Mar

12

CP-3, West Combine For 55 As Hornets Sting Spurs 100-75

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under Main 

???????? New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul tries to keep his balance as he dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker during the first quarter of their game, played Wednesday night. Paul scored 26 points, leading New Orleans past San Antonio 100-75.

I know I have said it many times before, but if your team shoots well north of 50%, chances are your team is going to win.? If they play lights-out defense along with the hot shooting, you’re almost guaranteed to win.? Wednesday night’s game between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans was living proof of what happens when one of the teams combine the two ingredients.? Chris Paul and David West combined for 55 points, leading the Hornets to an easy 100-75 ambush of the Spurs at New Orleans Arena.

How bad did San Antonio have it tonight?? They shot only 43% from the floor - including 2-of-18 from 3-point range - and only converted on 7-of-17 from the charity stripe; the Hornets, on the other hand, shot 58.7% from the floor and made 9-of-10 from the free throw line.? The duo of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker combined for San Antonio’s first 18 points during the game’s first 10 minutes; Parker had 13 in the period, keeping it close as New Orleans held a slim 25-23 lead after one quarter.

The Hornets’ Paul and West scored twice during an 8-2 run to end the second quarter, giving New Orleans a 48-41 halftime lead.? The Hornets slowly pulled away in the third quarter when Paul made consecutive jumpers, then scored from inside; West then hit a pair of jump hooks and a floater off the glass.? Peja Stojakovic followed up with a jumper and rookie Julian Wright hit a jumper, capping a 16-6 run that put New Orleans ahead 68-54.

Duncan’s free throws pulled San Antonio to within 76-67 after three quarters, but the Hornets would score the first 3 baskets of the fourth quarter then pulled away, essentially sealing the win.? New Orleans was led by West with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, while Paul scored 26 with a rebound, 17 assists and 3 steals; Tyson Chandler grabbed 10 rebounds with his 4 points.? San Antonio’s leading scorer was Parker and Duncan with 24 points apiece - with Duncan grabbing 11 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a blocked shot, while Parker grabbed 2 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.? New Orleans (43-20) travels west to Los Angeles for a key matchup with the Lakers on Friday, while San Antonio (44-20)?flies north to Detroit to face the Pistons - also on Friday.



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