- Game 51/82
February 13, 2008
8:00 PM ET
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, WI
ESPN.com wrote:The Southwest Division-leading New Orleans Hornets look to enter the NBA All-Star break atop the Western Conference on Wednesday night when meet the stumbling Milwaukee Bucks.
The Hornets (35-15), one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season, are one-half game behind Pacific Division-leading Phoenix, which travels to Golden State on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, New Orleans overcame a sluggish first half to beat Chicago 100-86 and run its winning streak to three games. Chris Paul spurred the victory with 25 points and 14 assists, while Peja Stojakovic and David West added 27 points each.
"Coach (Byron Scott) really got on us at halftime. When he does that I feel like he's talking directly to me," said Paul, who will join West -- and be coached by Scott -- in Sunday's All-Star game in New Orleans. "That's part of my job when he said we needed to pick up the intensity and push the ball."
Paul's performance against the Bulls came after he had his worst shooting game of the season on Saturday. Though he had 16 assists, Paul went 1-for-10 and missed all four 3-pointers to finish with two points in a 112-99 victory over Memphis.
He is averaging a team-high 20.5 points and 10.9 assists puts Paul second behind All-Star teammate Steve Nash of Phoenix, who has 11.7.
Stojakovic, one of the best outside shooters in the league, has been key during the three-game surge, averaging 26.3 points on 58.5 percent shooting.
"When Peja is shooting the ball like that, we understand we've got to get it to him," said Paul.
Stojakovic had 18 points in a 106-92 win over the Bucks (19-33) on Jan. 21, and he is averaging 20.1 points in 15 career meetings against them.
to going into the All-Star break on a high note
Geaux Nawlins!