http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/108167452817060.xml Armstrong out with ankle sprain Guard doesn't play game against Bucks Sunday April 11, 2004 By John Reid Staff writer MILWAUKEE -- Ninety minutes before Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Hornets guard Darrell Armstrong was in uniform ready to play. Armstrong severely sprained his right ankle with five minutes remaining in Friday's victory against the Boston Celtics at New Orleans Arena. His right ankle was swollen so badly he had difficulty putting on his shoe before Saturday's game. And he couldn't walk without having a noticeable limp. So Coach Tim Floyd and trainer Terry Kofler persuaded Armstrong not to play. Yet, he took the news hard about not playing. When he was injured Friday after chasing down a rebound, he refused to leave the court. "It's not about making a statement or anything. I just want to lead us to victories no matter what," Armstrong said. "I love playing this game of basketball. I still want to go out and try it." Armstrong wanted to be on the court because the Hornets are in a playoff-positioning race with two games remaining in the regular season. They entered as the sixth seed. They're also trying to avoid their first losing season in 12 years. Against the Bucks, Floyd had to go with a lineup that featured Shammond Williams as the starting point guard. The Hornets' rotation was down to only 10 players. Baron Davis didn't make the trip because of a sprained left ankle, and starting forward Jamal Mashburn continues to have swelling in his right knee, caused by a bone bruise. David Wesley started at shooting guard for the second consecutive night, but his sprained left big toe was throbbing again. It hasn't been determined yet when Armstrong may return, though he said he'll likely play Monday against the New York Knicks in the Hornets' regular-season home finale. "Darrell has played through injuries all year," Floyd said. "He keeps on pushing. All of these guys are playing hard." Armstrong's teammates want him back on the court quickly as possible. Center Jamaal Magloire said Armstrong provides a spark they need for the playoffs. "He's a great teammate and all he wants to do is win," Magloire said. Armstrong is the Hornets' leading scorer off the bench, averaging 10.6 points. "You can always count on Darrell playing hard," forward P.J. Brown said. . . . . . . . John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3405. --

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