Paul doubles Hornets' lead
ByReuters
Published 23/04/2008 at 05:56 GMT
The New Orleans Hornets eased to a second consecutive win over the Dallas Mavericks, Chris Paul leading the way with 32 points and a franchise play-off record 17 assists in the 127-103 home triumph.
BASKETBALL Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets celebrates during the game against the Dallas Mavericks
Image credit: Allsport
Paul (pictured) had 35 points and 10 assists in the opener, which the Hornets dominated after rallying from a 12-point deficit.
The point guard and his team-mates were even better in Game Two, leading 67-51 at the half and by as many as 25 points in the third quarter.
Dallas hosts Games Three and Four on Friday and Sunday, needing to win at least one of the contests to keep the best-of-seven Western Conference quarter-final series alive.
"He's [Paul's] definitely one of the best in this league right now," New Orleans coach Byron Scott said.
"It's amazing to watch how he's taken his game to another level."
The Hornets shot 61 percent, with David West adding 27 points and Peja Stojakovic contributing 22.
Tyson Chandler played with foul trouble but still managed his second double-double in as many games with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 27 points, while Brandon Bass added 19 and Jason Terry 16. Jason Kidd was held to just seven points and eight assists for Dallas.
"We'll take a look at some things, but we've got to have a better effort," Dallas coach Avery Johnson said.
"They are a number two seed that deserves to be number two and we've got to play much better."
In other play-off games, Dwight Howard had 29 points and 20 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic edge the Toronto Raptors 104-103.
Orlando opened a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference first round series with Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis both scoring 18 points as the teams move to Toronto for Games Three and Four.
Chris Bosh had 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors but he missed a 19-foot shot that could have won the game with 1.9 seconds left.
In San Antonio, NBA champions Spurs took a 2-0 lead in their West opening round series with a 102-96 win over the Phoenix Suns .
Tony Parker had 32 points and seven assists for the Spurs, who needed double overtime to pick up a 117-115 win in the series opener.
Manu Ginobili added 29 points and Tim Duncan had 18 points and 17 rebounds for San Antonio, with the series moving to Phoenix for the next two games.
Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 33 points and Shaquille O'Neal had 19 points and 14 rebounds.
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