Hornets 121, Jazz 117 (OT)
Trevor Ariza hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime and the New Orleans Hornets went on for a 121-117 victory over the host Utah Jazz on Thursday.
David West scored 29 points for New Orleans (41-31) but suffered an apparent serious left knee injury on his game-tying dunk with 22.5 seconds left in regulation. West landed awkwardly, yelled out in anguish numerous times and was taken from the court in a wheelchair.
Paul Millsap had 33 points and 11 rebounds for fading Utah (36-37), which lost its fourth straight game and fell below .500 for the first time since early November.
Utah appeared as if was going to win the game in regulation after Millsap hit two free throws with 1.3 seconds. But a long downcourt baseball pass was deflected and Emeka Okafor won a scramble for a loose ball and banked in a miracle, off-balance 20-footer as time expired to force overtime.
Ariza broke a 109-109 tie with his 3-pointer with 2:10 to go in overtime.
Chris Paul added 24 points and 12 assists for New Orleans. Jarrett Jack added 15 points with Marco Belinelli and Ariza scoring 14 apiece. Ariza also had nine rebounds.
Al Jefferson had 22 points and 13 rebounds for Utah.