girllovesthegame

Three weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies repeatedly gave Hornets forward David West open shots in the high post. It appeared as if they were daring him to shoot.

By halftime, West had made 10 of 13 shots for 21 points. Before the end of the fourth quarter, he had matched his career high of 34 points. Despite West's 40-point performance, it still took overtime for the Hornets to defeat the Grizzlies 120-118. West scored all six of the Hornets' points in the extra period.

"They won't allow that again, but it's just going to be a matter for us to find a mismatch," West said.

The rematch is tonight at the New Orleans Arena. West, though, is coming off his lowest-scoring performance this season. He scored nine points on 3-of-15 shooting in a 91-76 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

No one other than center Tyson Chandler, who grabbed a game-high 22 rebounds and scored 17 points, gave a consistent effort against Detroit. Point guard Chris Paul was held to 14 points.

Despite victories against playoff contending teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, the Hornets' inconsistent play, especially among the backups, has led to losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz and Pistons.

A blown 15-point first-quarter lead almost cost the Hornets a victory against Memphis before West rescued them.

"The best teams in this league get up for everybody, and we have to get to that point where we don't take anybody for granted," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said.

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Darko has been out of the Grizzlies' lineup so I'm not sure if he's playing tonight or not. Hornets had better not take the Grizzlies lightly.

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