Hornets vs. Warriors - ON ABC!

[macatak911]

Golden State (46-30) at New Orleans (53-22)

Game info: 12:00 pm CST Sun Apr 6, 2008 TV: ABC

Latest Line: <a href="http://www.wagerline.com/Scores-odds/nba.aspx?t=0">-6.5</a>

Preview: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2008040603

"The New Orleans Hornets became the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoff berth with their most recent win. The Golden State Warriors only hope that by season’s end they can join them.

The red-hot Hornets look to win their fifth straight while continuing their quest to become the West’s top seed on Sunday when they host the Warriors in a potential first-round playoff preview.

That New Orleans (53-22) will be part of the Western playoffs for the first time since switching conferences four years ago is a mild surprise considering it was 39-43 last season with essentially the same core roster returning.

That the Hornets have the best record in a conference that already features six 50-win teams is one of the NBA’s biggest eye-openers in recent memory.

“It’s a great feeling,” guard Chris Paul said after New Orleans clinched a postseason berth with a 118-110 victory over New York on Friday. “It’s my third year in the league and I’ve never been to the playoffs, but we finally did it. Now the hard work begins.”

If the Hornets get one of the top two seeds in the West, they could very possibly open the postseason against Golden State (46-30), which is in a tight battle with Dallas and Denver for the conference’s final two playoff spots.

Paul, who had 33 points and 15 assists Friday, has been the catalyst behind the Hornets’ impressive play, leading the league with 11.5 assists per game.

He’s taken his game to another level since March 3, averaging 24.1 points and 13.4 assists while the Hornets have gone 14-3.

Paul’s 4.62 assist-to-turnover ratio is the highest in the NBA among players who have averaged at least 35 minutes per game since the statistic was first kept in 1977-78.

“When you have great teammates around you and a great coaching staff, it makes it easy on me,” Paul said.

David West has been the Hornets’ second-best player in 2007-08, and like Paul, he made his first All-Star team this season. In nine games since returning from an ankle injury, West is averaging 24.2 points.

Golden State also has one of the NBA’s best point guards in Baron Davis, who played the first five-plus years of his career with the Hornets’ organization. Davis leads the Warriors with 21.9 points and 7.6 assists per game.

He and Paul have gone head-to-head twice this season, with both players delivering impressive offensive performances. Davis is averaging 24.5 points and 8.5 assists in the two meetings, while Paul has averaged 26.0 points and 12.5 assists.

Each team won on the other’s home court.

Golden State is the highest-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 110.6 points. But after going 37 consecutive games scoring at least 100, the Warriors failed to reach triple digits twice this week in blowout losses at San Antonio and Dallas.

They got back on track on Friday, routing Memphis 117-86 behind 21 points and 17 rebounds from center Andris Biedrins.

“This was a really important game,” Biedrins said. “We still have a good chance to make the playoffs. We didn’t put our heads down after those two losses. We’ll just keep fighting.”

Biedrins averages only 10.1 points, but he’s been fantastic against New Orleans. Not only has he averaged 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds, he’s made 88.9 percent of his field-goal attempts.

Guard Monta Ellis has emerged as a star this season for the Warriors, averaging 19.9 points, but he’s scored just 9.5 per game against the Hornets.

New Orleans has won 10 straight at home, but has dropped its last two there against Golden State."

http://southernledger.com/images_ap/13cbd923-3601-46a2-a557-ced8be20b0af-13cbd923-3601-46a2-a557-ced8be20b0af.jpg

[NIH]

This is a definite must win, not only to stay in 1st but the Hornets don't need to give the Warriors confidence if we face them in the 1st round. Last year they beat Dallas at the end of the season(and clinched a spot I think) and they carried that confidence to the playoffs and beat the Mavs. The Hornets can't let the Warriors think that they can take them in a series.

[Hornet-Saint]

It is important to win this game to give the team confidence going into the postseason, and to maintain space between San Antonio. I feel that a win tomorrow will go a long way, considering we may be playing the Warriors in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Go Hawnits.

