Rookie reviving Hornets
David West understands the assumption. Following an 18-64 season, it’s natural for teams to consider the New Orleans Hornets nothing more than a speed bump.
But with talented rookie Chris Paul, that premise could be changing.
“We figure when everybody sees us on the schedule they figure they have a win,” West said. “This is a different set of guys, a different mind-set. We don’t have anything to lose. We’re just going out there and playing hard.”
Displaced to Oklahoma City by Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets are showing a new level of resilience, absent in their dismal 2004-05 season. After dropping four straight, and on the verge of falling into a pattern similar to last year, the Hornets have responded by winning four of their last five.
Last week, the Hornets beat Atlanta and Orlando, the first time they had won consecutive games in two years. After a loss to Philadelphia, the Hornets rebounded with back-to-back wins over Minnesota and a 105-99 road win over Seattle on Saturday.
The Hornets have a chance at a three-game winning streak today when they face Golden State – something they have not accomplished since Feb. 11-18, 2004, when New Orleans beat New York, Indiana and Washington.
“All they’re doing right now is playing basketball. I don’t think they are playing above their heads,” said Hornets coach Byron Scott. “They listened to what everyone said and they’re using that as motivation.”
The biggest change from last season is the addition of Paul, who left Wake Forest after his sophomore season and is leading rookies in points (17.0), assists (6.8), steals (2.0) and minutes (37.0).
Teaming with fellow 20-year-old J.R. Smith, the duo are a dynamic backcourt. When the pair started the season opener against Sacramento, they became the youngest starting backcourt on opening night in the NBA since 1970.
“With a young team it’s never easy. … We have three or four guys in there that are 20 years old,” Scott said. “It’s just important for us to keep growing as a team.”
One of Paul’s biggest assets is his ability to break down defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. The Hornets offense is averaging four more points than last season and has improved its field goal shooting from 41 percent to 43 percent.
Lately, it’s been West benefiting the most. In his past four games, West is averaging 24.2 points and has scored at least 20 points in all four.
“When (Paul) gets deep into the paint, guys have to collapse or else he’s going to get layups,” West said. “He’s almost running downhill when he’s coming at you, and you have to make an effort to corral him.”
Scott doesn’t mind heaping praise on his young guard. Before the season, he was blunt in his belief that Paul would be rookie of the year. So far, Paul is backing up that expectation.
“He’s a little ahead of his time. He’s a very mature young point guard, and he understands how to play this game,” Scott said. “I really believe he has a better floor game, a better all-around game than any of the other guys drafted.”
On the court
Pacers 97, Clippers 92: In Los Angeles, Ron Artest scored 22 points, Jermaine O’Neal had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Indiana beat the Clippers.
Elton Brand had 22 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers, who have lost consecutive games for the first time this season after a franchise-best 9-2 start and were beaten at home for the first time.
Nets 102, Lakers 96 (OT): In Los Angeles, Jason Kidd scored six of his season-high 35 points in overtime, and also had eight rebounds and 12 assists, leading New Jersey to a victory over the Lakers.
The Nets won despite Kobe Bryant’s 46 points – an NBA single-game high this season. Bryant scored all but seven of his points after halftime, but only one in the overtime period.
Trail Blazers 77, Hawks 75: In Atlanta, Darius Miles scored on a bank shot with 1.3 seconds left, giving Portland a win and ending the Hawks’ two-game winning streak.
Zach Randolph led Portland with 24 points, making 12 of 15 shots from the field.
Al Harrington led Atlanta with 16 points and Zaza Pachulia had 15 points and 10 rebounds.