Since the All-star break the Hornets have been in a bit of a slump. they went from first place in the Western division and after losing three straight it dropped their record to 38-17 which is good but in a tight conference the Hornets could ill afford too many losses.
Chris Paul had a monster game once again against Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns, who are in a bit of a slump themselves since aquiring Shaq in a trade. Paul had highlite reel assist all night with 25 pts 15 ast and 3 steals to lead the Hornets to a 120-103 win. It's the second time the Hornets snapped a three game skid and the victim has been the Suns both times.
In 10 head to head meetings Paul has gotten the better of Nash so far. 5 wins by each team but Paul has the better stats.
Nash Paul
Wins 5 5
PPG 17.0 21.7
APG 7.9 10.0
RPG 3.0 5.0
SPG 0.6 3.0
Tyson Chandler the Hornets C has not posted a double-double in four games. Last night he abused Shaq with 12 pts and 15 boards. Although Shaq had a descent game he and the Suns had no answer for Chandler as he was able to hook up with Paul several times with monster alley's and a few put backs on the tips when his teammates missed shots.
Reserve guard Jannero Pargo scored 22 and Peja Stojakovic 17 for New Orleans, which shot 53 percent in avoiding its first four-game losing streak this season.
Next the Hornets take on a very good Jazz team who has done well since Kyle Korver has come aboard. Jazz PG Williams and Paul who were drafted back to back 3 years ago have been considerd the two best young guys at their respective positions. Both players have turned their ball clubs into forces to be reckoned with out West.
The Hornets need this win against the Jazz who have owned the Hornets as of late. With the season ending injury to Yao Ming one would think that things will be easier in the Sothwest division but with so many teams just a few games withing each other, things aren't easy at all in the Western conference. Teams like Denver and Golden St. could have winning records and be out of the playoffs. Something that can't be said for that other conference. This should be the best two months of NBA action in quite some years. I will be watching with great anticapation through out.
Good win last night. Tyson Chandler played very well. When is Phoenix going to turn up their interior defense? I thought that's why they traded for Shaq? Lol.
Really looking forward to Friday's game. You know I'm a D. Will guy. Paul better have some payback for Williams because he was outplayed in their last meeting.
Cheers Gambit. I replied to your Fox message. Thanks for the acknowledgement.
Last edited by Hoffman on February 28th at 8:59 AM.
gambitxxx
You oughtn't be surprised by the result. There are many out there who feel that the Suns'll be able to turn things around. But when a team that's solely predicated on offense and can't play a lick of defense continues to play like this. You know that things just aren't going to improve for them at all. Shaq is , Shaq is that. Shaq ain't done a damn thing in over a year for God's sake.
And one wonders why things are heading south for the team at this juncture ?
Whatever Kerr has been sniffing he'd better find a cure for it fast.
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I'll look forward to reading your comments.
The Hornets are better than many people realize, and Chris Paul is easily one of the best PGs in the game. Tophatal makes a great point in saying Shaq hasn't done much lately, and after two lackluster defensive outings, it seems clear that the deal to get him probably was a waste of time. And I hope for Steve Kerr's sake that TNT is willing to take him back if it is the case!
Hoffman,
thx for stopping in. I agree Tyson Chandler did play very well. the Alley's were just amazing. Phoenix's defense interior wise is just aweful. I thought that was the reason for said trade as well. Looks like the Heat slipped one by the Suns in that trade.
Top,
Thx for dropping in and I couldn't agree with you more. Will be by your blog befor the day is done. Things are a little hectic at work right now.
Downs,
I sure hope for Kerr's sake TNT has an opening as well if things continue to go South for the Suns. Not a great way to start off your first GM job. What a putz he is. I'll never agree with any opinion on any player he has if he does end up back on T.V.
hey gambitxxx, nice piece.
The growth of young Hornets is phenom, CP3, West and Chandler would be the Big Three in the NBA given more time to develop fully. Hornets huge win against the Suns is really something.
nwhatdheck,
Thx I appreciate the props. I agree the growth is something I never even seen coming. They have a fine young nucleus in place. Let's just hope they can keep it going well into the latter rounds of the playoffs.
Husker,
Niiiiice avatar! Paul is something else for being so young still. "CPNO" is a great handle. thx for stopping in.
gambitxxx
As and when you're ready as there's no rush. Tonight's game between the Hornets and Jazz ought to be one worth watching also. CPIII and Deron Williams goin' at it like rabid dogs. I wouldn't want to be in between those two come game time. It'll be all about the last man standing as that's what'll determine who ends up winning the game.
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