Hornets Beat Lakers, Series Tied

When the Los Angeles Lakers got the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, we all thought it was a break for the Lakers. With David West lost for the season with a knee injury, the Hornets appeared vulnerable. However, that hasn’t been the case so far. After a Game 4 victory by a final score of 93-88, the Lakers and Hornets are tied 2-2.

The Hornets can thank one man for the win: superstar point guard Chris Paul. In 44 minutes, Paul had 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. He hit half of his 14 shots from the field and all 11 of his free throw attempts. It was jsut a magical performance by a player who has struggled at times this year due to a knee injury.

Said Hornets head coach Monty Williams: “Chris Paul … that was one of the better performances I’ve seen in the playoffs. A lot of guys score. He scored, he assisted, he rebounded.”

The Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant’s 17 points, but he was just 5-for-18 from the floor. More importantly, Kobe suffered a foot injury, although he should be able to play on Tuesday in Game 5. The Lakers should win that one — but underestimating the Hornets has proven to be dangerous to all of us.

Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant (Image: TSN.ca)