Paul Leads Hornets To Victory Over Sonics 91-88

Chris Paul had a double-double Sunday night with 29 points and 10 assists, as he pushed the New Orleans Hornets past the Seattle SuperSonics 91-88. What looked like it was going to be a relatively easy victory in the first half for New Orleans, became a nail biter at the end as the outcome was in doubt pretty much up to the final buzzer.

New Orleans started out dominating the Sonics who had won their previous two games. The Hornets led by 6 after the first quarter 23-17, and increased their lead by the half to a 52-42 margin. However the Hornets could not make a shot in the third, while Seattle cut the margin to just 2 points at 67-65 at end of the third quarter. David West made a jumper, and then put in a one handed shot in the game’s final seconds, and then Paul sank two free throws to secure the win for New Orleans.

Paul had a night that you will probably see a lot more of the future, as he continues to grow into one of the NBA’s elite players. The point guard shot 10-16 from the field, including one trey, and went 8-9 from the line to go along with his game high 10 assists, and 2 steals. Charlotte played without Mo Peterson, who was out with a bad back, and Peja Stojakovic who strained his groin. West also had a double double for the Hornets scoring 15 points, and a team high 10 rebounds, and 2 steals. Tyson Chandler also scored in double figures for New Orleans with 10 points, 7 boards, and 3 blocked shots.

Seattle’s prize rookie Kevin Durant, did not have quite the night he had against the Bucks on Friday when he scored 35 points. But he did lead his team in scoring with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 2 assists, 1 steal, Wally Szczerbiak scored 14 points, 4 assists, 3 boards. Chris Wilcox had a double-double for Seattle 13 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 1 assist, Kurt Thomas also had a double-double 12 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist. Point guard Earl Watson also scored 12 for the Sonics, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, in the loss. New Orleans now has a record of 14-7, Seattle is now 5-16.