[JCode]

I'm planning to be smarffaced by about 11AM.

[2poor]

Looking forward to seeing them in HD, have only had that luxury a few times this year. :D

[17ftAssassin]

If the warriors hit there shots they will be hard to beat. Hopefully we can play some tough D

[the walrus]

Hopefully we play better than we did the last time we were on national tv.

[peytonknows]

If the warriors hit there shots they will be hard to beat. Hopefully we can play some tough D


Which is why I would like to see Bonzi in the game earlier in favor of Mo Pete. I know GS is a quick team with their starters but I like when we run with Paul/Wells/Peja/West/Chandler. We are more than likely going to give up the long ball regardless of Mo Pete being in or not as seen in most games, so I'd like to see Bonzi in the game early.

[irish thug 527]

Hopefully we play better than we did the last time we were on national tv.

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't want to be embarrassed again. Especially by BD of all people.

[macatak911]

I can't wait for my CP3 bobblehead/shirt!

[mallday]

I think this game is huge. It's a "statement game" in a way as we head towards the playoffs. We need to fill the place up and be rowdy. It's like a Saints game on a Sunday.

In fact, it's almost time for my first bloody mary.

[ticktock6]

SO EXCITED for this game. Who's going to the Buzzfest? Don't know about the beer drinking... but I'm still going to get there early so we can hang out AND get in early to get freebies. (And hang up our WHERE CHRIS PAUL HAPPENS sign for national TV...)

[17ftAssassin]

get those MVP chants going! Mallday, hows that bloody mary?

[mallday]

Bloody Mary is exceptional. Leaving the house in about 20 minutes.

[17ftAssassin]

can some1 try to jack me an extra cp3 bobblehead?

[mallday]

will try

[17ftAssassin]

thanks

[NIH]

Wilbon & Barry both agreed athat CP3 is the MVP, I really think the nat'll media is coming around and he's going to win it.

[irish thug 527]

Pargo seems to be having a good game... maybe I'll have to change my avatar.

[peytonknows]

Pargo seems to be having a good game... maybe I'll have to change my avatar.


Yeah he took over the game at that point in the first half.

[irish thug 527]

Yeah, even Pargo gets lucky, I guess. :D

GS is deadly on comebacks. Hopefully we can continue to hold them. We need to make a statement here.

[NIH]

The Hawnits did a great job of finishing off the Warriors at the end there, West and Peja were making their shots to combat the zone and the team was doing a good job of creating turnovers(although the Hornets had their fair share of TOs). The Hornets did a good job of letting the Warriors know who is the superior team. :)

[peytonknows]

Yeah, even Pargo gets lucky, I guess. :D

GS is deadly on comebacks. Hopefully we can continue to hold them. We need to make a statement here.



Well he is only asked to come off the bench and contribute where he can. But if you want a new "whipping boy" how about Mo Pete. I guess it's possible that he may turn it up at some point during the playoffs but I just don't see that happening.

[NIH]

I'm not a big fan of Birdman but he needs more PT in favor of Armstrong, Hilton had one rebound and no points in nine minutes. He's clumsy out there and gives little production, if not Birdman I'd even rather Ely out there. Byron may be trying to get some confidence in him but it's not working.

[irish thug 527]

Well he is only asked to come off the bench and contribute where he can. But if you want a new "whipping boy" how about Mo Pete. I guess it's possible that he may turn it up at some point during the playoffs but I just don't see that happening.

You're right, but I can't stand the way Pargo plays the PG position. You couldn't ask for a much better game than he had today, though, so I'll give him credit where credit is due. I agree about Mo Pete, but he's everyone's whipping boy so it's just not as fun.

[YoungFella]

Pargo seems to be having a good game... maybe I'll have to change my avatar.

Are you serious? Your Pargo avatar is mocking? Dude... I wasn't a huge Pargo fan, but if you legitimately watch the Hornets he SHOULD have won you over sometime in December.

