The Hornets David West has been on a mission. Just a few nights ago Houston PG Rafer Alston made a statement about Mr. West befor they were to play the Hornets. In an interview with TNT Alston said people were saying they beat New Orleans befor that game because the Hornets were without David West. He went on to say that David West isn't a superstar like Yao Ming. Needless to say West helped lead his team to victory and made Alstons statement seem pretty stupid in my opinion.
Fast forward to lastnights game and West looked like he had been a superstar his whole career. Against the Celtics, West just couldn't be stopped. In a sold out New Orleans arena, West carried the Hornets who was without it's lone superstar (depending on who you ask) CP3 for most of the game due to some flaky foul trouble. The result was a Hornets win and David West making every defender that the Celtics threw at him look absolutly silly. So for those of you who believe Rafer Alston and also those that think CP3 makes David West look good only need to watch the highlites of the game lastnight. West finished with 37 points on the night.
CP3 only played 29 minutes because of the foul trouble he stayed in but hit some clutch jumpers late in the fourth quarter.
"David West single-handedly destroyed us, but Pargo was the most important player on their team," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "They had their leader off the floor, and they actually cut the lead, got the lead, with him off the floor, and that's the time we should have stretched the lead and we didn't." Pargo had 15 points and six assists in 21 minutes, helping New Orleans surge into the lead while Paul was on the bench early in the fourth quarter.
Bonzi Wells has been a nice addition to the Hornets as well. He finished lastnight with 12 points and 8 steals, a franchise record. Being out rebounded 44-29 the many forced turnovers from a relentless defense more than made up for the difference.
If you haven't already it's time to take these Hornets seriously. Many believe they don't have the experience to go far in the playoffs and that may have some merit to it. However the Western conference is tough already down this stretch. Even as tough as it is and will continue to be, the Hornets have in recent weeks beaten the Spurs, Lakers and Rafer Alstons Houston Rockets.
No David West isn't a superstar...yet, however he is an All-Star and both Houston and Boston have seen just why he was.
Good balance for the Hornets showed in this game. I'm glad to see Bonzi getting some tick, I feel he has not been given a decent opportunity after he almost caused an upset victory for the Kings against the Spurs 2 years ago. Adelman must be wishing he had given Bonzi more of a chance.
Hornets' schedule has 5 tough road games remaining, at Celtics, Cavs, Magic, Mavs, and Lakers, plus the Raptors, as well as hosting the Warriors and Jazz. So they will need to keep on playing at this high level to be able to contend for one of the higher seeds.
NBA,
Thx alot. Yeah the Hornets have probably the toughest remaining schedule left right along with the Spurs. Bonzi is avg. 13 points a game since coming over to the Hornets. That's more production than they get from "Mo Pete" who just seems to not have anything left. I'm wondering how long it will take befor Bonzi is starting over Peterson. Bonzi only knows 5 plays the Hornets run but that'll change soon enough.
Also Julian Wright the rookie SG/SF is playing real well since his minutes increased. This kid has real good potential. He plays tough defense (shutdown both Kobe and McGrady) when in the game.
New Orleans is making very one take notice ! Chris Paul MVP ! West is a good player.
Being a Suns fan, I want you guys to face LA Lakers or Golden St Warriors first in the playoffs ! Its all about match ups. Every one in the West has a great shot at this Title this year !
Suns match up well with the Spurs, Houston and Jazz ! But we are willing to take on all ! But heres hoping Golden St and New Orleans face the other guys first before we get them Second round !
Chances are one team will go down and one will be a hard draw second round. If the Lakers keep first place and face New Orleans or the Warriors they are going to have there hands full !
Houston is the team everyone wants first regardless of the 22 game streak ! {1-3 since}Dallas next ! The Warriors and Hornets are going to torch some one first round !
I think the Mavs are the least dangerous, even with the 3 recent losses the Rockets will be a much tougher out.
It's a function of the schedule, Rockets beat the Lakers for 22 straight, lose to the Celtics, and then are at the Hornets the next night. Since they had beat the Hornets two in a row, it was a statement game for the Hornets. Then they beat a good Warriors team on the road, and play well but fall short against the fast-improving Suns and some unfavorable officiating.
I'm still picking the Rockets to win the Southwest division.
