Nuggets Use Stifling Defense To Trounce Hornets

The current season-long road trip has not been kind to the Hornets. After beginning with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans has lost their last three. Last night was the first lopsided game, as the Denver Nuggets trounced the Hornets 113-98.

Hornets head coach Monty Williams preaches defense anytime a mic is in his face. Perhaps Monty can use game film from Friday night to help get his point across, because Denver's D was awesome, particularly on the perimeter. The Nuggets finished with a season-high 14 steals.

Hornets' guards Eric Gordon, Greivis Vasquez, and Austin Rivers combined for 12 turnovers, the majority of which were the result of a stifling Nugget defense. New Orleans turned it over 21 times Friday night. In comparison, the Nuggets finished with only 8 turnovers.

"You want to make the right play but you're just throwing the ball to space instead of throwing it with a purpose," Williams explained. "It happens to a lot of young guys. Not reading how the defense is playing you. That's what they do, they force turnovers, and they're really good at that."

Ryan Anderson played well off the bench, leading New Orleans in scoring with 21. Anthony Davis chipped in a double-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Xavier Henry (pictured) logged more minutes than normal (24), trying to impress the coaching staff with 6 points and 3 rebounds. He was overly aggressive on defense though, leading to 5 fouls.

A stretch of 4 games in 5 nights will come to an end tonight when the Hornets take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota. Tip-off is set for 7:00.