Pargo is unmockable at this point, IMHO. We'd be about 2 games back of San Antonio and the Lakers if not for JP.

Just my 2 cents.

[irish thug 527]

Are you serious? Your Pargo avatar is mocking? Dude... I wasn't a huge Pargo fan, but if you legitimately watch the Hornets he SHOULD have won you over sometime in December.

Pargo is unmockable at this point, IMHO. We'd be about 2 games back of San Antonio and the Lakers if not for JP.

Just my 2 cents.

If I legitimately watch the Hornets, Pargo SHOULD have won me over? This coming from the guy claiming that Reggie Bush led the Saints to their best season? :D

Look, I give the guy credit when he deserves it. But the guy doesn't play like a PG. His FG% is lacking (under 33% over his last 15 games), he dribbles too much and gets himself into trouble, and he rarely gets anyone else involved. What he IS good for is streaky shooting, and when he's on, he's on. But if you're going to tell me he distributes and plays like a PG should play, then I have to question whether you've been legitimately watching the Hornets.

[macatak911]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2008040603

"NEW ORLEANS (AP)—Chris Paul had 16 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets tied a franchise record for single-season victories with 54 in a 108-96 defeat of the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

It was the fourth career triple double for Paul, who inspired boisterous chants of M-V-P from a sellout crowd that watched the Hornets win their 11th straight home game and fourth straight overall.

Monta Ellis scored 35 points to keep the Warriors in the game late into the final period, but Golden State had only three points from its reserves until the game’s final minute.

Peja Stojakovic and David West each scored 25 points, helping New Orleans close the game on an 18-6 run after Golden State had rallied to tie the game at 90 early in the fourth quarter.

Tyson Chandler added 11 points and 12 rebounds for New Orleans, which remains atop the Western Conference with six games remaining.

Baron Davis and Andris Biedrins each scored 17 points for Golden State (46-31), which has lost three of four games and will need a strong finish to earn a playoff berth. The Warriors entered the day tied for the eighth seed in the Western Conference with Denver, which was slated to play Sunday night at Seattle.

New Orleans led 82-71 in the third quarter after a 13-2 run that included Stojakovic’s second 3-pointer of the game and Paul’s end-to-end layup. West’s putback helped New Orleans take an 88-78 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors made one final push with a 12-0 run fueled by Ellis, whose jumper and fast-break dunk on back-to-back possessions tied the game at 90.

Paul responded with a 3, then West hit a jumper to make it 95-90, and New Orleans pulled away from there.

Golden State had the early edge after Biedrins, who had 15 points in the first half, capped an 11-0 run with a fast break layup as he was fouled, giving the Warriors a 25-14 lead in the first quarter.

New Orleans responded with a 13-2 run early in the second quarter, pulling to 38-37 on Chandler’s tip-in.

Later in the period, Jannero Pargo sandwiched two 3s around another by rookie Julian Wright, then Paul’s under-thrown alley-oop lob went straight in the hoop for an 11-0 run that put New Orleans up 52-46.

Pargo ended up with 15 points in the second quarter, and Stojakovic’s 3-pointer at the buzzer gave New Orleans a 59-51 halftime lead.

Notes

New Orleans finished with a 26-5 advantage in points scored by reserves. … Attendance was 17,809, the Hornets’ 11th sellout of the season and 10th in 15 games. … The Hornets need one more victory to break the franchise record for single-season wins, set in 1996-97. Byron Scott has already has achieved a personal mark for most wins in a season as a coach. He also has helped the Hornets set a franchise record for road wins with 25 this season. … Golden State fell to 21-19 on the road this season after scoring well below its average of 110.6 points per game."

[macatak911]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/07/fullj.00db7a9acf4e588af85da7c4c8a50e49/00db7a9acf4e588af85da7c4c8a50e49-getty-76075283lm021_golden_state_.jpg

[macatak911]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/85/fullj.e2df046dd6e001fa907f49c0712e2744/e2df046dd6e001fa907f49c0712e2744-getty-76075283lm014_golden_state_.jpg

Look at the sign in the background!

