OKLAHOMA CITY - The losses kept piling up for P.J. Carlesimo, and it didn't matter which city his team called home.
With the relocated Oklahoma City Thunder off to an NBA-worst 1-12 start, Carlesimo was fired as coach Saturday after the team's 10th consecutive setback - a 105-80 home loss to the Hornets on Friday night - and replaced on an interim basis by assistant Scott Brooks, a former Rocket. Oklahoma City may not have broken its streak, but it hung around much longer in the second meeting between the teams in two days.
David West scored a season-high 33 points and Chris Paul had a triple-double to help New Orleans beat Oklahoma City 109-97 on Saturday night, handing the Thunder their 11th straight loss.
The Thunder led by seven in the second quarter and only trailed by five, 92-87, when Russell Westbrook hit two free throws with 5:45 left.
Carlesimo had questioned his team in recent games for failing to give full effort, performances resulting in a string of blowouts.
Playing for a new coach, the Thunder showed plenty of motivation.
"Things aren't good," Brooks said. "It's a challenge to get our guys motivated to play every night. Our team needs direction. I have clear plans to make this team play with much more energy and passion."
Carlesimo was expected to produce a winner around Kevin Durant, but he never really stood a chance. Carlesimo inherited a roster shredded by the trades of stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis after a decision to rebuild.
Friday's loss served as a reminder of how the Hornets rebuilt from an 18-win season to a playoff contender during a two-year stay in Oklahoma City brought on by Hurricane Katrina.
