This series is going to be a good one, due to the fact that this will be a battle of the point guards, with Chauncey Billups starting for the Nuggets, and Chris Paul for the Hornets.
Acquiring Billups from the Detroit Pistons was probably the greatest trade ever made in franchise history for the Nuggets. That move may finally propel the Nuggets into the second round, after five straight years of first round exits. Along with Billups came a new attitude to this Nuggets squad and a capable point guard this team was missing for so long. With that, Head Coach George Carl was finally able to properly put his methods in place. The Nuggets finished up with the second best record in the West with 54 wins.
The arrival of Chris Paul rejuvenated the city of New Orleans and the Hornets organization. Paul was one of three players this season to average a double-double, and what was more impressive was Paul did this with points (22.8) and assists (11.0). The combination of Paul and David West will be a strong one, and will be up against Denver’s duo of Billups and Carmelo Anthony.
This series is a hard one to judge and predict a winner. Both teams look equal, but the play of the Nuggets all season long was positive and Billups was a miracle worker. Don’t count out the Hornets, because Chris Paul is the heart and soul of this team, and can win games on his own, as well as get others players involved.
Overall, the Nuggets do look like the better team because they have more players on their roster that could create their own shots. Carmello Anthony is an under-rated swing man, who could create his own plays, and dish the ball. We all know what Billups could do and can hit a heart breaking shot at will. Here’s the x-factor for the Nuggets, J.R. Smith, another player that can drive to the basket and hit the jumper.
If you look at the Hornets, they can match up on paper, but when the light’s go on and it is time for the game, some players don’t live up to their billing. Paul and West are locks to do what they have been doing all season long and carry this team through this series. As for other players like Peja Stojakovic, he can’t create his own shot, but can get open. The Nuggets could stop him easily, and the same goes for Tyson Chandler, who was supposed to have been traded. His stamina and health nixed the trade, and is sort of a liability now for the Hornets.
Just like the series, it will also be tough to call which point guard will get the best of his counterpart. Both Paul and Billups do what their team’s need in order to win, and it will be up to the players that surround them to decide a few ball games.
SERIES PREDICTION --> DENVER NUGGETS IN 7 GAMES. HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IS REALLY GOING TO HELP OUT THE NUGGETS.
The opinions and thoughts expressed in this or any other article written by 12nadnuk are of his thinking and what he thinks is correct or close to it in the sporting world. If there are any problems by anyone, 12nadnuk is open for rebuttal and what not, and honest criticism. There is also a comments section, so feel free to post what is on your mind about the article. Thank you for reading.
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