Chris Paul Posts Triple-Double as New Orleans Hornets Even Series with Los Angeles Lakers

Chris Paul waited until Sunday night to post his first triple-double of the season and he did it in dramatic fashion. He helped the New Orleans Hornets defeat the Los Angeles Lakers and pull even in the series 2-2. With the win the Hornets secured another home appearance this series and moved closer to advancing from their matchup.

Paul started the game slowly and didn't score his first points of the game until just over a minute remained in the second half, but once he started it seemed like he could not be stopped. He finished the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists and 2 steals for good measure. His most important assist came late in the game after he was unable to get the shot he wanted. Paul drove the lane and made a late pass to Jarrett Jack who nailed a short jump shot to put the Hornets ahead 90-86 with 9.3 seconds left to play. The final score was 93-88 Hornets.

The Hornets also got a good game out of former Laker Trevor Ariza. Ariza had 19 points in the game and was able to play effective defense on the Lakers' star Kobe Bryant. Bryant was held to 17 points on 5 of 18 shooting and did not score a basket until the second half got underway. Bryant was also slowed by an injury late in the game when he rolled his ankle after a collision. He said that he would play through the injury just like any other that he's received.

The Lakers other pieces were in the mix during the game. Pau Gasol and Ron Artest put up 16 points apiece, Andrew Bynum had 11 and Derek Fisher had 10 but they were not able to overcome Paul's standout performance.

New Orleans never trailed in the second half but had their lead threatened numerous times by offensive bursts from the Lakers. When Bryant started scoring in runs and other Lakers hit momentum shifting shots the Hornets hung on. They were inspired before the game by a video of buffalo bulls saving a calf from lions and crocodiles. They understood the message, stick together and never stop trying.