Live Blog: Hornets vs. Knicks

(04/04/2008)

7:00

Welcome to tonight's game everyone! The Hornets look like big favorites, so we'll be expecting one of those "pretty" wins tonight, with Peja raining threes and CP3 owning everyone. You never can tell, but here's figuring the Hornets get themselves into the playoffs tonight.

Tonight's injury report:
Hornets -- No injuries
Knicks -- Quentin Richardson, Eddie Curry, Jerome James, Stephon Marbury

Friday April 4, 2008 7:00

7:07

Moment of silence for Al Copeland tonight -- Considering the seats he had, I think the Hornets did right to honor him (he certainly has provided them plenty of money thanks to those courtside seats).

Friday April 4, 2008 7:07

7:08

Good-looking crowd tonight, considering we're all in danger of dying from a tornado.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:08

7:11

Not quite a full house, but they'll still hit a decent number in terms of tickets sold.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:11

7:13

David West is becoming Karl Malone-like with that fadeaway jumper. That thing is getting more and more deadly.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:13

7:14

[Comment From JJMartinJJMartin: ]

how's the beer

Friday April 4, 2008 7:14 JJMartin

7:14

Can't say that I'm partaking this evening. Gotta stay awake and what not.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:14

7:17

Slow start for the Hornets, but the Knicks miss a couple of bunnies, helping the cause.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:17

7:17

Hornets up 7-6 with 7:52 left in the first.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:17

7:19

Make it 9-8 with 6:52, thanks to an amazing pass by CP3 from the top of the key to Peja cutting underneath for the easy lay-in.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:19

7:22

Peja isn't the fleetest of foot, so how is it he's consistently burning Jeffries on the backdoor cut? Perhaps he has lead in his shoes?

Friday April 4, 2008 7:22

7:24

Mo-Pete off to a nice start with 6 points. I like seeing him get to the line,

Friday April 4, 2008 7:24

7:24

[Comment From je2je2: ]

mo is playing a lot better of late.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:24 je2

7:25

I agree. And with Bonzi and Pargo contributing off the bench, you've got to like the way the guards are playing right now.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:25

7:26

Paul on Randolph? LOL, the Knicks did a good job recognizing that quickly and taking advantage.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:26

7:27

Hornets up 20-18 with 3:00 left in the 1st

Friday April 4, 2008 7:27

7:28

Overall, the Hornets are playing well. They've had a couple of breakdowns on defense though, and those will add up if they're not careful. They need to tighten things up on that end.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:28

7:31

Most glaringly, CP3 has gotten himself taken out on a couple of screens, Chandler was late getting back on another play and West has had his issues boxing out.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:31

7:32

The cream generally rises, however.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:32

7:33

If the guys get their heads on straight defensively, they'll win going away.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:33

7:34

[Comment From RCRC: ]

C'mon Hornets don't play around with this bad Knicks team. If the Hornets can get up by 20 or so , this Knick team will quit.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:34 RC

7:35

The Knicks blow their final possession of the quarter, giving us a 29-29 tie after 12 minutes of play.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:35

7:37

Wright now getting plenty of quality minutes. That is so good to see, as halfway through the year he still looked like a major project.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:37

7:38

[Comment From RCRC: ]

how is the attendance looking tonight?

Friday April 4, 2008 7:38 RC

7:39

Lower bowl is basically full, upper ring is at something like 80 percent. The crowd is pretty chill tonight, but I'd dare say the perceived quality of the opponent has something to do with that.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:39

7:42

Zach Randolph is taking this game over. 13 points and he's basically doing what he wants in the paint.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:42

7:44

37-33 Knicks, 8:44 left in the second.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:44

7:44

Knicks 37, Hornets 33, 8:44 left in the second.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:44

7:46

I've gotta say, the fact that foul was Chandler's first is at least a small consolation right now.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:46

7:47

The Hornets' sloppy play has now unfortunately spread to the offense, with turnovers now becoming a common occurance. Perhaps the return of Paul (inside the 7-minute mark) will help alleviate that...

