Hornets-Spurs: New Orleans Shuts Down Tim Duncan, Wins Game One

New Orleans came from behind in the second half and beat San Antonio 101-82 to take a one-game lead in this best-of-seven series.

The Hornets didn’t look shell-shocked, nervous, or intimidated as they executed their game plan to perfection.

They double-teamed and harassed Tim Duncan into a five-point three-rebound night that doomed San Antonio. 

The Spurs had no answer for David West as he destroyed Kurt Thomas and Fabrico Oberto to the tune of 30 points.  Oberto looked particularly helpless on defense. 

Look for an adjustment to be made as Popovich will either put Tim Duncan on West or employ another strategy to slow him down. 

Peja Stojakovic got loose for 22 points which does not bode well for the Spurs.  The one thing that they could not afford was for both David West and Stojakovic to thrive on offense. 

Chris Paul didn’t have his best game, but he was good enough as he controlled the tempo of the game (17 points, 13 assists). 

Tyson Chandler had 15 rebounds, including six on the offensive end.  San Antonio was out worked and out hustled, which rarely happens.

Tim Duncan passed enough out of the double-teams, but his teammates could not deliver.  San Antonio shot well in the first half but cooled off in the second, and they couldn’t force the Hornets into turnovers.

I look for Duncan to rebound and do a better job in Game Two.  The Spurs can’t win without him being a major contributor.

David West averaged 23 points against San Antonio in the regular season, and if the Spurs can’t figure out a way to slow him down, they may not be defending their championship too much longer. 

The Hornets' strategy is clear.  Make Duncan a passer and force his teammates to make plays.  They didn’t make enough of them in Game One. 

It is difficult to "game plan" New Orleans because of how Chris Paul runs the team.  Popovich pointed out that “he (Paul) runs an organized playground.” 

San Antonio must figure out how to give Duncan room to operate, and they can’t get pounded on the boards like they did in Game One.  It may be too early to say Game Two is a must win for the Spurs, but they have to win at least one game in New Orleans.

It looks like we are in for a long series.