"After missing eight games because of a strained right groin, small forward Trevor Ariza returned to the starting lineup for the Hornets on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies at the New Orleans Arena.

He wasted no time reasserting himself, putting up season-high numbers almost across the board while playing a team-high 40 minutes.

Ariza had 18 points, seven assists, four steals — all season highs — and five rebounds in the Hornets' 93-87 loss to the Grizzlies.

"None of that really matters to me," Ariza said. "We lost the ball game. We're struggling right now. All I really care about is winning.""