Most experts consider the Hornets a title contender, but Chris Paul had to drive for the go-ahead layup to defeat the Golden State Warriors 108-103 on Wednesday night at Oakland in the season opener for both clubs.
Paul's drive came with 19.4 seconds left in the game. He finished with 21 points and 11 assists.
The Hornets went 7-0 in the NBA's first preseason in six seasons, the Hornets stayed perfect despite falling apart down the stretch. After Paul's jumper gave the Hornets a six-point lead with 5:47 left, they went nearly four minutes without scoring while Golden State took a 101-100 lead.
Paul put the Bees back ahead twice in the final 65 seconds, including his driving layup through the heart of the Warriors' defense.
David West led the Hornets with 24 points while three-point shooter Peja Stojakovic added 16.
The Hornets return much of the same team from the most successful club in franchise history, but added former Celtic James Posey, who had 11 points.
Warriors coach Don Nelson celebrated the start of his 30th NBA season by signing a two-year contract extension through 2011. Nelson is 52 wins shy of tying Lenny Wilken's NBA record of coaching victories.
PARTY GETS ROWDY: Tens of thousands of Phillies fans clogged the streets Wednesday night after Philadelphia won the World Series, climbing light poles and knocking down traffic signals, spraying beer and shooting off fireworks. Fans on foot and it cars streamed through downtown, honking horns and cheering. Scattered vehicle vandalism was reported as revelry continued into the early-morning hours, with at least two cars overturned and the windows of a TV van smashed. Fans also set small fires and broke beer bottles. Thee was at least one report of looting. Despite the mischief, the over-all mood was joyous.
Louisiana, New Orleans Area Politics News Punches In Grand Comedy
