Chris Paul Stings the Los Angeles Lakers; New Orleans Hornets take Game 4
On Sunday night, Chris Paul was everywhere, doing everything for his team as the New Orleans Hornets clinched the game-4 of their best of seven series against the Los Angeles Lakers, 93-88.
Although Chris Paul was the architect of the victory, it would perhaps be harsh on his team mates if the Hornets were labeled as a one man team. On the night, they also played a big part in the win. Chris Paul however, more than
stood out. He had 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. Not only did he get the triple double he also led his team in all three facets. His most astonishing achievement on the night was his team-high rebounds. Standing only 6 feet tall, the mercurial swingman
looked like a giant on the court.
The Lakers were favorites for the series, probably still are, but the New Orleans Hornets certainly are no pushovers, especially with Paul in his groove.
Paul was not that hot early on but his team mates, especially Trevor Ariza who had 19 points for the game, kept the Lakers in check, limiting them to a game high lead of 9 points. The Lakers size gave them an advantage as they
piled on the points in the paint. The Hornets struggled to contain the likes of Andrew Bynum and Paul Gasol throughout the night. The two of them combined for 27 points as the Lakers showed their domination on the glass.
However, the reduced productivity from their guards left the door open for New Orleans. Kobe Bryant, carrying an ankle injury, had an off night as well. Although, he finished with 17 points, he went without scoring throughout the
first half, even miss firing from the line. And when Kobe did start to make a scoring contribution, Paul had already taken over the game.
Not that Chris had it easy. He ended the game with a cut above his right eye and a hand wrapped in bandage. Yet, he was pumped up throughout the game and refused to back down from anything, even earning a technical for repeated
jarring with Kobe. His enthusiasm seemed infectious and his team mates rallied around him, racing to a nine point lead midway through the second half.
However, the Lakers certainly did not lie down and kept coming at the Hornets again and again. When Lamar Odom converted from the line to make it 88-86, a nervy New Orleans crowd sensed that even Chris Paul’s herculean effort might
not be enough. Up stepped the unsung hero, Jarrett Jack.
Jack scored just 5 points in the whole night, but they proved to be the most important 5 points in the game. Paul, hounded by the Lakers into a tough spot, found Jarrett and he sank the jumper to make it 90-86. On the very next
possession, the Hornets gave him the ball again and he made it count again. Driving into the lane, he first forced the Lakers to foul and then coolly knocked down the free throws to see out the game.
With the win, the series has come alive and there is new found belief in the Hornets camp. Los Angeles will have the home court advantage in the next game, but they know they have a tough task ahead. Coach Phil Jackson seemed to
be aware of this, saying after the game:
"Well it's a series now."
It is indeed.
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