"Still stinging from an embarrassing defeat by one Eastern Conference playoff team Sunday night, the New Orleans Hornets got their only look at the defending conference champion Miami Heat on Monday night at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. One viewing should be sufficient.

Despite trailing by 12 points at one juncture of the second quarter, the amazingly athletic Heat put on an 18-4 blitz — 13 of those points coming from the team's heart and soul, Dwyane Wade, then pulled away in the second half, thumping New Orleans 109-95. It was the Hornets 17th loss in the past 19 games."