Paul Leads Hornets Over Lakers

Just a few hours after the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs were defeated by the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, another upset was in the works. This time, it was the New Orlean Hornets, taking down the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.

Chris Paul scored 33 points, dished 14 assists and pulled down seven rebounds as Hornets shocked the home team with a 109-100 victory on Sunday afternoon.

Despite 34 points from Kobe Bryant along with 16 points and 11 rebounds for Ron Artest, the Hornets were able to come away with an impressive victory. Pau Gasol struggled for Los Angeles, scoring just eight points on 2-for-9 shooting.

Though Los Angeles has a serious size advantage over the Hornets, New Orleans played scrappy defense and almost nearly flawless offense with just three turnovers for the game — tying an NBA playoff record.

Game 2 between the two squads takes place on Wednesday night.