Don’t Be Fooled

Yes, the Spurs won by 12. Yes, they were up by more than 20 at points in last night’s game.

But, don’t discount this Hornets team. Are they going to challenge for the division? Most likely not, it’s too difficult with Houston, the Spurs, and Dallas already the heavyweights there. But that doesn’t mean that this team won’t play spoiler all season long.

First of all, if you have a chance, watch Chris Paul as often and for as long as you can. He’s one of the most dynamic, exciting, explosive players in the league. There isn’t a phase of the game he isn’t involved in.

His averages this season: 18.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 11.5 apg, and 2.8 spg. Most importantly, only 2.8 TO’s per game. That’s basically 4:1 Assist to Turnover. Not to get too statistically oriented here, but the guy’s phenomenal, and his stats back it up. Watch him, that’s an order.

Some Spurs notes:

• Tim Duncan looked to have picked a step up in the game against David West and primarily Tyson Chandler. Chandler’s a long, athletic big man, the sort of guy that’s given Duncan trouble. He looked real good, hook shots, using his body to create space, and hitting his jump shots.
• Ginobili air balled his first 3 shots, couldn’t hit the ocean from a row boat to start the game. He never really got his offense going, but the final line is a testament to how great this guy is. 10 rebounds and 2 steals, Ginobili never has a full game where his presence isn’t felt.
• Darius Washington isn’t afraid of anything. At least that’s the way he plays. At the end of half, he hit a nice layup in traffic/transition, also took it the length with about 2:40 left in the 1st half. These are things Jacque Vaughn not only won’t do, but can’t do.