Lakers Get Stung by Hornets, Series Tied 2-2

April 24, 2011 - Chris Paul once again stole the show as he had a triple double on the night. He had 27 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds in a performance the Lakers just couldn't handle. The Hornets won in New Orleans 93-88 in Game 4 which ties the series at two games a piece.

These two battled it out many times throughout the night

Kobe Bryant had his first scoreless half (the 1st half) in a playoff game since 2004. He then came out in the second and scored 17 but rolled his ankle pretty bad with about 2 minutes remaining. He left the building on crutches but he is positive and assures he will be fine. But still, 5-18 in FG is not going to cut it. He took horrible shots. Pau Gasol still didn't get physical inside, still getting pushed around by much smaller players, but had 16 points. Ron Artest also added 16, hitting a few clutch shots throughout the first half, because he didn't score in the second half at all.

He can't get inside. He can't even hold on to the ball.........

It was a physical night as Kobe and Paul went at it all night. Fouls were called multiple times on the players as there were words and elbows being exchanged the entire night. Although I hate to say it because I hate when other people do, but the referees of this game were terrible. They weren't giving the Lakers any calls whatsoever.

In what may be his last season coaching, Phil Jackson needs to talk to his team, and go out on top

I didn't like Derek Fisher on Chris Paul either. Paul is a young, athletic player who is too agile for the old veteran Fisher. For Game 5, I hope Kobe's ankle is fine and they put match those two. Kobe guarded Paul very well in previous games that led to Laker wins. If not that, at least put Shannon Brown on him because he will definitely be able to keep up seeing as how he is very athletic himself. To sum it up, the Lakers need to step it up in Game 5 in Los Angeles. They need to bring the intensity. Kobe needs to take good shots, Artest has to hit buckets throughout the game, Fisher has to keep up, Bynum has to keep playing big, and Gasol needs to be more like Bynum and get big for once! The bench did a pretty good job in the game and actually did better than the starters through some stretches. 

For a win, the Lakers MUST STOP CHRIS PAUL.

Game 5 is on April 26, at 10:30 ET. It will be in LA at the Staples Center and will be on TNT.