Okafor Blocks Late In Game Help Hornets Stave Off Kings 97-92

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

Those of you who have been following the New Orleans Hornets probably know that Emeka Okafor has slowly been getting into game shape. How much so could well be determined by the fact that in the Hornets’ game against the Sacramento Kings, Chris Paul got his points; however, it was Okafor who made all the difference as he blocked a couple of shots late in the game, leading New Orleans to a tight 97-92 win over Sacramento at New Orleans Arena.

The first quarter was rather tight as neither team shot well; a Jon Brockman layup helped the Kings take a narrow 27-24 lead at the 0:44 mark of the period. Chris Paul made things better for New Orleans as he scored 9 points in the period, allowing New Orleans to tie things up at a 50-all at halftime.

Tyreke Evans made a difference for Sacramento as he scored 9 points, allowing Sacramento to get to within 63-59; Kevin Martin’s layup with 1:32 remaining in the period pushed the Kings to within 75-69. A three-pointer by Paul with 1 second on the game clock narrowed the Hornets’ deficit to 75-72.

Paul would help the Hornets seal the deal in the fourth quarter as he hit some key free throws with 5 ticks left on the game clock. Speaking of Paul, he lead the Hornets with 31 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists while David West supported New Orleans as he added 13 with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Evans led Sacramento with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while Kevin Martin added 20 with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal; Andres Nocioni pitched in 16 with a rebound and an assist. New Orleans (1-1) plays again on Sunday when they visit the Boston Celtics while Sacramento (0-2) looks to get in the win column when they visit San Antonio Saturday.

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