Hornets Survive Raptors Fourth Quarter Surge Win 118-101

David West scored a game high 32 points, Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler each recorded a double-double, and the New Orleans Hornets shot a scalding hot 60% (48-80) from the floor for the game and an impressive 53.3% (8-15) from outside the arc. All that added up to a victory Sunday over the Toronto Raptors 118-101. The win was number 50 of the season for the Hornets the fourth time in franchise history they have reached the mark.

Although Chris Paul will get deserved consideration for the MVP of the Association, he probably will not win the award. But I am starting a campaign right now to make sure that Tyson Chandler is named NBA Comeback Player of the Year. Chandler’s evolution as a player this year has been absolutely remarkable. A lot of the credit should go to Paul for getting Chandler the ball at the right times, and setting him up as the third option or fourth option on offense. But most of the credit has to go Chandler himself, for the tenacity. Rebounding is all about effort, no matter how badly you are playing in other areas of your game on any particular night, you can always get boards if you try. Chandler has shown this season that he is willing to put in the effort. He is averaging 11.6 points, 12.1 rebounds per game this season, not shabby numbers by any one’s standards. He has certainly shown that he is a cut above fellow 2001 NBA Draft Lottery picks, Eddie Curry, Kwame Brown, and DeSagana Diop.

The Hornets basically sailed along unimpeded waters for the first three quarters, until Toronto awoke in the fourth. New Orleans jumped out to a 37-28 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Hornets extended the lead to 69-58 at the end of the half. It looked like the Hornets were on their way to a rout in the third quarter as they led at the end of the period 101-79. The Raptors finally came alive in the fourth quarter and tried to rectify three bad quarters with one good one. And they almost pulled it off! Toronto came all the way back from a 22 point deficit to pull within 6 points, as Jose Calderon drained one to make it 114-108 with 1:34 left in the game. But that is when Toronto ran out of gas, and New Orleans held on for the win.

David West scored 32 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, in the New Orleans victory. Peja Stojakovic scored 25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, Chris Paul scored 20 points, dished off 16 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals. Tyson Chandler scored 17 points, grabbed 10 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, Bonzi Wells came off the bench and scored 12 points.

Chris Bosh led the way for Toronto with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, Carlos Delfino scored 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds. Rasho Nesterovic scored 14 points, 3 rebounds, Jamario Moon scored 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block. Jose Calderon recorded a double-double, scoring 10 points, 11 assists, 1 rebound, T.J. Ford scored 10 points, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound. Kris Humphries scored 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. New Orleans now has a record of 50-22, Toronto is 37-36.