Playoff Preview: (2) Hornets v. (3) Spurs (Round 2)

Playoff Preview: Round 1 Recap

The New Orleans Hornets-Dallas Mavericks playoff match up featured a showdown between the 2008 Southwest Division champions (No. 2 Hornets) and last season’s Southwest Division title holder (No. 7 Mavericks). In the first two games of the playoff series, the New Orleans Hornets pounded the Dallas Mavericks. The Dallas Mavericks tried just about everything – double teaming, trapping, throwing a bigger defender on him – to try to slow down the speedy Chris Paul, but to no avail. With all of the Mavericks’ defensive attention on Chris Paul, the rest of the New Orleans Hornets got involved and were able to knock down open shots. Look for Chris Paul to create mismatch problems in the New Orleans Hornets’ next playoff series.

In a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semi-finals, the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns collided in the first round of the playoffs – and it was as physical and as exciting as ever! The first game of the playoff series was a double OT thriller, with the San Antonio Spurs outlasting the Phoenix Suns. Although the Phoenix Suns avoided a sweep with a win over the Spurs, ultimately, this playoff series turned into the Parker and Manu show – with the two guards attacking on offense, hitting mid-range jumpers just outside of Shaq’s defensive comfort zone. The Phoenix Suns had a hard time guarding the San Antonio Spurs in both the half-court and full-court game. The San Antonio Spurs have so many options on offense that they will be a tough match up for their future playoff opponents.

Playoff Preview: Hornets Lineup

As a top contender for the NBA MVP award, Chris Paul kicked off the playoff series with a bang – posting at least 30 points and 10 assists in the first two playoff games. Chris Paul not only can create his own shots but set up his teammates for easy buckets by pushing on the fast break, driving through the lane, and finding the open man. Chris Paul runs the New Orleans Hornets offense to perfection by distributing the ball and injecting bursts of energy throughout the game. This may be Chris Paul’s first playoff stint, but he’s risen to the challenge admirably.

David West does his damage on the post, around the basket, and from midrange, while providing excellent shot-blocking abilities. Peja Stojakovic is still a three-point threat, so look for Peja Stojakovic to come off screens to get open looks from beyond the arc. Center Tyson Chandler will get plenty of open looks and easy baskets thanks to Chris Paul’s passing, while also dominating on the offensive glass. The Hornets can count on Bonzi Wells to provide scoring off the bench, while back up point guard Jannero Pargo provides a spark of energy when Chris Paul is taking a rest.

Playoff Preview: Spurs Lineup

The San Antonio Spurs have one of the most potent backcourts in the entire league. Point guard Tony Parker is firing at full force, wreaking plenty of havoc on the court, breaking down defenses, driving through the lane, sneaking in for easy layups, and scoring in the paint. Manu Ginobili is the “sixth man” but tends to play starters’ minutes more times than not. Manu Ginobili can always find a way to score, whether he’s driving, shooting from beyond the arc, or drawing fouls from playoff opponents. Michael Finley is able to catch and shoot and make clutch shots, as seen in the Spurs’ big double OT win against the Phoenix Suns in Game 1.

Forward Tim Duncan is capable of putting up big numbers and dominating the paint as one of the best offensive players in the low post – hands down. Look for playoff opponents to foul Tim Duncan, so Duncan will need to convert points at the free throw line – one of the weakest aspects in Tim Duncan’s game. At center, Fabricio Oberto isn’t much of a scorer, but Oberto will be counted on to play an expanded offensive role if his hot shooting keeps up.

The San Antonio Spurs have one of the deepest benches in the NBA heading into the playoffs. With Jacque Vaughn taking care of backup point guard duties, Matt Bonner striking from beyond the three-point line, and Kurt Thomas providing veteran leadership and rugged defense, the Spurs won’t give up much while the starters take a rest. If Brent Barry and Robert Horry can recover from their injuries, look for the two clutch shooters to solidify the Spurs’ offensive (and defensive) assault.

Playoff Preview: Head to Head

In four regular-season meetings between Southwest Division foes – New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs – each team has notched two wins apiece. Both teams are coming off physical series – the Phoenix Suns for the Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks for the Hornets. Look for the point-guard match up to be an explosive one with the speedy Tony Parker and Chris Paul chasing each other from baseline to baseline – with both young point guards schooling their elder point guard counterparts – Steve Nash and Jason Kidd, respectively – in the previous series. Chris Paul’s MVP caliber regular season efforts have continued into the playoffs, averaging over 24 points and over 11 assists in just four playoff games. Tim Duncan and David West are sure to battle it out in the paint, although Tim Duncan’s range and versatility may give the young West some fits on defense.

Playoff Preview: Schedule

As the No. 2 seed, the New Orleans Hornets will open up Round 2 of the playoffs at home inside New Orleans Arena in this best-of-seven series against the San Antonio Spurs.