Mavericks Vs. Hornets: Late Run Gives New Orleans Surprising Win Over Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks led the New Orleans Hornets the entire fourth quarter, by as many as 11 and, with a minute and 14 seconds left, by seven. Then, all hell broke loose. Marco Belinelli hit a three-pointer after a New Orleans offensive rebound. Dirk Nowitzki committed a rare turnover. New Orleans earned a few offensive rebounds after close misses that resulted in a bucket for Emeka Okafor. Tyson Chandler was intentionally fouled, and bricked both free throws. And, in the call that decided the game, Jason Kidd -- wily veteran of 77 years or so -- guarded Jarrett Jack too closely, and the Hornet took advantage, swooping for a sell-job three-point attempt that resulted in the referees calling a foul and three free throws for Jack.

Jack sunk all three, and with 8.4 seconds left, Nowitzki and the Mavericks couldn't get a shot to fall, leaving the Hornets with a completely improbable 93-92 win. That New Orleans accomplished the feat without Chris Paul is all the more sweet, considering these two teams could meet up in the first round of the Western playoffs. Paul remains out after suffering a scary concussion on Sunday.