'09 Playoffs ROUND 1: #2 Nuggets vs. #7 Hornets

This entry was written on Apr 24, 2009 by our Basketball Guru Brian Nemeth

I expect this series to be a great one. Not much seperates the #2 seed vs. the #7 seed in the west. If it wasn't for a late season collapse, the Hornets could've grabbed the 2nd seed, but instead, they dropped like a rock, all the way to the 7th seed, facing the improved Nuggets in round 1. As a Piston fan, I have mixed emotions. I love Chauncey, and you want him to be successful, but not too successful that he makes Joe Dumars look bad. I think CP3 should have his way with Chauncey, and Chancey has struggled the last two playoff season, so my gut tells me we might have an upset on our hands.

prediction: Hornets in 7

Game 1: Nuggets 113, Hornets 84

And the Pistons fans worst nightmare occured, Chauncey Billups went completely nuts, setting a career high with 8 three pointers, on his way to an impressive 36 point performance. Dahntay Jones was given the responsiblities of shutting down CP3, and he did a pretty good job at frustrating him all game. This is where I thought the Hornets would have a big advantage, but putting Jones on CP3 allows Billups to concentrate more on the offensive end. Great move by George Karl.

Game 2:  Nuggets 108, Hornets 93.

More of the same in this one. Chauncey went nuts agiain, scoring a game high 31 points, Dahntay Jones did another great job in frustrating CP3. I really thought this series would be tied up going back to New Orleans. Clearly I was wrong. CP3 needs some serious help, he's not going to be able to win a game by himself. Game three is a must win if the Hornets hope to have a chance in this series.