Celtics Wrap: Boston Falls To Hornets 124-117 After

After a pair of tough-to-swallow losses towards playoff contenders, the Boston Celtics couldn't proper the ship towards the scuffling Charlotte Hornets, blowing an 18-point lead within the fourth quarter in a 124-117 loss at Spectrum Center. Kemba Walker was a drive, ending with 36 factors, 9 assists and 11 rebounds, out-dueling Kyrie Irving within the fourth quarter. Irving led the Celtics with 31 factors. Jaylen Brown continued to impress whereas coming off the bench, going for 29 factors. Marcus Morris (15), Jayson Tatum (12) and Terry Rozier (12) additionally completed in double figures. With the loss, the Celtics fall to 43-30, whereas the Hornets transfer to 33-39 with the win. Here’s the way it all went down. STARTING FIVEPG: Kyrie IrvingSG: Marcus SmartSF: Jayson

New Orleans Hornets All-Star David West Opts Out of Final Year of Contract, Becomes Free Agent

When New Orleans Hornets power forward David West saw his season come to an early end in April, many assumed that the former All-Star would exercise his option for the 2011-12 season. Apparently, West has other plans. West elected to opt out of the final year of his contract and test free agency, ESPN.com reported Monday. The 30-year-old tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in late March, and had season-ending surgery in April. The initial expected recovery time for the injury was six to eight months, but West has been recovering faster than expected. West, who averaged 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds prior to his injury, is expected to draw interest from multiple clubs, including New Jersey and Indiana,