The Hornets kept it close until late before succumbing to defeat for the 25th time this year. If that sounds like a lot, it's because it is; the team is now mere percentage points away from eclipsing the 2004-2005 Hornets as the worst in franchise history.

- Many of the season's recurring positives and negatives were on display today -- Greivis Vasquez had a strong, creative game despite shooting poorly, Anthony Davis struggled with some shots from closer in (a more recent, disturbing trend), and Robin Lopez was quietly efficient.

- Notably, Al-Farouq Aminu received big (31) minutes for the first time since December 14th vs. Minnesota, and he did inject some defensive rebounding into the side (6, to lead the team) despite a couple ugly mishaps including the fumbled alley-oop.

- And, of course, the ridiculous Lance Thomas experiment continued its never-ending trek into the great infinity beyond. I've expressed an affinity for Thomas' game before, and I think he's a useful 4th or 5th big, but whoever's talked Monty Williams into starting him for nine (nine!) straight games now should probably also be involved in some capacity in March fiscal cliff talks.

- Haha, Austin Rivers. D-League him please.

- Fingers crossed that Eric Gordon can return next time out. According to the team, it was a scheduled day off for him, but given how (not) forthcoming the Hornets have been about his status for the past year, it's tough to say anything about Gordon's health with any certainty.

The Dream Shake