Game 4 they just came out flat even though they got a couple buckets early. Tonight they went scoreless for the first few minutes but you could tell it wasn't going to be a blowout. They played with energy. A lot of the Hornets' success this year came in transition. In game 4 the Spurs really succeeded in running the court and while it's really hard to beat the Spurs back, it's easy to slack off in transition and the Spurs took advantage of that.

Tonight they got back and had some success of their own because Paul is about as good as you are ever going to see at running the court. He is unbelievable, he has a 360 degree sense of the court, he not only knows who's on the wings or who's in front of him but he has this uncanny sense of knowing who's behind him. He draws them in close then kicks it behind them to a shooter. It's amazing and you couple that with a 5th gear of speed once he gets inside the key and some of the best finishing ability in the league, it's incredible. I'm big on point guards and Chris Paul is the most talented point guard I have ever seen aside from Magic of course who wasn't a true point guard really. I have little doubt he's going down as one of the greatest of all time at that position. He plays with another level of skill, he is truly

They imposed themselves on defense and that's where they won the game. I liked how they didn't automatically double Duncan and let him pick them apart passing. They were more controlled and waited until he put the ball on the floor or faced up to the basket to send the extra defender. That really made the difference and Chandler played excellent. Good rotations all around and they didn't let Ginobli and Parker drive the lanes without getting sent to the floor. I don't get why more teams aren't physical with the Spurs. There is no reason two small guards should be able to punch you in the mouth on such a consistent basis. Get physical with them and make them think about driving the lanes and you don't have a problem. The game was really won on the defensive end the Spurs never found a rhythm.

And having David West blow up like that and just shoot lights out it's going to be hard for any team to defend that and of course Chris Paul is Chris Ball and he penetrated inside this game and that is really what opens up the offense. You know the Hornets are good when they are hitting alley oops and I think they had 3 tonight.

Also, I hate the Pistons but Tayshaun Prince has to be by far the most underrated player in the NBA. I can't think of anyone else who is close. He has really blown me away this series and that block against Hedo was an instant classic and that really closed the game and the Magic's season.