原文出自 nola.com http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/109790850021970.xml West keeps his focus on offense in defeat Scott orders more shooting from Hornets' second-year pro Saturday, October 16, 2004 By John Reid Staff writer CHICAGO -- Shortly after Hornets forward David West entered the game Friday, he looked to shoot the ball. His intention wasn't to exploit the Chicago Bulls' youthfulness -- 13 players on their 19-man roster have three years or less experience. In Friday's 103-100 overtime loss to the Bulls at the United Center, West simply was following Coach Byron Scott's instructions to become a more productive offensive player than he showed last season as a rookie, when he averaged 3.8 points per game. He scored 12 points, most by going aggressively to the basket. He made three of nine shots, but hit all six free throws. "It's all about when I have the opportunities to score, I have to take advantage of it, so I can give us another threat on the floor," West said. In running the Princeton offense, Scott doesn't want most of the scoring revolving only around Baron Davis, Jamaal Magloire, J.R. Smith and David Wesley, who remains sidelined with an injured hamstring. To make it more difficult for opponents, Scott wants a scoring threat off the bench, capable of making mid-range jumpers from 17 feet. West has shown that ability in practice, and now Scott wants to see it carry over into games. "I'm going to keep working," said West, the Hornets' first-round pick in the 2003 draft from Xavier (Ohio) University. Scott has plays designed to get West the ball outside the lane, so he can drive or take advantage of his mid-range shooting ability. "We tried to run some things for him tonight," Scott said. "He did a good job attacking the basket, and he got to the free-throw line a couple of times and made those." During the first four minutes West played in the second quarter, he took four shots. But like Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, he did not get out to a fast start, missing five of his first seven shots. But Scott isn't worried. There will be no change when the Hornets play the Clippers tonight at the Cajundome in Lafayette. When West comes off the bench, Scott wants him to shoot. "I'm not worried about David; he's going to be all right," Scott said. "We want him to be more aggressive on the offensive end, and it's something we're going to continue to try and work on." Often last season, West would get passes thrown to him, and he would pass the ball back to the guards, despite having an open shot. But veterans like P.J. Brown have encouraged West to shoot more and feel comfortable doing it. "He's improving, and I think he can become a scoring threat for us off the bench," Brown said. Scott's priority Friday was to get an extended look at several of his backup players competing for a roster spot. Point guard Junior Harrington scored 12 points in 31 minutes. Forward Britton Johnsen, who did not play Wednesday, grabbed eight rebounds and scored 11 points. But second-round pick Tim Pickett struggled, finishing 1-of-7 from the field for seven points. The Hornets had a chance to send the game into double overtime, but Pickett missed a 3-point try as time expired. "We are playing hard and we are competing; that's all you can ask for," Scott said. "It's the preseason. It doesn't mean much in the win-loss column. It just shows your character and gets you ready for the season." Davis led the Hornets with 16 points on 4-of-10 shooting. Smith, who scored a team-high 19 points in Wednesday's preseason opener against the Mavericks, played 15 minutes and missed seven of nine shots for five points. He made two of three shots in the first quarter. . . . . . . . John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3405. --

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