Paul Scores 30 But Lakers Take Round One Beat Hornets 93-86

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The Los Angeles Lakers are the lone remaining undefeated team in the NBA after beating the New Orleans Hornets Wednesday night 93-86. The Lakers have begun the 2008-2009 season on a 7-0 run. The Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul scored 30 points, but it was not enough to get by Los Angeles, as the Lakers never trailed in the contest.

Los Angeles broke out to a huge first half advantage while the Hornets struggled to get their game in gear, and the team from the “Big Easy” never recovered. The Lakers came out on fire in the first quarter, as they had a 28-17 lead at the end of the period. It got no better for the Hornets in the second quarter, as Los Angeles was on top 51-30 as the two teams went to their respective locker rooms at the half. New Orleans finally got into sync in the second half, but it was far too little, and far too late. All it did was make a blowout into a respectable looking loss.

Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher each led the Lakers with 20 points. Kobe added 6 assists, 4 rebounds, while the veteran point guard had 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 rebound. Andrew Byum scored 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 assist, Pau Gasol also put in 14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. Trevor Ariza added 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal.

Chris Paul had just another average game as he recorded a double-double, 30 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 assists. (I’m sorry, Deron Williams is a very talented player, but Paul is far superior in this NBA observer’s eyes.) David West also registered a double-double, 21 points, 12 boards, 1 steal, Peja Stojakovic contributed 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist. Los Angeles is now 7-0, while New Orleans have a 4-3 record.

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