramento Kings defeat Hornets, 100-92: 20 points
After his terrific performance against the Suns, Greivis Vasquez started the next three games. In that stretch, he scored 20 points again only five days later. As they did against the Lakers, the Hornets held a fourth quarter lead, but lost. Vasquez also recorded nine assists for New Orleans.
2. 4/16/2012: Hornets defeat Charlotte Bobcats, 75-67: 20 points
I remember watching this game and being very concerned that New Orleans might be the team to help the Bobcats avoid the NBA record for the worst single-season winning percentage. In what was a dismal game, Greivis Vasquez led the team in scoring and made all four of his free throw attempts.
1. 11/14/2012: Houston Rockets defeat Hornets, 100-96: 24 points
The 2012-13 Hornets are so talented that just about anyone on the roster is capable of leading the team in scoring. Against the Rockets, Greivis Vasquez not only led New Orleans in scoring, but he also set a career high. Vasquez shot 75 percent on three pointers and totaled nine assists in a tight loss.
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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