The New Orleans Hornets lost to the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 Sunday afternoon in their final home game before becoming the Pelicans. The Mavericks rolled over the Hornets’ defense, shooting 52.3% from the field, and 42.9% from three-point range.
The Hornets lost the lead early in the first quarter as Dallas relentlessly attacked the paint. The Mavs outscored the Bees 18-8 under the rim in the first quarter, and extended their lead to 33-19 before the end of the period.
New Orleans’ Ryan Anderson scored 10 of his team-high 20 in the second quarter, trying to make up lost ground. Despite Anderson’s efforts the Hornets only landed 33.3% while allowing Dallas 61.9% shooting. Dallas led 62-40 before the break.
The Hornets briefly surged after halftime. They outscored their opponents 27-19 in the third quarter, but were only able to come within 12 points of the lead before time expired in the final period.
The Hornets (27-54) have one game left in their season, a rematch against Dallas on Wednesday night in Texas.