[macatak911]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/aa/fullj.cde1b9dcdd360a27d7ecabf4811264aa/cde1b9dcdd360a27d7ecabf4811264aa-getty-76075283lm013_golden_state_.jpg

[macatak911]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/88/fullj.b95556c8adfcc4d642b271beced4522e/b95556c8adfcc4d642b271beced4522e-getty-76075283lm015_golden_state_.jpg

[macatak911]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/ab/fullj.93d6e0def4ed3380018d5093e082f6a7/93d6e0def4ed3380018d5093e082f6a7-getty-76075283lm009_golden_state_.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/97/fullj.db135934b273b33ceccdc748d59f3ada/db135934b273b33ceccdc748d59f3ada-getty-76075283lm011_golden_state_.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/72/fullj.baf9473e7662f606f67645e6dbd03de9/baf9473e7662f606f67645e6dbd03de9-getty-76075283lm008_golden_state_.jpg

[jlam]

If I legitimately watch the Hornets, Pargo SHOULD have won me over? This coming from the guy claiming that Reggie Bush led the Saints to their best season? :D

Look, I give the guy credit when he deserves it. But the guy doesn't play like a PG. His FG% is lacking (under 33% over his last 15 games), he dribbles too much and gets himself into trouble, and he rarely gets anyone else involved. What he IS good for is streaky shooting, and when he's on, he's on. But if you're going to tell me he distributes and plays like a PG should play, then I have to question whether you've been legitimately watching the Hornets.

Most of the problems with Pargo come when he's on the floor as the primary ballhandler, so in that sense I think I'm pretty much with you. His post entry passes are terrible and he has more passes tipped in the halfcourt than anyone on our team. Combine his distributing deficiencies with the fact that he just plain goes in stretches where he takes bad shots and takes the O out of rhythm and I'm not a big fan of him being out there as the 1, either.

Now he hit a couple of nice shots to keep us in it early in the 2nd Q today as the 1, but when CP came back in and Pargo slid over to the 2 spot, he really benefited. I actually don't cringe at all when Pargo and Paul are in the game together because Paul dictates somewhat when and where Pargo gets the ball. Paul gets JP the ball in better spots and his shots are then more in the rhythm of the offense. Problem is, sometimes matchup problems come up and we can't run that combo for very long (ie. against teams with big 2 guards: Rockets, Lakers, etc).

Pargo has his place on this team, he just has to be regulated I think. I really wouldn't mind us looking for another PG in the offseason that can be a little more efficient for when Paul is off the floor. Easier said than done of course, but just a thought.

[macatak911]

Most of the problems with Pargo come when he's on the floor as the primary ballhandler, so in that sense I think I'm pretty much with you. His post entry passes are terrible and he has more passes tipped in the halfcourt than anyone on our team. Combine his distributing deficiencies with the fact that he just plain goes in stretches where he takes bad shots and takes the O out of rhythm and I'm not a big fan of him being out there as the 1, either.

I completely agree. Pargo is amazing at the 2 guard.

Now he hit a couple of nice shots to keep us in it early in the 2nd Q today as the 1, but when CP came back in and Pargo slid over to the 2 spot, he really benefited. I actually don't cringe at all when Pargo and Paul are in the game together because Paul dictates somewhat when and where Pargo gets the ball. Paul gets JP the ball in better spots and his shots are then more in the rhythm of the offense. Problem is, sometimes matchup problems come up and we can't run that combo for very long (ie. against teams with big 2 guards: Rockets, Lakers, etc).

Very good analysis.

Pargo has his place on this team, he just has to be regulated I think. I really wouldn't mind us looking for another PG in the offseason that can be a little more efficient for when Paul is off the floor. Easier said than done of course, but just a thought.

I know Ellis is a FA next year, is he a PG or SG?

