Hornets sting Sonics

Thu., April 5, 2007

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

Bennett will wait

» OKLAHOMA CITY – Seattle SuperSonics owner Clay Bennett said Wednesday that despite being "disappointed" with the team's performance, he will not make any decisions about changes until after the season.

» "It's the beginning of the process," the Oklahoma City businessman said before the Sonics played the Hornets. "One thing that we committed to do is take the year and really attempt to understand the business and get familiar with the vision that this general manager and head coach have for this team, and understand that fully and evaluate that fully.

» "I think we've made a lot of progress in that regard. I certainly have confidence in the decision-making team we're putting together and how we'll approach this decision."

» Seattle coach Bob Hill's contract ends in June, and general manager Rick Sund has one year remaining on his deal.

» "I think that we're all – the coaching staff and players included – disappointed in the season," Bennett said.

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY – Even with only one of their five starters on the court, the New Orleans Hornets still showed off their overtime prowess.

Bobby Jackson scored seven of his 18 points in the extra period and the Hornets overcame the lowest-scoring fourth quarter in franchise history in a 101-92 win against the Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday night.

New Orleans is a franchise season-best 6-0 in overtime games this season – with the latest win coming when starters Tyson Chandler, Desmond Mason and Chris Paul all got hurt.

“One thing that helps us out is when we go into overtime now, we have the ultimate confidence to know that we can win the game. We’re undefeated in overtime on the season,” said Paul, who was one assist shy of his fourth career triple-double.

Jackson and fellow reserve Rasual Butler scored all of the Hornets’ points during a 13-3 run to start overtime, and Seattle coach Bob Hill was left scratching his head after Butler’s second 3-pointer in the stretch gave New Orleans a 97-87 lead with 1:47 to play.

“I think it’s a gut check for us. We know that the game shouldn’t have been that close in the fourth quarter,” said Jackson, who had four free throws and a 3-pointer in the surge.

David West added 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Butler scored 16 as the Hornets landed six players in double figures. West was the only New Orleans starter that played in the overtime, with Jackson replacing guard Devin Brown in the lineup.

Paul had 11 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, but sat out the overtime period after coming down wrong on his left foot. He has been playing through a stress reaction in the foot, which may require off-season surgery.

Brown scored 14 points and Marc Jackson added 13 points after replacing Chandler, who re-aggravated a bruised left toe in the first quarter. Mason went out after he was elbowed in the face by Seattle’s Chris Wilcox in the second quarter. Butler stepped in for him.

Chandler, Mason and Paul were all considered day-to-day.

Rashard Lewis led Seattle with 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Damien Wilkins scored nine of his 16 points in the fourth quarter as the SuperSonics erased a 13-point deficit.

Earl Watson also scored 16 points for the Sonics, who have lost three straight.

Wilcox also sprained his left ankle on the same play he elbowed Mason on the right cheek.

Hornets sting Sonics

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