Nov

2

Paul’s Double-Double Wins Battle Of New Orleans; Beat Cleveland 104-92

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

If the New Orleans Hornets and the Cleveland Cavaliers continue on their current trajectory, the match-up that took place Saturday night could very well be a preview of a NBA Finals in the not too distant future. This was a game that makes NBA fans remember why they love the game. Two young teams, each on the precipice of being an elite team in the Association. Saturday’s contest featured arguably two of the three best players in the NBA; Hornets point guard Chris Paul and Cavaliers forward LeBron James. Neither of these young stars are even close to hitting their peak. Both franchises have given their stars go-to guys, David West in New Orleans, Mo Williams in Cleveland, as well as assorted other key players. The battle of the first round of what may become a budding rivalry was taken by the Hornets, as they defeated the visiting Cavaliers 104-92.

Cleveland dominated in the opening minutes and led 27-19 at the end of the first quarter. The Hornets went on an offensive jag in the second quarter, and were ahead by the razor thin margin of 49-48 at the half. The margin remained the same in the third quarter, as the two opponents played each other to a draw, with New Orleans leading 73-72 as they headed into the final quarter. The Cavaliers took the early advantage in the fourth leading by as many as 4 points. Rasual Butler put the Hornets on top as he hit a 25 foot trey with 5:28 left in the game, giving them an 86-83 lead. They never surrendered the lead again.

David West was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists. Paul however was a force of nature, recording a double-double, 24 points, 15 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.  James Posey looks very comfortable in the “Big Easy” as he came off the bench and scored 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, Butler scored 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the way for his team with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal. LBJ recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, Daniel Gibson scored 14 points coming off the pine, 2 rebounds. Delonte West scored 12 points, 2 rebounds, Wally Szczerbiak scored 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal. Mo Williams scored 11 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds. The Hornets are still unbeaten as they now sport a 3-0 mark, Cleveland is 1-2.

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