Thoroughly Ripped

With Chris Paul back and in close to top form, the Hornets played even with the Pistons for half the game — in fact, they had a three-point lead at the half — but Detroit took command in the third quarter and would maintain it the rest of the way, winning 96-86, their 27th win in 32 games. Rip Hamilton did the most damage, scoring 30 points.

It wasn't all bleak: five Hornets scored in double figures, and David West once again pulled down 20. But a loss is a loss, and the Bees fall to 15-19.

Two days off, and Sacramento comes to town — or, more precisely, to Norman.

Posted at 9:21 PM to Net Proceeds