The New Orleans was the forgotten team in the NBA for a while. Then they started winning and surprised everyone in the NBA Western conference. After a historic regular season credited with a 56-26 record the Hornets find themselves in a high-pressure challenge with the upcoming playoffs series against the Dallas Mavericks. I don't think it matters that much that New Orleans lost their last 4-of-6 games. Yet many critics feel the young franchise is running on flumes. I have to disagree because the Hornets beat some of the best contenders in the league to earn a no. 2 seed after tying for first place with the Spurs in the Southwest division.Chris Paul put up lofty numbers among star point guards such as 21.1 ppg, 11.6 assists, and 48.8 % shooting from the field. Everyone knew he earned a spot in the All-Star game. The talent around him only made this team better as the season progressed. Tyson Chandler and David West are key players who have been overlooked. Whether it's crashing the boards, adding a scoring touch, or smothering the opposition with pressure defense the pair are vital to the Hornet's run. The Mavericks coming into the first round series as the favorites seem to have it all. Their experience, depth, and talent can be overwhelming yet the Warriors delivered the knockout blow to them last year.
Dallas would hate to go down again in the first round. That's why I feel the Hornets face the ultimate test. By utilizing their strengths in speed and scoring off transition with timely defensive stops the Hornets can make this one hell of a series. Having a veteran coach in Bryon Scott who has the playoff exposure will also be valuable to the team. Other playoff matchups won't be as thrilling due to the disparity in overall records. For example, Atlanta vs. Boston there is no need to even think about that series. The Hornets fended off the best in the West, playing to the beat of their own drum. I see their series being a challenge of youthful exuberance vs. veteran star power.
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