NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (37-28) 96, CAVS (12-50) 81
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: One could understand if the Cavs lost to the Hornets if Chris Paul had a big night. But he left with 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.

His replacement, Jarrett Jack, was outstanding in his place with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

The Cavs buckled under the pressure. The Hornets are a very good defensive team and they held the Cavs to 36.8 percent shooting.

Cavs coach Byron Scott leveled the team after the game and said they played selfish basketball. I don't know who he was talking about, specifically. But he did say it wasn't the new players who were at fault.

It will only be a matter of time before Baron Davis moves into the starting lineup. Ramon Sessions will be going to the bench in the near future.

Center Semih Erden made his debut with the Cavs. He had five rebounds in 11 minutes. Scott said he sets good screens. I can sleep better tonight after knowing that morsel of information.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Quincy Poindexter (6-6, 225)
PF Samardo Samuels (6-9, 260) vs. David West (6-9, 240)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Emeka Okafor (6-10, 255)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Marco Belinelli (6-5, 192)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 190) vs. Chris Paul (6-0, 175)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – F Antawn Jamison, G Daniel Gibson, C Anderson Varejao.
Hornets – G Marcus Banks, C D.J. Mbenga, G/F Trevor Ariza.
OFFICIALS
Ron Garretson, David Guthrie, Derek Richardson