Pictures From the Lakers @ Hornets Games 3 and 4, Some Notes and Some Links

Well hello there, everyone! I’m glad to see that you’ve joined us. I’m sorry about the lack of updates, so how about some pictures to make it up to you? Awesome. I’m not sure how much in depth analysis I’ll be going into, but there is only one way to find out. Let’s do this…

First and foremost, I want to thank all of you Hornets fans. I want to extend and a special shout out to the fans at game 3 and 4. I’m not going to lie, I was worried about the amount of Lakers fans I thought would be in attendance. I kept having flash backs to the Boston game where the away fans were louder. But Hornets fans rallied for the first two home games of this playoff series.

The team had gold shirts placed on every seat in the Hive. The ‘gold out’ was a great call. Sneaky smart by the Hornets organization. As you can see the New Orleans Arena was packed and Lakers fans were hidden. I’m sure it looked great on TV. But even better, Hornets fans brought their lungs. This was my first playoff game; I was very excited to be there; and Hornets fans did not disappoint me. The place was loud.

The Hornets changed things up for game three. Instead of shirts, towels were given out. When all the fans started waving them it looked awesome. I tried filming it but my camera ran out of battery. Sorry (but I did record something I’m sure you’ll all like).

For both games, Buzz Fest was packed. I arrived at the arena around 6:30 for both games and it was already hard to walk around. At the Beer Garden we met up with other Hornets bloggers from At The Hive, Hornets Hype and Hoop Dat. It wasn’t too crowded and we definitely had a good time laughing and making fun of Laker fans.

Note #1, I’m sorry Chris Paul: I know we’ve been hard on you at times this year, Chris. And after your performance so far this series (games 1 and 4 especially) I promise to never doubt you based on regular season games again. You’re right. They don’t matter (at least not if you root for a playoff bound team). 13 rebounds? Seriously? You’ve proved your point. But please do us a favor. Keep it up.

-Sincerely, Every Hornets Fan Ever.

Note #2, FUNNY FACES!!!: Here are some funny faces from your favorite Hornets players. Chris Paul! David West! Aaron Gray! Joe Gerrity?

For both game 3 and 4 the big thing was the “Beat LA” chant. Even the Honey Bees were wearing shirts that said it. And when the arena started chanting it? Deafening. Any time the Lakers fans in the arena became  uppity (especially in game 4), the Hornets fans would respond. At one point there was an MVP cheer starting for Kobe to which the rest of the arena countered with a “Kobe sucks” chant. Like I said earlier, well done New Orleans. You really proved we have a strong home court advantage down here.

Note #3, Trevor Ariza: I’ve been hard on Ariza all season long. But so far in the playoffs, I’m thrilled with the trade for him. He has made Kobe work for nearly every point. He even held him scoreless in the first half of game 4. His offense is still not great but we’re absolutely at the ‘OK” level. Without him attacking the rim in the first half of game 4, the Hornets may have found themselves in a hole they couldn’t dig out of. Keep it up!

Note #4, Jarrett Jack: You have to feel happy for Jarrett Jack. If his first playoff series he comes up huge with a clutch, dagger of a jump shot. It was his first field goal of the game. And then he nails two free throws on the next possession. Clutcher than Lebron James?

The Hans Gruber Villain of the Game Award: Phil Jackson. For his awful and uninformed commentsabout the city of New Orleans. I think it’s great that he has to come back here for game 6 now. And for fun, lets give it to all the bandwagon Lakers fans at the game too. Except for the girl in a Luke Walton jersey. I’m assuming she’s a true fan because I can’t fathom why she would be wearing that otherwise. In game 4, the Hornets had a “Bandwagon Cam” and just went around showing people in Lakers clothes. It was great.

Links:

-Please read Rohan’s great post on Chris Paul here.

-And Holly Mackenzie has another absolutely awesome one as well.

And here is a video of the Hornets intro from game 4. Sorry it’s a little shaky.

And finally, your pregame metal song to fire you up. Thanks to MV from Hornets Hype for the idea. Chris Paul, your master of puppets, he’s pulling your strings, twisting your mind and smashing your dreams. Well, that is, if you’re a Lakers fan.