Friday April 4, 2008 7:47

7:48

Knicks now up 48-40

Friday April 4, 2008 7:48

7:49

Timeout, 5:52 to play.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:49

7:50

So did anyone out there see the SI.com article today from Ian Thomsen? He named the Hornets as the team getting the most bang for its buck, averaging $1.11 million per win.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:50

7:55

I'd say having CP3 still playing on his rookie contract helps matters considerably. ;-)

Friday April 4, 2008 7:55

7:55

[Comment From RCRC: ]

Poor Ishiah Thomas, must be hard when you know you are about to get fired, well at least he has a golden Parachutte thanks to Knicks Management LOL!

Friday April 4, 2008 7:55 RC

7:56

Knicks are racking up the fouls now like they're playing hack-a-Shaq

Friday April 4, 2008 7:56

7:56

[Comment From RCRC: ]

I wonder who the knicks trade this summer Eddy Curry or Zach Randolph?

Friday April 4, 2008 7:56 RC

7:57

Randolph got whistled for two quick fouls this quarter, though just about every other New York player did too...

Friday April 4, 2008 7:57

7:58

Neither is safe. The Knicks are always trying ... and failing ... to improve that team. Nothing they would do would surprise me.

Friday April 4, 2008 7:58

8:00

Knicks up 53-50 with 2:40 to play. CP3 now getting ready to shoot the "and-1" he earned a second ago.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:00

8:00

Sean Payton just got himself a pretty huge ovation. They love their Saints here.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:00

8:01

Peja gives the Hornets the lead with another 3.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:01

8:02

Hornets are making their push, but I hope they don't expand too much energy and come out flat again in the third quarter. This game is playing out in the Knicks' favor.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:02

8:05

David West cleans up the garbage on a fastbreak gone awry, dunking the thing home and bringing the house down. Nice push to close the half, and the Hornets have a 60-56 lead at the break.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:05

8:09

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is the arena pretty full?

Friday April 4, 2008 8:09 Guest

8:09

Not bad. Looks pretty good, considering the opponent.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:09

8:11

I must also say I agree whole-heartedly wit featuring the HoneyBees as much as humanely possible. They've pretty much dominated every timeout so far, and their halftime dance routine is rather ... distracting.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:11

8:13

Randolph has cooled off considerably, as he's been stuck on 13 points for awhile now. Chris Paul now leads all scorers with 17 points (and six assists). Peja and West have chipped in with 10 apiece for the Hornets.

The Knicks are led by Jamal Crawford, with 14.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:13

8:14

[Comment From MustafaMustafa: ]

How is Honeybee night going? Have they done some hot dances?

Friday April 4, 2008 8:14 Mustafa

8:15

Well, I don't want to get into too much detail as I don't specialize in smut per se, but they've been omnipresent basically all night. You can't turn around without seeing a HoneyBee.

Like I said before, this is a good thing.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:15

8:17

Plus they keep showing their interviews up on the jumbotron. Hard to concentrate on the game! Maybe that's what wrong with the Hornets?

Friday April 4, 2008 8:17

8:17

[Comment From RCRC: ]

The hornets starting finally playing some D towards the end of the first half.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:17 RC

8:17

I agree. The turnovers generated late helped a ton.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:17

8:19	What's wrong with the Hornets? Nothing, they'll rally. ( 60% ) Everything, they stink. ( 0% ) Distracted by HoneyBee Night. ( 40% ) Too much RC Cola. ( 0% ) Friday April 4, 2008 8:19

8:22

Possible factor going forward: Knicks' starting frontcourt has five fouls. If that continues, foul shooting is going to be critical for the Hornets.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:22

8:22

Speak of the devil, Randolph just picked up No. 3.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:22

8:24

Lazy, lazy effort by Paul on the rotation. Get over there, man.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:24

8:25

Lee with 3 fouls now.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:25

8:25

I really think foul shooting is going to matter before this thing is over...

Friday April 4, 2008 8:25

8:26

Knotted up at 67, and Chandler gets the tip for the lead.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:26

8:27

Wow, Paul just got fouled and the drive, and no call. Awful, awful no-call.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:27

8:30

[Comment From RCRC: ]

C'mon refs call the foul geez!

