Eric Gordon took control in the last minutes of overtime, scoring the New Orleans Hornets’ last 8 points and leading his team to victory on the road against the Dallas Mavericks.
Gordon started his final assault with 1:49 left to play in overtime, driving through the Dallas defense for a reverse lay-up to bring the Bees within one, 94-93. He then knocked down a go-ahead three-pointer, before the Mavericks’ O.J Mayo pulled up for a jumper to tie the game at 96.
But that’s when Gordon, who has sat most of this season and last with a knee injury, showed his talent. In the last moments he mixed up Darren Collison, knocked down a jump-shot and drew a foul. He then sunk the free throw, leaving Dallas with only 4.7 seconds on the clock, and the Mavericks were unable to score. This is New Orleans’ first overtime victory this season.
The Hornets had the chance to finish the game in regulation. However, with 18.5 seconds left to play in the 4th and the game tied 89-89, Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez was overwhelmed by Dallas defenders. Unable to find a clear pass or clean shot, he missed a desperation heave, sending the game into OT.
Vasquez led the Hornets in scoring with 25 points. He also passed out 9 assists and grabbed 7 boards. This is the fourth time this season that Vasquez has scored 25 or more points.
Gordon made his first starting appearance of the season tonight, replacing Austin Rivers as shooting guard. Gordon started slow, but his critical overtime performance outshone the previous four quarters. He ended the night with 14 points, shooting 4-13,.
Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki also made his first start of the season tonight, after missing 27 games since he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the preseason. Nowitzki was greeted by powerful applause from the Dallas fans as he made his way onto the court, and scored 20 points tonight.
The Hornets (8-25) are coming back to New Orleans for a Monday night game versus the San Antonio Spurs (27-9). It’s the first of a three-game homestand for the Hornets.
