If you asked New Orleans Hornets fans to list the most memorable game they witnessed during the abbreviated 2011-12 season, it’s likely many would pick a 97-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on March 22, 2012. Just over one year later, the Clippers will make their first visit to New Orleans since that eventful Western Conference clash, facing the Hornets in a Wednesday meeting. The Hornets are seeking their fourth straight victory, after beating Boston, Memphis and Denver in the past week.
Last season’s lone Clippers at Hornets game was tremendously entertaining, filled with highlight-reel Clipper dunks; a high-scoring first half that finished with L.A. up 58-54; playoff intensity; and a fourth-comeback by the Hornets that allowed them to prevail. It was also Chris Paul’s first game back in New Orleans, after he had been traded to Los Angeles in December 2011.
Jason Smith was ejected from last season’s March 22 contest due to a hard second-half foul he committed on Blake Griffin, which resulted in a two-game suspension for Smith (Smith apologized for the play). The 7-foot New Orleans reserve was on the court on Nov. 26 of this season, however, when the Hornets posted a 105-98 win on the Clippers’ home floor. Smith helped paced the visitors with 17 points off the bench, while fellow sub Austin Rivers contributed 14 points and six assists. Greivis Vasquez provided an early-season glimpse of his impressive improvement, racking up 25 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Unfortunately for NOLA, Smith has been ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury; Rivers is unlikely to play again in 2012-13 due to a broken right hand.
With revenge on their minds, the Clippers returned the favor a few weeks later, downing the Hornets by a 93-77 final margin on Dec. 19, also in Los Angeles. Griffin led a balanced Clippers offense by scoring 18 points, while four other players reached double digits. Paul had a double-double at 10 points and 12 assists.
The Hornets and Clippers will hold their fourth and final meeting of 2012-13 here in New Orleans on April 12.
Intriguing matchup: Power forward, Anthony Davis vs. Blake Griffin
In a rare meeting of former No. 1 overall draft picks, it will be compelling theater to watch Davis’ stellar defensive play against Griffin’s explosive offensive moves and athleticism. In the Dec. 19 contest, Griffin outscored Davis by the narrow margin of 18-16.
