I'll be the first to admit that I was backing the Hornets bigtime in Game 4, as I posted here. However, I believe that was their only shot to be competitive in this series, as the Hornets have simply had too many problems on the road thus far in the playoffs. Some interesting #'s I've looked at:
Philly has been pretty steady in this series shooting the ball, and has held an advantage on the glass in in all except game 3.
Philly -- 2 games @home-- 45.7% from the field
-- 35.3% from the arc (just 6-17)
-- 80% from the line (44-55)
-- 2 games @ NO-- 42.7% from the field
-- 33.3% from the arc (9-27)
-- 80% from the line (44-55)
Note Philly's consistency in getting to the line and converting--something we have not seen a lot of in these playoffs
On the other hand, the Hornets' performance has not been so steady. In the 2 games at home, they pushed the pace and put up a combined 162 shots. In Philly, they have played a half court game, and have had serious problems getting good shots with Baron somewhat hobbled.
NO -- 2 games @home-- 41.4% from the field
-- 40.4% from the arc (17-42
)
-- 85.4% from the line (35-41)
-- 2 games @ Philly-- 45.2% from field (many fewer shots)
-- 28.6% from the arc (8-28 )
-- 76% from the line (45-59)-this stat
fueled by 30-40 in game 1
Basically Philly has been able to dictate pace on their home floor, turning the Hornets into a half court team. There is no way New Orleans can get enough good shots against this 76er defense in a slow down type game to beat them. Then take into consideration the Hornets struggles from long distance on the road, and that equals trouble. A hereculean effort from the frontcourt, in addition to a night off by Philly, won New Orleans game 3. I don't see that combination coming up again, as Philly will be focused at home trying to close this out. Playing Philly -6.5.
Good Luck
wcb4
Philly has been pretty steady in this series shooting the ball, and has held an advantage on the glass in in all except game 3.
Philly -- 2 games @home-- 45.7% from the field
-- 35.3% from the arc (just 6-17)
-- 80% from the line (44-55)
-- 2 games @ NO-- 42.7% from the field
-- 33.3% from the arc (9-27)
-- 80% from the line (44-55)
Note Philly's consistency in getting to the line and converting--something we have not seen a lot of in these playoffs
On the other hand, the Hornets' performance has not been so steady. In the 2 games at home, they pushed the pace and put up a combined 162 shots. In Philly, they have played a half court game, and have had serious problems getting good shots with Baron somewhat hobbled.
NO -- 2 games @home-- 41.4% from the field
-- 40.4% from the arc (17-42
)-- 85.4% from the line (35-41)
-- 2 games @ Philly-- 45.2% from field (many fewer shots)
-- 28.6% from the arc (8-28
)-- 76% from the line (45-59)-this stat
fueled by 30-40 in game 1
Basically Philly has been able to dictate pace on their home floor, turning the Hornets into a half court team. There is no way New Orleans can get enough good shots against this 76er defense in a slow down type game to beat them. Then take into consideration the Hornets struggles from long distance on the road, and that equals trouble. A hereculean effort from the frontcourt, in addition to a night off by Philly, won New Orleans game 3. I don't see that combination coming up again, as Philly will be focused at home trying to close this out. Playing Philly -6.5.
Good Luck
wcb4
