Hornets forward David West is expected to play Monday night during what should be a very exciting game 7 In New Orleans. West was hurt in game 6 when trying to jump up and reach for a pass he was hit in his already sore back on a screen by the Spurs Robert Horry. A screen some have said was a cheapshot, including myself.
Hornets players look on as David West is in agony after hurting his back again in game 6
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/NBAE
Although West may play how affective he'll be is the more concerning question. In the 2 of the 3 wins for the Hornets at home David West has been the best player on the court for the Hornets. There was no official diagnosis reported on the injury even though ESPN announcers were calling it a pinched nerve on thursday, the team is calling it a bruised back.
The Hornets were given Friday off to rest,coach Byron Scott decided to just cancel practice. The team returned to practice this morning and all eyes were on West and how his back will respond after the rest and treatments.
Come Monday the Hornets defensive pressure will be another factor in whether they can move on to face the L.A. Lakers in the Western conference finals. In all three home wins against the Spurs they forced San Antonio to play unlike itself and for the most part held Tim Duncan in check.
The excitment and electricity that will fill the "Hive" will be unlike anything New Orleans has seen with the exception of Mardi Gras and 2006 when the New Orleans Saints hosted two playoff games in the Superdome.
Win or lose it has been an incredible season for this young Hornets team. A season that nobody could havce forseen except maybe the players themselves. Just think Hornets fans all this in just a few seasons and with bright young stars like West,CP3 and Tyson Chandler this just may become a regular thing in the very near future.Byron Scott has done a masterful job with these young players and showed why he was rightfully named "Coach of the Year."
"Fan Up" has been the slogan around here since the playoffs began. Come Monday that's just what those that will be in attendance will have to do. The Hornets will need every loud cheer, the voices all saying "D-fense" in one collective tone and as loud as 17,000 plus fans can boo one guy named Robert Horry when he touches the floor.
Nique, be careful what you wish for. Some Suns fans were hoping for the same thing because they said it would not be as satisfying winning the championship without beating the Spurs on the way. LOL
I really hope that West is 100% for this game. Every player is key because even though Duncan has taken a dump every game in N.O. so far, this will be game 7. Hornets/Lakers would make everything right with the playoffs. #1 vs #2 battle!
J-DIZZLE,
Peja not having good games on the road may have hurt somewhat but at home he hasn't helped much either but others such as Mo Pete have stepped up.
West is the key in my opinion. He has been a nightmare for the Spurs in home games this series. If he is healthy he handles whoever they put on him.
I don't expect the Hornets top lose. You could be right about the refs though.
2.) The only reason I would rather have the Laker play the Spurs is because Phil Jackson has coached so many times against this Spur team that he knows by now exactly what to do. I'm not saying it will work for sure but at least he knows. A young team like the Hornets gets on a roll and they aren't doing anything in particular but being young and going crazy on you. I prefer the older more plodding approach. LOL
I'll have my bet fixed on the Spurs, they have all the stakes going for them and they are capable of winning down the stretch. Experience now will be the big factor.
gambitxxx I for one am hoping that West plays. This is going to be one hell of a competitive game. At this juncture neither team canm afford to come in with a weakened stance in terms of their roster. Mistakes'll be made and the game'll be predicated on who can make the fewest and acquit themselves the best throughout the game.
rampant' aka tophatal .........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on May 17th at 9:05 PM.
Thanks for the read gambit.
West playing is huge. Just his presence on the floor will get other guys open looks. He does not have to have a game 5 performance for the Hornets to notch a win in this one. Even if he does have a heck of a nite with the rock, Peja and Paul must get thiers as well as some contributions from the bench to take this game. Where the heck has our bench been? Pargo,Wells & Wright have been flat.
The home crowd will have this team playing on another level.
Hornets in 7!
nwhat,
I'm not to sure experience will matter that much this time around. Heck if that was the case the Hornets would have been done. CP3 plays on a level as if he is a vet. West has some experience even if it's very little. He also plays like a veteran. Peja is a vet. and if his shot is on it's lights out for the Spurs. Home court has been and will be a factor in this game as well.
rampant,
I agree whichever team makes the least amount of mistake such as turnovers wins this game. Will be a good one and can't wait.
h8t3D1,
No problem my friend thx for being a loyal reader. I agree with West on the court attention will be mainly focused on him. If he starts dropping shots consistantly and they have to focus a little to much on him then that will free up others. I wish I knew what was up with the bench. Ju-Ju is a rookie so I can see him struggling but Pargo has been around for a bit and Wells is a vet. not to sure what's up with them. If I was scott I might let Mike James get more minutes than Pargo. Thx for commenting and as always you are more than welcomed to return.
Ditto on Pargo--James should be playing more. BUT, when Pargo is hot, he's hot.
Bonzi needs to have a good game. I would consider starting Bonzi and putting him on Manu. Peja has been finding a few spots in the offensive zone, even though Bowen's defense is excellent.
Manu is the key for me. Those floaters he gets off are amazing and if he has the three early, it could get interesting. Put Bonzi on him like a glove.
J-DIZZLE,
I agree that just may be the reason for Pargo getting more minutes. Also could be that James doesn't know the offensive schemes all that well, which would be sad if that is the case. It's just a normal pick and roll offense.
Fighten Fugee,
Yes when Pargo is hot he's white hot. Putting Bonzi on Manu could be a mistake. Bonzi is to slow and Manu might take him off the dribble and cause him to foul to often.
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.
Hornets players look on as David West is in agony after hurting his back again in game 6