Friday April 4, 2008 8:30 RC

8:30

[Comment From RCRC: ]

Oh uh Bad news for the Knicks, a bad non-call usually gets the Hornets fans riled up!

Friday April 4, 2008 8:30 RC

8:31

The crowd isn't getting over it, that's for sure. Neither are the Hornets, as they've forgotten how to play defense.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:31

8:32

Hornets now 12-of-13 from the line.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:32

8:32

With 5:10 to go, Hornets lead 75-74.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:32

8:34

Nice spin and shot off the glass by Peterson. He's contributing nicely tonight.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:34

8:35

Knicks have dragged the Hornets down into a hack fest, the perfect way for them to attempt the upset. Gotta give 'em credit for that.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:35

8:39

Oy, the officials are now whistling everything, just to be safe. Guess they don't want another shady no-call on their consciences...

Friday April 4, 2008 8:39

8:40

81-80 with 2:38 left in the third.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:40

8:42

Paul up to 24 and 9. Can't argue with that.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:42

8:43

[Comment From bpbp: ]

MVP

Friday April 4, 2008 8:43 bp

8:44

He's my favorite. I can't think of a single player that means more to his team ... OR one that has more impressive stats.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:44

8:45

Interestingly, New Orleans can't seem to shake these guys.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:45

8:45

At least we're getting our money's worth as fans.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:45

8:48

[Comment From bpbp: ]

when it comes to clinching playoff spots, even mediocre teams have pride and will go down fighting

Friday April 4, 2008 8:48 bp

8:48

CP3 hits two free throws to end the quarter.

End of third quarter: Hornets 87, Knicks 87.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:48

8:49

[Comment From tadtad: ]

cp3 will not win mvp. it will go to kobe. to small a market and it is a popularity contest. no doubt cp3 means more to his team and plays a all around game.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:49 tad

8:50

I'm not predicting he'll win it, just saying he's my candidate. I was on the fence most of the year, but his game has never faltered.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:50

8:50

I agree it will be tough to overcome the Kobe hype machine.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:50

8:50

[Comment From bpbp: ]

so boring to thnk that a market controls the MVP and not the actual athlete who lifts his team to new heights

Friday April 4, 2008 8:50 bp

8:52

That's just the way of things. Look at the college game. No one will ever convince me Hansboraugh is better college player than Beasley, but the "bigger market", "more traditional power" guy won the AP vote by a pretty wide margin.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:52

8:52

[Comment From bpbp: ]

but Ill tke a championship sans the MVP....would love that!

Friday April 4, 2008 8:52 bp

8:53

Beasley outperformed Durant this year. That's pretty frickin' amazing when you stop to think about it.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:53

8:54

CP3 is putting up numbers better than those seen by John Stockton or any of the other all-time greats.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:54

8:54

[Comment From tadtad: ]

kobe scores 30 points a game, but he shoots 25-27 shots a game. plus he gets every foul call. probably goes to the line 10x

Friday April 4, 2008 8:54 tad

8:55

Great run by the Hornets, with Wells electrifying the crowd with a couple of nice finishes. Is the finishing blow coming?

Friday April 4, 2008 8:55

8:55

CP3 with a lay-up, and the Knicks call timeout. Hornets lead 99-95 with 9:00 to play.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:55

8:56

[Comment From bpbp: ]

the great teams can smell it and expect to finish things

Friday April 4, 2008 8:56 bp

8:56

[Comment From tadtad: ]

has the birdman played any

Friday April 4, 2008 8:56 tad

8:57

No Andersen tonight. Bowen hasn't made it into the game either.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:57

8:58

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

how has peja been playing

Friday April 4, 2008 8:58 Guest

8:58

12 points, some nice moves away from the ball, getting free in the lane a few times. Hasn't gone off from 3, but still played pretty well.

