Paul’s Double-Double Bring Back Hornets From First Half Deficit Beat Mavericks 104-92

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA PLAYOFFS

If you were not aware that Saturday was Chris Paul’s first foray into the post season, you certainly would not have deduced it by his play. Paul looked like a savvy postseason vet, as he recorded a double-double, including a game high 35 points, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 104-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the opening game of their first round playoff series. The Hornets came back in the second half from a double digit halftime deficit.

Dallas broke out big in the opening half. The Mavericks took a 26-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was no better for the team from the Big Easy as the Mavs walked into the locker room at the half with a 52-40 advantage.? But the Hornets were the hungrier team in the second half, they tied the game at 68-68 when Bonzi Wells hit an outside shot with 2:20 left in the third quarter. New Orleans took the lead when Chris Paul drove the lane and put it up and in to make it 70-68 with 2:00 remaining.? New Orleans would keep the lead for the rest of the game.

Paul scored 35 points, 10 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds, 1 block, in the New Orleans victory. David West scored 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists, Peja Stojakovic scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Tyson Chandler recorded another double-double with 10 points, 15 boards, 1 steal, 1 block.

Dallas was held to just 33.3% (26-78) shooting from the floor for the game. Dirk Nowitzki had a double-double as he scored 31 points, 10 boards, 2 blocks. ?Josh Howard scored 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. ?Jason Kidd? just missed a triple-double, as he scored 11 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 steals.? New Orleans now lead the series 1-0.

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