[irish thug 527]

Most of the problems with Pargo come when he's on the floor as the primary ballhandler, so in that sense I think I'm pretty much with you. His post entry passes are terrible and he has more passes tipped in the halfcourt than anyone on our team. Combine his distributing deficiencies with the fact that he just plain goes in stretches where he takes bad shots and takes the O out of rhythm and I'm not a big fan of him being out there as the 1, either.

Now he hit a couple of nice shots to keep us in it early in the 2nd Q today as the 1, but when CP came back in and Pargo slid over to the 2 spot, he really benefited. I actually don't cringe at all when Pargo and Paul are in the game together because Paul dictates somewhat when and where Pargo gets the ball. Paul gets JP the ball in better spots and his shots are then more in the rhythm of the offense. Problem is, sometimes matchup problems come up and we can't run that combo for very long (ie. against teams with big 2 guards: Rockets, Lakers, etc).

Pargo has his place on this team, he just has to be regulated I think. I really wouldn't mind us looking for another PG in the offseason that can be a little more efficient for when Paul is off the floor. Easier said than done of course, but just a thought.

I think we are on the same page, then. I am in the crowd that believes Pargo should not be in the game without Paul. He can be efficient when his shot is falling and he is not bringing the ball up the court. Like you said, though, Pargo is not big enough to play the 2G spot for very long. On most days, it appears that Pargo has no vision of the court whatsoever. When Paul plays alongside him, we don't have to worry about that. That being said, this offseason I would really like to find a PG who plays like a PG and not an undersized SG to backup Chris Paul. Pargo is a huge weakness in our bench, and I think he will be ultra-exposed come playoff time.

[jlam]

I completely agree. Pargo is amazing at the 2 guard.



Very good analysis.



I know Ellis is a FA next year, is he a PG or SG?

Ellis is absolutely a scorer and not a distributer. He's very good at what he does, although it's not quite the same as Pargo. What you saw today was the best of what you would get with him. He's a slasher that can get into the paint and score, while sometimes hitting jump shots when he's hot.

I look at him as kind of a longer Rajan Rondo.

[Hornet-Saint]

We had a total d-bag in row 17 of section 106. He was a Warriors fan draped in a jersey, a hat, and SUNGLASSES inside the arena. He was standing and screaming trashtalk the ENTIRE GAME until late in 4th quarter. Glad we were able to shut his mouth.

[greenparrot]

We had a total d-bag in row 17 of section 106. He was a Warriors fan draped in a jersey, a hat, and SUNGLASSES inside the arena. He was standing and screaming trashtalk the ENTIRE GAME until late in 4th quarter. Glad we were able to shut his mouth.probably a closet FAKER fan.

[NIH]

Ellis is absolutely a scorer and not a distributer. He's very good at what he does, although it's not quite the same as Pargo. What you saw today was the best of what you would get with him. He's a slasher that can get into the paint and score, while sometimes hitting jump shots when he's hot.

I look at him as kind of a longer Rajan Rondo.

Agreed, Ellis is not the kind of guy the Hornets need. All the Hornets need is a guy who can get people involved and hit his open shots. Just efficient play.

Like Thug, I'm not a big fan of Pargo. I'd like to see Mike James get some more PT as we head into the playoffs. Pargo played great today but he couldn't play like that for a series let alone the playoffs. In the playoffs every possesion is huge and the last thing we will need is Pargo playing out of control wasting possesions with bad shots and passes.

[Chop]

Agreed, Ellis is not the kind of guy the Hornets need. All the Hornets need is a guy who can get people involved and hit his open shots. Just efficient play.

Like Thug, I'm not a big fan of Pargo. I'd like to see Mike James get some more PT as we head into the playoffs. Pargo played great today but he couldn't play like that for a series let alone the playoffs. In the playoffs every possesion is huge and the last thing we will need is Pargo playing out of control wasting possesions with bad shots and passes.

