How quickly things can turn

The Mavericks took their first lead when Dirk Nowitzki threw in a jumper and a 3-pointer to put them up 51-46. But they missed three consecutive opportunities to bump up the lead further.

That may end up haunting the Mavericks.

The Hornets just converted two lob passes from Chris Paul into slams by Tyson Chandler and Julian Wright. It's back to a one-point game and the crowd and momentum are firmly in the Hornets' corner.

--Eddie Sefko