Mavs lose at home again today, and Nowitski gets hurt as well. They might fall far enough to let the Nuggets in...
Last edited by nba is the worst on March 23rd at 12:36 PM.
Well, I guess Alston just shows that the game has to played between the lines. The Hornets impressed my by the way the beat the Celtics. West to me, is a superstar, regardless of what someone else playing says. I do want the Rockets to win the division but truth be told, unless they snap out of it, the divsion will go the Hornets. How far they go with it is anyones guess, as long it isn't the Mavericks, I have no problem with that.
gambitxxx
West in New Orleans and Boozer in Utah may well the premiere players at the PF position in the league. Whenever they play night in night out they're capable of turning a game around for their respective teams.
The Hornets' win over the Celtics was as spectacular in its execution as it was in the team's play right from the start. And one has to take a look at Chris Paul as a serious MVP candidate. His play alongside West has been phenomenal to say the least.
ea7777,
New Orleans is a very good team despite the fact they have no serious experience at all. The way it looks is that the Hornets may remain(provided they get past a very hard sked that's left) within the top three positions for the playoffs. Which would mean they will not see L.A. anytime soon. Golden St. now that could happen. Thx for coming in and commenting.
NBA,
I still can't see the Rockets winning the division without Yao Ming sorry but most of that streak was due to them just running on emotions and teams probably not taking them as seriously as they would with Yao in the lineup. I appreciate your opinion and comments.
ramogriff,
That was a real assinine statement by Alston. I agree with as long as the Mav's don't win the division is fine by me. thx for commenting
top,
Boozer is another real good player. What a stupid move by the Cav's to let that guy go a few years ago. I agree CP3 is the MVP and the win lastnight with him playing only 29 minutes and West taking control of the game shows me that West just may be a superstar player after all. thx for dropping in
As great as Chris Paul has been, this will be his first NBA playoffs. It's an entirely different ball game. I think NO matches up well with Phoenix and Houston. I don't see them beating anyone else in the West over 7 games.
gambitxxx
With what's unfolding in the Western Conference it's very hard to determine who'll come out of there to represent the conference. Either way it's going to be tough on whomever makes it. And even with the Celtics being the presumed favorites. I still don't think that they're a foregone conclusion to win it all. The regular season is one thing but come the postseason it's for all the marbles. And no one remembers who gets beat on the Finals. They end just being a postcript in the annals of NBA folklore.
Hoffman,
While I somewhat agree with that I am like Rev. The Hornets have handed the best teams #### to them throughout the year. Answer this question. Did you expect the Hornets to be a 1 thru 3 seed going into the playoffs? I didn't and neither did most anybody. They have been the biggest surprise team so far this season and I think they'll continue to leave people awestruck during the first two rounds atleast.
Rev.
I agree with you on the Hornets totaly. They have people taking notice damn shame it's towards the end befor people take them serious.
Damn work!!!!!! That's the good part about living here. When events like Mardi Gras,Voodoo fest and Jazz fest. roll around the not even your boss expects anything from you. Even if you are your own boss you already know not to expect anything but a hangover. Just let me know mon'ami if not I'll send some shwag your way from the fest.
No, I didn't expect the Hornets to grab a top 3 seed in the playoffs. I wasn't sold on them at the All-Star break either. I thought both Portland and New Orleans would fade coming down the stretch but Paul has had an MVP like season. He's been the difference.
Reverend Rhythm,
nba is the worst,
gambitxxx ,
Hoffman,
ea7777,
I don't know that they'll miss the playoffs. But with Nowitzki going down injured for a prolonged period (2 weeks at best) , it doesn't bode well for the future. And consider this also we'll see where quite possibly a 50 win team'll fail to make the playoffs in the West. That's how contentious the west has become. As to the team that'll miss out that can't and won't sit well with 'em at all.
As I've posted elsewhere, the teams are so even that everyone gives too much credit after a home stand in the schedule yields a modest win streak.
Hornets are about to leave the home arena for the road, and they'll be a 4th seed by the time they get home. Same for the Suns IMO, I'll be shocked if they beat any of the Pistons, Celts or Sixers, particularly with Bell out.
Mavs will be done as long as Denver keeps winning.
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
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