Hornets hand loss to Silas in return to New Orleans

By By Richard Dark / EMG sports writer
Nov. 28, 2003
NEW ORLEANS Paul Silas had his homecoming in New Orleans Arena Wednesday night. But the former New Orleans Hornets coach of the previous five seasons, armed with the NBA's newly anointed future savior, only relived moments of bad basketball throughout the night. From both his teams.
And despite a near triple-double performance from rookie phenom LeBron James, Silas' new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Hornets, 82-72, in a sloppily played contest in front of 16,410.
Baron Davis gave James a lesson in running a team by pouring in a game-high 26 to go with seven rebounds and eight assists. James finished with 15 points, nine assists and eight boards. But as a team, the Cavs (4-11) shot just 33 percent while playing without two of their top scorers in Ricky Davis and Carlos Boozer. The Hornets also appeared to be prematurely full of Thanksgiving turkey, sluggishly hitting just 38 percent.
"We didn't do a good job at all of putting the ball in the hole," Davis said. "I think we were a little fatigued mentally coming off the back-to-back against Miami. I think coach (Silas) told them to be real physical with us because of (the quick turnaround)."
At one point from the latter portion of the third quarter and first half of the fourth, both teams combined to score on just four of 32 offensive possessions.
"We didn't always finish shots. I think we had tired legs," Hornets coach Tim Floyd said. "We have to get back to where we have more push in us offensively like we were earlier (in the season."
The Hornets (11-4) collected their 600th win in franchise history with help from David Wesley's 21. Center Jamaal Magloire dropped in 12 and 11 rebounds. Zydrunas Ilguaskas led Cleveland down low with 20.
"I didn't shoot well, but I think I contributed in other ways," James said. "Tonight, we gave it all. We were down (three players) and we still came out and played hard."
Good to be Back
Silas met with his former media corps before the game remarking on the pleasantries of being back in the Big Easy.
"It's great to be back and see a lot of old friends," said a beaming Silas. "It's also good to get back to some warm weather. It's pretty cold in Cleveland. The guys (Hornets) are all looking great. They are playing at a high level. That's where we are trying to get right now." Silas opted to stay in the team hotel instead of his English Turn home.
Talkin' Turkeys
The Saints aren't the only New Orleans pro team that has the market cornered on charitable endeavors this holiday week. Guard Darrell Armstrong handed out 300 Thanksgiving turkeys to underprivileged families earlier in the week.
Newble Suspended
Former Mississippi Gulf Coast CC standout Ira Newble did not make the trip with the Cavs because he is serving a team suspension for a rules violation.
Military Discount
The Hornets recently announced a special discount to all military personnel for the remainder of the season. Active military and veterans will receive a $10 discount on every ticket of $40 or more by showing their military ID at the ticket box office. The offer is good for all remaining regular season games.
Numbers don't Lie
The Hornets are 7-0 when leading or tied at the half and 9-1 when leading after three quarters They are now 4-1 in the second half of back-to-backs.
Doing it with D
Cleveland's point total (72) and FG percentage (33) are season lows for a Hornet opponent.
Quick Quotable
"Baron (Davis) is the best point guard in the game today. It took a little while, but it happened." Silas on the meteoric rise of his former point guard.
What's Next
The Hornets hit the road to play the New York Knicks Saturday and return home next Wednesday to face Tracy McGrady and the Orlando Magic.