Hornets Sting Cavaliers 86-76

David West had a monster game a double-double with a game high 27 points, and a game high 15 rebounds, as the New Orleans Hornets stung the Cleveland Cavaliers 86-76 Saturday night in the “Big Easy.” Tyson Chandler also had a double-double for New Orleans, and point guard Chris Paul was just one assist away from having the third for the Hornets. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Drew Gooden each had a double-double in the loss for Cleveland.

The Hornets were in control of this game from the start as the lead changed hands just once and the two teams were tied twice. New Orleans led after the first quarter 26-18, Cleveland was able to cut the lead down to 46-42 at the end of the half. They never would be as close again in the contest. New Orleans outscored Cleveland 40-34 in the second half, as Cleveland for the second consecutive game shot poorly from the floor held to 39% for the game. They were able to get away with it Thursday against Dallas because the Mavericks shot just as poorly. The Hornets, shot well enough to get the victory.

West shot 11-19 from the floor, 5-6 from the line, for his 27 points, along with the 15 rebounds, West had 1 assist,1 block 1 steal. Chris Paul played his tail off, he scored 20 points, 9 assists, 7 steals, and 6 rebounds, Chandler scored 11 points, grabbed 12 boards, 1 assist. Peja Stojakovic scored 10 points, 3 assists, 2 steals.

LeBron James led Cleveland with 21 points shooting 8-21 from the floor, 4-6 from the line, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal. Ilgauskas scored 14 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, Daniel Gibson scored 14 points off the bench with boards. Drew Gooden scored 10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, in the loss. New Orleans is now 20-10, while Cleveland is 14-17.