Frigid Hornets smothered by Heat
The Miami Heat had no need for another last-second hero -- not the way the New Orleans Hornets missed shots at a near-record rate.
The Hornets shot 24.4 percent to tie for the second-lowest playoff point total since the shot clock was introduced in 1954, and the host Heat cruised, 93-63, last night for a two games to none lead in their first-round playoff series.
The hapless Hornets finished 20 for 82. They sank seven meaningless baskets in the fourth quarter to avoid breaking the record for playoff shooting futility -- 23.3 percent, set by Golden State in 1973.
Utah holds the playoff record for fewest points with 54 in 1998.
Dwyane Wade's basket with 1.3 seconds left gave the Heat a win in Game 1, but they wrapped up Game 2 early, taking a 23-point lead in the third quarter.
The Heat have won 14 in a row at home, but they're 13-28 on the road this season.
New Orleans's offensive meltdown was a collective effort. All-Star center Jamaal Magloire repeatedly missed inside, All-Star guard Baron Davis went 3 for 14, and reserve Stacey Augmon clanked a short jumper off the side of the rim.
Twice the Hornets misfired on 10 consecutive tries. In the third quarter they shot 10.5 percent (2 for 19)
Bucks 92, Pistons 88 -- Michael Redd bounced back, and so did Milwaukee. Barely.
Redd scored a career playoff-high 26 points as the Bucks held on to beat Detroit in Auburn Hills, Mich., and even their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. It was the first win by a road team in this year's playoffs.
The Bucks led, 87-72, with 3:13 left before Detroit made a frantic comeback. With a chance to tie or take the lead, Rasheed Wallace took a pass in the corner and the ball slipped out of his hands and went out of bounds with 4.1 seconds left.
Redd then made two free throws to seal the win.
Chauncey Billups led Detroit with 20 points before fouling out, and Richard Hamilton had 18 points before being ejected with a second technical foul with 4:58 left.
The Bucks' 100th playoff win was also their first on the road against the Pistons in three playoff meetings. Timberwolves 95, Nuggets 81 -- Latrell Sprewell took care of the shooting, and Kevin Garnett did the dirty work.
Sprewell scored 31 points, including seven 3-pointers, and Garnett had his third career playoff triple-double, and Minnesota beat visiting Denver to take a two games to none lead in their first-round playoff series.
Garnett didn't have a great night from the floor, shooting just 9 for 27. But he finished with 20 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 assists, and has 42 rebounds in two games.
Voshon Lenard led the Nuggets with 24 points, but only 9 in the final three quarters. Rookie of the Year runner-up Carmelo Anthony continued his quiet postseason with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 5-for-11 shooting.
