New Orleans-San Antonio: Hornets Put On Repeat Performance, Up 2-0

The New Orleans Hornets followed a familiar script as they won game two going away 102-84 over San Antonio.  Once again, the Spurs had a lead going into half-time, only to find themselves out worked and out-played in the second half.

Chris Paul ran circles around San Antonio in the second half and finished with 30 points and 12 assists.  The Hornets played with more energy than the Spurs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

It is clear that the Hornet's length and athleticism is bothering the Spurs.  Whether it is Julian Wright, Morris Peterson, or Bonzi Wells, they will not let Ginobili turn the corner going left, which is his signature move.  Tony Parker can't get to the rim either.  He gets doubled as soon as he begins to make a move to the basket. 

When they try to pass out of the double teams, New Orleans is quick to recover and contest shots.  They have the Spurs thinking to much on offense instead of being creative and instinctive.

San Antonio has been uncharacteristically sloppy on defense.  Time and time again Peja Stojakovic (25 points, 5-7 on threes) found himself open for three point shots.  You would figure that the Spurs would be in good shape with David West going 2-11 with 10 points, but that was not the case.

Stojakovic has been their most steady scorer so far in this series, and you would think that he would be the most easy to defend.  That brings us back to Chris Paul.  He is so dangerous as a passer, scorer, and floor general that he forces teams to commit more than one defender to keep him in check. 

When you do, he beats you by setting up his teammates.  If you play him strictly man to man, he will be a scorer and get you in foul trouble.  Paul is also at his best in the open floor, and he can beat you in so many ways.

Going into game three, San Antonio's game plan should be clear.  They have to get out on the break and run so they can get more fast break points.  Popovich must put his shooters on the floor at the same time if the Hornets continue to pack it in and keep Parker and Ginobili out of the lane, even if it means giving Brent Barry more minutes.  He can make the Hornets pay for leaving him alone.

Michael Finley needs to give the Spurs more than four points.  He has got to be part of the solution shooting from the perimeter.  In the half court, Duncan must score, or at least find cutters going to the basket.  They have got to get more aggressive and creative at getting to the rim in their half court sets.

On defense if you shut Stojakovic down, you are in both of those games.  We will find out if the Spurs can hold serve at home.  All of a sudden, all those years are showing up on San Antonio.