First Round: Hornets defeat Mavericks (4-1)

[2poor]

(2) New Orleans Hornets (56-26) vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks (51-31)

Hornets lead series 2-0

Game 1 - Hornets 104, Mavericks 92

Highlights:
Hornets defeat Mavericks in Game 1
CP3 stellar in playoff debut

Game 2 - Hornets 127, Mavericks 103

Highlights
Hornets defeat Mavericks in Game 2
Paul goes for 32 and 17
Haier Play of the Day: CP3 to TC

Game 3 - Fri April 25 New Orleans at Dallas 8:00PM ET ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 27 New Orleans at Dallas 9:30PM ET TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 29 Dallas at New Orleans TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu May 1 New Orleans at Dallas TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 3 Dallas at New Orleans TBD TNT

REGULAR SEASON SERIES
Tied 2-2
Dec. 1: at Hornets 112, Mavericks 108 (OT)
Dec. 14: at Mavericks 89, Hornets 80
Feb. 20: at Hornets 104, Mavericks 93
Apr. 16: at Mavericks 111, Hornets 98

Projected Starting Lineup



PG - Chris Paul
SG - Morris Peterson
SF - Peja Stojakovic
PF - David West
C - Tyson Chandler

Projected Starting Lineup



PG - Jason Kidd
SG - Jason Terry
SF - Josh Howard
PF - Dirk Nowitzki
C - Erick Dampier

[2poor]

ps. props to Fartman for the avatar, those interested feel free to gank.

[That Nicka]

This series is gonna be intense... Definitely gonna go 6 or 7 games...


Chris Paul must be the best player in this series for the Hornets to win... Also, Jason Kidd cannot be allowed to have more than 2 or 3 really good games... If Kidd averages more than 14, 7, 10 on 44%/40% then I dont like the Hornets chances

Bonzi Wells will be a very important player off the bench... If he can average double figures off the bench, I like your chances... Also, you guys have to get a hand up in Jason Terry's face.. I dont think he will have many games this series like that last game of the season

I dont see Peja having the all around impact of Josh Howard.. But he MUST hit his shots... If he averages around 16 ppg on 44% from 3, that will be huge for you guys...

David West outplaying Dirk is a tall order... I dont think it will happen.. But West must take it to him on the offensive end... Make Dirk work... beat him up down low.... IMO, each jumpshot David West takes lessons you guys chances of winning... If David West can attack the basket and live in the post, and maybe get Dirk in foul trouble for a couple games that really increases you guys chances

Finally, Chandler needs to destroy Dampier... Which he should be able to do... You guys have the clear advantage at C.. Dampier doesnt have the length or athleticism to contend with Tyson... I can easily see Chandler averaging something like 14-12 this series... If he does that, you guys should win

Good luck! I will definitely be watching every game

[Duiz]

Good luck guys. This is a high calliber team with something to prove after the finals loss. It will not be a toothpick.

[2poor]

sig is up for grabs as well for anyone interested.

credit goes to the Hornets newsletter, I ganked it from there.

[CP3toDWest21]

it will be hard to stop jason terry...he loves to kill us...in order to win we NEED morris peterson to come alive!

[NO-KG-AI]

Love the avatar, it fits with the theme of New Orleans, and matches my sig

This series seems to favor the home teams, we have to win our first two, and hopefully steal one in Dallas.

It should be a tough, exciting series, glad to be back in the postseason.

[luciano-davidwesley]

Feels good to be here, now lets shut up basically everyone, they are all predicting we will be trod on by the Mavericks, despite the fact we have proven we belong. Lets go Hornets!

[Bob Ortegal]

I think most people are predicting a close series not a thrashing. Should be fun!

[PowerBull]

Gl guys...I really hope you will beat the Mavs.

Its time for a change in the playoffs in the west.

[Alex_De_Large]

anything can happen in this one, i will enjoy it and i hope the hornets beat the mavs.

[Smirk]

I've never seen such cocky fans of a 7 seed. Unreal.

No one giving us a chance in this one. Might as well just pack it in.

[2poor]

I've never seen such cocky fans of a 7 seed. Unreal.

No one giving us a chance in this one. Might as well just pack it in.

Agreed. I guess I prefer it though. I was one of those people who wanted NO to face DAL anyways...I think people have forgotten that CP can obliterate Kidd with ease when he's on his game.

RealGM = "what have you done for me lately?"

ps. Smirk, you on HornetsReport?

[KS]

PM doesnt seems to function anymore. 2poor, could you please contact me on this adress?

thanks

[2poor]

will do.

[KS]

will do.

Thanks

[HMFFL]

As a Mavericks fan this is the series I wanted. I'm expecting it to be very exciting and hopefully everyone stays healthy.

New Orleans favored to win game one by 4.5 points.

[The Answer!]

____ ____


versus


____ ____

The Skinny: The Hornets have been the NBA's feel-good story of the season, racking up the franchise's best record in its 20-year history and its first Southwest Division title. Led by MVP candidate Chris Paul, they are solid across the board with no real weakness -- other than a distinct lack of playoff experience. It could prove fatal against a deep, veteran Mavs team seeking redemption after last year's playoff flameout. Dallas has looked sluggish most of the season and has had trouble beating top teams since the arrival of Jason Kidd in a midseason blockbuster. Still, Kidd is a savvy veteran with a proven record in big games. He will join with Dirk Nowitzki to give the Mavs a counterpoint to the Hornets' PG/PF tandem of Paul and All-Star David West. Dallas also has other proven supporting-cast members in Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry, Josh Howard and Erick Dampier. It's going to be very difficult for the newbie Hornets to overcome a Mavs team motivated to get out of the first round.

Key Matchup: Chris Paul vs. Jason Kidd. Even though he's only in his third year, Paul has been torching most of the top point guards -- Kidd included -- in head-to-head matchups all season. At age 35, Kidd won't be able to stay with Paul here, either. But Kidd's experience and mental toughness will enable him to keep the matchup close, and he has a knack for coming up with the key play at the end.

X-Factor for Hornets: Bonzi Wells. The veteran swingman, acquired in a midseason trade with the Rockets, is a bull inside with a bit of a mean streak. His toughness and playoff experience (36 career games) could be crucial.

X-Factor for Mavs: Dirk Nowitzki. The former MVP has been waiting all year to redeem himself after last year's playoff flop. He showed just how determined he was recently when he shook off an ankle injury to lead the Mavs into the playoffs. Look for a big series for the German Bird.

[Bob Ortegal]

I've never seen such cocky fans of a 7 seed. Unreal.

No one giving us a chance in this one. Might as well just pack it in.

I think you are just trying to fire yourself up

[2poor]

Good stuff Answer.

Feel free to edit out my first post and post in one of your creations, the current OP was just copied from the GB.

Geaux Hornets!