It’s 1 vs. 3.

Not a must win mathematically, but a must win psychologically?

Not to take too much from the Lakers, but that’s all on New Orleans. Tons of wide open shots, ugly misses all around. Lakers dominating this one.

The Lakers are really good…

this one’s in the bag.

Chris Paul easily outduels the MVP, but this one not in the cards for New Orleans.

BUT, that second half is the type of basketball the Hornets haven’t played all season. That was the Hornets of last year, the first time we’ve seen that in 7 games this year. Win or lose, regardless of the fact we were down 20+, this game is a huge positive simply because of that.

Other random thoughts: I’d bought into all the Andrew Bynum hype from the offseason- gained 10 pounds of muscle, etc, etc. But you know what? Tyson Chandler matched him very, very well. Didn’t have the same points, but most of Bynum’s points were off point blank lay ins, rather than iso play versus Chandler. David West will likely take the blame for this one (6 turnovers) but Peja and Mo were probably at fault more than anyone else. 3-18 from the field on mostly wide open shots simply won’t cut it.

Most teams pack it in, down 21 heading into the 4th. We cut it to three, and very easily could’ve tied things up. Big props to the guys tonight. Lee should have some more thoughts up later.

Peja’s shooting hurt, could have been an much closer game with a few baskets more. At least West managed to score somewhat efficiently (9-19) and contributed some boards.