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I like the Hornets in Game 7, but this one will be closer than previous games. I see the Hornets by 8. I must say, it’s baffling that these games have been so one sided. It makes more sense that a young Hornets team might get frustrated and taken out of the game, but an experienced championship club like the Spurs - go figure.

We all know the primary keys to victory, but here are a few less obvious ones:

- The Spurs are taking Peja 3-pointers away. If CP3 and Mo-Pete each have 2-3 from behind the arc, could free things up.

- A couple of steals out of the hands of Duncan by players coming over to help out would be huge. Once you steal a couple, Duncan could be hurried in anticipation of the extra defensive hands. Despite the experience, the Spurs don’t have a great track record in Game 7’s.

- Complacency - The Hornets have been trailing at the half at home in all 3 wins. If they are behind 7-8 points at the half and the Spurs knock down a couple of shots coming out of the locker room, this young team might tighten up. It’s a lot different being down in Game 7. The Hornets have to stay within 4-5 points at the break.

- The crowd - no doubt this team is getting a lift from the fans. The faithful have to be in this one from the get-go.

Craig

Could the Hornets finally break the stranglehold that the home teams have had on winning in round 2 of the playoffs tonight at San Antonio? It’s apparent that if they get David West involved in the offense early, this is a different team.

ESPN Flashback story about Chris Paul - scoring 61 in high school to honor his grandfather. Class act with a great role model.

Saints were pro-active in the draft, a nice change from previous regimes, jumping up to the No. 7 overall pick to get DT Sedrick Ellis out of USC.

Hornets get nice contributions from a number of players to take a dominating 3-1 lead over the Mavs in the best of 7.

Discuss this and more with the Italian Sports Guys on location at Zeke’s, tonight Monday April 28th at 7:30 pm.

The Hornets go for a 2-0 lead against the Mavs tonight. Look for a big game from D. West as the Mavs look to put the brakes on CP3.

ISG show will be recorded later this week with NFL draft preview.

Comments welcome:

1. Hornets in 4 or 5 games
2. Hornets in 6 or 7 games
3. Mavs in 4 or 5 games
4. Mavs in 6 or 7 games
5. Series cancelled after Tom Benson orders covert band of Voodoo players to cut electricity to arena.

In a road win against the Cavs Wednesday, CP3 had an incredible 20 assists and 1 turnover. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett score a lot of points, and will put down more highlight reel slam dunks, and that will impress the voters (LeBron won’t get serious consideration unless the Cavs improve their record).

But make no mistake about it - Paul’s ability to find the open man even when he looks out of control is the reason the Hornets are on top in the west. He always knows where the shooter is, and that’s the key to team basketball - and to being a true MVP.