Hornets.com postgame: Jazz 106, Hornets 86
Saturday, March 20, 2010
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
From a first-quarter ejection of their primary offensive option to allowing countless Jazz layups and falling behind by 25 points at halftime, it was not at all the way the Hornets wanted to see their five-game road trip conclude. In a result that was reminiscent of several New Orleans trips to Salt Lake City in previous seasons, the Jazz (45-25) rolled to a 34-point advantage through three quarters and dominated play.
Hornets power forward David West exited the game with 1:50 remaining in the opening period after being ejected due to a flagrant foul-type 2. West made contact with Kyle Korver's head while Korver drove in for a fast-break layup, meaning the Hornets (33-38) would play the entire final three quarters without their leading scorer. The Jazz didn't even need until intermission to capitalize, quickly building a commanding lead.
The Hornets finished 1-4 on their lengthiest road trip of the season, dropping each of the final three games. They are now 9.5 games out of eighth place in the Western Conference standings, with 11 games remaining on their schedule.