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Kiwi Sean Marks for the New Orleans Hornets - Source: NBA.com -
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Consigned to a minor role off the bench for much of his career, former Tall Blacks centre Sean Marks made his first NBA start in almost seven years for the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday.
In just the seventh start of his 146-game NBA career, Marks provided two points (1-of-5 FG), three rebounds and a block in 17:03 of game time as the Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-100 at home on a buzzer-beating three from All-Star point guard Chris Paul.
Marks, who dropped just his third career three-pointer in a game last week, got his first start since the 2001-02 season with the Miami Heat, with regular power forward David West out with a back injury. Marks' previous six starts all came that season with the Heat.
The nine-year veteran, who has had his minutes off the bench cut in recent weeks, could see substantial court time later this week when New Orleans hosts the New Jersey Nets on Thursday and travels to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
Along with West being doubtful, starting centre Tyson Chandler and his back-up Hilton Armstrong limped out of Tuesday's game with injuries.
With 19 games played in 2008-09, Marks is on pace to play his most games in a single season, needing seven more games to eclipse the 25 times he stepped on court for the San Antonio Spurs in 2005-06.
