--F Al Jefferson on Friday returned to New Orleans Arena. That's where his season ended last February, when he came down awkwardly on one leg after late in a game against the Hornets and ended up hopping across the court before collapsing in pain with what was later determined to be a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament. Asked for his thoughts about returning to the scene of his injury, Jefferson said: "Nah, not going to think about it. Try not to think about it. It could have happened anywhere." It happened in front of about 60 family members and friends who made the drive from nearby Mississippi to see him play. On Friday night, Jefferson was lining up about 30 tickets for his Prentiss, Miss., fan club.
"That is why they're all not coming back this year," he said, referring to the way the last game in New Orleans ended. "That was terrible that they all came for that."
--F Kevin Love wasn't the only one who returned to action Friday night.
Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul came back Friday after missing eight games because of a sprained ankle sustained Nov. 11 against Portland. He practiced Thursday and was called a game-time decision, but came started and delivered 16 points, 15 assists, eight steals and six rebounds in more than 38 minutes.
"That's what I want," said Wolves rookie Jonny Flynn, who drew the defensive assignment. "Yes, sir. That's what I came into the league for, to play against the three or four best guards in the league. No offense to (backup guard) Darren Collison, but Chris Paul, that's the guy you want to play against."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I like the big fella out there. He played hard." -- G Ramon Sessions, on Kevin Love's season debut Friday in New Orleans.
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