MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets look to get
into the win column Saturday when they meet the Minnesota
Timberwolves at the Target Arena.
Following a season-opening loss to the Dallas Mavericks on
Wednesday, the Hornets were shocked by the Orlando Magic on
Friday, dropping a 90-89 decision on a follow shot in the
closing seconds by Magic guard Steve Francis.
New Orleans' 0-2 start is its first since 1998 and stretched
their losing streak since the preseason to six games.
Baron Davis has been the Hornets' bright spot thus far. Davis
scored 25 points in the loss to the Mavericks, 14 more than any
of his teammates, and then exploded for 36 points vs. Orlando.
Additionally, he has recorded a team-high 16 assists through the
two games.
No other player has amassed any more than 13 points in a game
for New Orleans and the club will need more production from its
supporting cast if it is to snap a three-game losing streak vs.
the Timberwolves.
Minnesota took its opener at home vs. the New York Knicks on
Wednesday before suffering a difficult loss to the Denver
Nuggets the next night. In a game that featured two ejections,
six technical fouls and a short scuffle in the fourth quarter,
the Timberwolves fell in overtime, 94-92.
A favorite to win the Northwest Division when the season
started, Minnesota's opening week has been dominated by the
contract squabbles surrounding guards Latrell Sprewell and Sam
Cassell.
Both players have publicly made clear their dissatisfaction with
Timberwolves management after not receiving contract extensions
before the season started. In the meantime, Sprewell and
Cassell have combined to shoot just 34 percent (18-of-53) from
the floor and have only 17 assists against 13 turnovers.
Sprewell, Cassell and Kevin Garnett, the 2003 NBA Most Valuable
Player, each averaged over 20 points a game in the two meetings
with the Hornets last season.




