http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/108331729356460.xml Hornets expecting Heat to play more physical N.O. seeks first win this season at Miami Friday, April 30, 2004 By John Reid Staff writer MIAMI -- Hornets point guard Darrell Armstrong expects to see more physical play from the Miami Heat in tonight's Game 5 at AmericanAirlines Arena. And the Hornets intend to play with the same rugged style, Armstrong said after Thursday's practice at the Alario Center. "Guys are going to be battling trying to get rebounds and block shots, and some are going to be diving on the floor for loose balls and getting in front of people to force (offensive) charging fouls," Armstrong said. "I just hope most of it comes from us." The series is tied 2-2, with neither team winning a road game. But Miami has won 14 consecutive home games. The Hornets are winless in four games in Miami this season. In the first two games of the series in Miami, the Heat pushed quicker than the Hornets to score fast-break baskets. But the Hornets got back on defense much quicker in New Orleans and won both games. "We know it's going to be even more intense this time," Armstrong said. Heat players "see now what type of series it is. We have worked our way back into it, and now we're trying to finish it," he said. In the Hornets' 96-85 victory in Game 4, they held Heat forward Caron Butler to seven points. He had been averaging 18 points in the series. The Hornets also limited the Heat to 11 fast-break points -- with just two in the fourth quarter. "We've got to come with more energy because we're at home and we must get a win," Butler said. SUNDAY TIME SET: Sunday's Game 6 at New Orleans Arena will be played at noon, the Hornets announced. NEW RADIO DEAL: The Hornets' games will be broadcast on 1280-AM next season. Half of the games will be simulcast on sister station 99.5-FM. As part of the deal, 1280-AM will air a weekly talk show centered around the Hornets. STAR POWER: Hornets point guard Baron Davis continues to be the top player in the series, averaging a series-best 18.5 points per game with 6.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Davis is averaging 38.5 minutes per game despite playing with a sore left ankle and sore left knee. He didn't practice Thursday but will start tonight. The Heat are treating him with much respect. "He's hit some tough shots and has been the leader of their team," said Heat rookie point guard Dwyane Wade. "He's come out and played, as he says, injured, and he's done a good job." Davis made five of 12 3-point attempts and scored a team-high 23 points in Game 4. "I'm just doing what I have to do for my teammates," Davis said. "Now we have an opportunity to do something special in Game 5." A CLOSER LOOK: Forward Lamar Odom has been the Heat's best player in the series. He is Miami's top scorer with an 18.3-point average, and his 7.8 rebounding average ranks third. "I don't know if you can totally keep him down," Hornets coach Tim Floyd said. "I think our guys have done a good job on him, but he had his way a little bit in Game 3." Odom's 25 points Tuesday were his high for the series. . . . . . . . John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3405. --

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