Nuggets vs Hornets: New Orleans ends Denver's 15-game Winning Streak

  The Nuggets were on the verge of extending their 15-game winning streak as they flew to New Orleans to go against the short-handed Hornets. New Orleans without their starting point guard Greivis Vasquez and Eric Gordon, both out with injuries, were expected to fall to the streaking Nuggets. Well the Hornets got a surprising victory last night, snapping Denver's 15-game winning streak, 110-86. New Orleans had complete control of the match up. While shooting over 48 percent for most of the game, they also played great defensively, to slow down the Nuggets. The Hornets shot well from 3-point range, and had seven players in double figures, led by Ryan Anderson who came of the bench scoring 23 points. Roger Mason Jr had 14 and Brian Roberts with 13 points and a career high, 18 assist. While in the third quarter they extended their lead by 23 points and even when the Nuggets starting to go on a run, the Hornets maintained their defense and closed out the quarter with an 86-68 lead. Robin Lopez and Lou Amundson made it difficult for the Nuggets to get into the lane, as they cut off penetration and challenged all shots. With all this defensive pressure, Denver was held to only shooting 37 percent. Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 24 points, followed by Kenneth Faried with 13 and Wilson Chandler who returned from a shoulder injury after missing 2 games scored 11. Denver played without Ty Lawson for the third consecutive game, still out due to a heel injury. He was definitely the missing key last night.

New Orleans, not only surprised everyone with this victory, but also achieved their best opening half of the season with their 21 point lead. The Hornets are at home tomorrow against Chris Paul and the Clippers.

Though the 15-game streak has come to an end, it was still very impressive. Denver put together a double digit winning streak that surprised a lot of people. Even though 9 of their wins were at home, they got 6 wins on the road including a big win against the Thunder. The Nuggets still have a 1 game lead over the Grizzlies and are hoping to maintain it to get home court advantage in the playoffs. Denver heads to San Antonio tomorrow, to take on the best in the west, the Spurs.

-@SarahTresChic15