I just want to say that Ellis is not what we need at PG but I would love to have the dude at the 2. He shoots a high percentage and we still need a slashing 2 guard who can hit an open jumper. Not sure how he is defensively other than the fact that he's a good rebounder for his size. I'd imagine his size is somewhat of a liability.

[NIH]

I just want to say that Ellis is not what we need at PG but I would love to have the dude at the 2. He shoots a high percentage and we still need a slashing 2 guard who can hit an open jumper. Not sure how he is defensively other than the fact that he's a good rebounder for his size. I'd imagine his size is somewhat of a liability.

Yeah, he'd be a good additon at shooting guard but I doubt the Hornets are looking for a new SG. They'll likely re-sign Bonzi and keep the rotation as it is or start Bonzi over Mo Pete and let him come off the bench.

[the walrus]

I like what Pargo brings to the team. He's a good scoring threat off of the bench. For the life of me, I will never understand why Mo Pete starts.

[Hornet-Saint]

Good point, Chop. Monta at the 2 would give us one of the strongest starting lineups in the league.

[ticktock6]

OH HEY! I'm in that picture! A picture of Chris Paul happening in front of our WHERE CHRIS PAUL HAPPENS sign. Could only be cooler if we sat further up.

haha!

[YoungFella]

ticktock your sign is awesome. you did a great job on the font.

As for Pargo, I'm really stunned at how lukewarm you guys are on him. Like I said, I'm not a huge fan of his dribble-happy style, or at some of the shots he launches - but he is very good at keeping us above water while CP3 rests. Very rarely does CP3 leave for a breather only to have to return with us -6 or -8 while he was away. I'd be surprised to learn that Pargo is not in the positive as far as running the show while CP3 is on the bench. I can remember a lot more instances where we increase or lead or make a run with Pargo at the point than vice versa (us getting blown out while he's in there).

Pargo does not shrink from the spotlight - he loves the big shot and isn't afraid to take it. He's also a sparkplug type player that gives the opposing defense fits (especially when contrasted with Paul's more traditional play at the PG). Aside from the Big 4, Pargo has given the fans more "rise from our seats" moments this year than any other player on the team.

Finally, for the record - a lot of me being pleased with Pargo has to do with the great value he is. If he was making Bobby Jackson money I'd be a lot cooler on him. If we can't keep him in the $2.5 to $4 million range for next year I'll be fine with going in another direction.

[NIH]

ticktock your sign is awesome. you did a great job on the font.

As for Pargo, I'm really stunned at how lukewarm you guys are on him. Like I said, I'm not a huge fan of his dribble-happy style, or at some of the shots he launches - but he is very good at keeping us above water while CP3 rests. Very rarely does CP3 leave for a breather only to have to return with us -6 or -8 while he was away. I'd be surprised to learn that Pargo is not in the positive as far as running the show while CP3 is on the bench. I can remember a lot more instances where we increase or lead or make a run with Pargo at the point than vice versa (us getting blown out while he's in there).

Pargo does not shrink from the spotlight - he loves the big shot and isn't afraid to take it. He's also a sparkplug type player that gives the opposing defense fits (especially when contrasted with Paul's more traditional play at the PG). Aside from the Big 4, Pargo has given the fans more "rise from our seats" moments this year than any other player on the team.

Very rarely? There have been plenty of times where the starters had to be brought back in because the bench has blown a lead or let the other team get back in the game while Pargo has been playing the point. He's also extended some leads as well when he's shot well, he's just not efficient enough to play pg. He does well when he's at the two with CP, I think he could thrive if we brought in a traditional pg to play with him off of the bench but he just doesn't fit his current role.

[greenparrot]

I was mentioning to my son yesterday at the game that I like the lineup when Pargo & Paul are in at the same time. Pargo gets a lot of open looks & helps out Paul on defense. Although he tends to dribble a little too much I think he is a valuable backup that can do a lot of things. He can play the 1 or 2 & play pretty good defense on quick PGs.

[2poor]

Pargo and Paul play together well in the backcourt, which is all the more reason why I wouldn't mind facing Denver in the first round.