Friday April 4, 2008 8:58

9:00

And he finally nails a deep one! Hornets up 102-98.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:00

9:01

[Comment From tadtad: ]

living on the northshore blows. i cant see any of these games. my job makes it hard to go to many games. why can't they put the games on ch. 4,6,8. sorry for the rant

Friday April 4, 2008 9:01 tad

9:03

That's okay, lots of people share your problem. It seems not enough people in the city have jumped on the band wagon yet, and too many folks on the north shore just don't have the opportunity to watch the team.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:03

9:03

Peja cans another one -- Hornets up 107-100 with 5:54 left.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:03

9:05

[Comment From bpbp: ]

step on the gas, or a neck, both will work

Friday April 4, 2008 9:05 bp

9:05

[Comment From jbnorcojbnorco: ]

why dont we ask these people running for Congress what clout they may have to get the hornets games on the northshore TV

Friday April 4, 2008 9:05 jbnorco

9:05

[Comment From jbnorcojbnorco: ]

so if the hornets win tonight they will clinch AT LEAST a playoff spot...how many more games do they have to win to clinch the division?

Friday April 4, 2008 9:05 jbnorco

9:05

[Comment From jbnorcojbnorco: ]

why dont we ask these people running for Congress what clout they may have to get the hornets games on the northshore TV

Friday April 4, 2008 9:05 jbnorco

9:09

Hornets up a half-game with 7 to play, so it looks like their magic number is 6. I'll look into that though...

Friday April 4, 2008 9:09

9:10

They're a half-game up with seven games left. Magic number would appear to be six.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:10

9:10

Sorry for the double post -- darn internet connection is still wonky.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:10

9:10

[Comment From bpbp: ]

which team do the Hornets least match up looking forward to playoff games?

Friday April 4, 2008 9:10 bp

9:12

I don't want to face the Pistons. They'd grind this team to death. The Warriors are a team that can get ridiculously hot and embarrass you.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:12

9:13

It's probably a good thing the team most likely won't end up facing Detroit, but then again, anyone eager to face Boston probably has a screw loose. ;-)

Friday April 4, 2008 9:13

9:13

[Comment From jbnorcojbnorco: ]

not a problem....I like seeing my name on the big screen!!! LOL

Friday April 4, 2008 9:13 jbnorco

9:13

[Comment From tadtad: ]

maybe it is only me, but I don't want to play utah or golden state

Friday April 4, 2008 9:13 tad

9:13

[Comment From StevenSteven: ]

Good night, Irene

Friday April 4, 2008 9:13 Steven

9:15

Indeed. Hornets up 113-104 with 2:31 left. These free throws by Paul should wrap it up.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:15

9:16

Man, the Knicks sure folded. Now 117-104

Friday April 4, 2008 9:16

9:16

[Comment From bpbp: ]

oh yeah, lets bring in the postseason to New Orleans...town needs to get excited!!

Friday April 4, 2008 9:16 bp

9:17

Utah is dangerous, but you've got to like the Hornets if they're the home team in a series like that.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:17

9:19

So we're to the end of the line, and it's time to celebrate the Hornets in the playoffs!!!

Friday April 4, 2008 9:19

9:19

Paul finishes with a line of 33 and 14 and a chant of "MVP" from the crowd.

Friday April 4, 2008 9:19

9:19

[Comment From ny fanny fan: ]

dallas would be a great matchup for us in round 1

Friday April 4, 2008 9:19 ny fan

9:19

[Comment From bpbp: ]

the final is going to look ugly for the Knicks, and they played so tough until the end

Friday April 4, 2008 9:19 bp

9:20

[Comment From bpbp: ]

I am a believer!! Go Hornets, final question: What should be Fantasy Football pick at #8out of 12 this year?

Friday April 4, 2008 9:20 bp

9:20

LOL, I haven't even looked at fantasy football yet! I'll get back to you on that one. :)

Friday April 4, 2008 9:20

9:21

Well, everyone, it's been fun! Sorry if I didn't get to all your questions, but there's always next time! Everyone take care, and we'll see you Sunday!

Friday April 4, 2008 9:21

9:22

Thank you for reading today.

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