Coming close isn't cutting it for Hornets

The Hornets have developed consistency, but they can't get over the hump.

They lost at home to the Spurs 104-102 Monday night, the third consecutive game that has been decided by two points. Unfortunately for New Orleans, all three have been losses, as were the five games before that.

The Hornets are putting themselves in position to win, but they are consistently failing to do so, as they have lost 14 of 15. They have lost their last nine home games.

"I told the players it's hard to get on them about anything after you lose three games by a combined total of six points," Hornets coach Monty Williams said. "It's tough, but that's the NBA. It's a cruel league if you end up on the other end of the win. These guys have no quit."

Monday's game was the first one this season in which New Orleans scored 100 points.

The Hornets (3-14) play at Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Thunder earned a 99-79 win over the Pistons on Monday, allowing them to maintain the best record in the Western Conference (14-3).

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