Denver stung as Hornets claim first win
Above: Chris Paul scores two of his 30 points for the Hornets.
The New Orleans Hornets have claimed their first win of the season, against an in-form Denver Nuggets side. It was close in the first half, with the two sides jockeying for the lead. But in the second half, Denver collapsed, and New Orleans were able to gain a 6 point lead by the end of the 3rd. The Hornets dominated the 4th, and by the final siren were 9 points in front. Chris Paul was the sharp-shooter for the Hornets, scoring 30 points and playing an incredible 47 minutes. J.R. Smith had an excellent game off the bench, racking up 26 points in 22 minutes on-court.
Score:
[table][mrow]Quarter[mcol] 1 [mcol] 2 [mcol] 3 [mcol] 4
[mrow]Nuggets[mcol] 24 [mcol] 55 [mcol] 76 [mcol] 101
[mrow]Hornets[mcol] 26 [mcol] 52 [mcol] 85 [mcol] 110 [/table]
Starting Lineups:
Hornets:
C - Tyson Chandler
PF - David West
SF - Peja Stojakovic
SG - Morris Peterson
PG - Chris Paul
Nuggets:
C - Nene
PF - Kenyon Martin
SF - Carmelo Anthony
SG - Allen Iverson
PG - Anthony Carter
Top Contributers
Hornets -
1. Chris Paul: 2 Rebounds | 13 Assists | 1 Steals | 1 Blocks | 30 Points
2. Peja Stojakovic: 4 Rebounds | 1 Assists | 3 Steals | 1 Block | 21 Points
3. David West: 12 Rebounds | 4 Assists | 1 Block | 13 Points
Nuggets -
1. Allen Iverson: 1 Rebounds | 9 Assists | 1 Steals | 23 Points
2. J.R. Smith: 2 Rebounds | 2 Assists | 2 Blocks | 26 Points
3. Carmelo Anthony: 2 Rebounds | 5 Assists | 1 Block | 14 Points
Air Jordan Player of the Game:
Chris Paul
Post-Game Interview
with Fran Fraschilla
Fran Fraschilla: Chris Paul, excellent game tonight.
Chris Paul: Thanks, Fran. It's good to get some points next to my name.
Fran Fraschilla: Some points! You scored 30! Talk yourself up a bit.
Chris Paul: (laughs) That's not really my style.
Fran Fraschilla: I know it's not, but you deserve recognition.
Chris Paul: I just got some from you.
Fran Fraschilla: Yes, you did. Anyway, back on task. How did it feel to get the first win of the season?
Chris Paul: It's great. It's also a huge relief. There's been alot of pressure on us after the two losses already this season, and, like I said, it's great to get a win on the board.
Fran Fraschilla: Were you suprised that it came tonight?
Chris Paul: Yes and no. It's always good to beat Denver, their a good team, and that's why I'm suprised we won. We probably should have won our first two games, but we weren't really playing as a team. Tonight, at the end of the first quarter, I knew we would win.
Fran Fraschilla: Well, you were correct. What was different tonight than the past two games?
Chris Paul: We just played as a team. As simple as that. We got the ball to the guys who were scoring, and they finished.
Fran Fraschilla: What was the game plan for Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony?
Chris Paul: It was quite simple really. Don't let them touch the ball, and if they do, pressure them, so they make a mistake, or miss a shot. It worked on Melo, but AI's too good with the ball.
Fran Fraschilla: Well, I'd better let you go. Good luck for the Lakers.
Chris Paul: Thanks, Fran.
