The NBA World Champion San Antonio Spurs finally showed signs of life in this series, by thumping Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets in game 3. The Spurs looked very aggressive and quick to the ball, a total contrast from what they showed games 1 and 2 at the Big Easy. Tonight’s game is a scheduled for 8 pm EST and can be seen on Turner Sports, TNT. The fine folks at BodogLife.com have the World Champion San Antonio Spurs a –5 ½ points favorites over the New Orleans Hornets and the O/U has been set at 189 total points.

For San Antonio to square this series off at 2 apiece, they must have a repeat performance of game 3. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker-Langoria teamed up to score 31 points each in the win. But more so, the Spurs played a physical game.

For two games they had allowed Chris Paul to bully them, as Paul smacked them in the mouth, getting everyone involved and scoring at will. But that changed in game 3, and the 2008 NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott acknowledged that.

"I thought they played a lot more aggressive tonight. A lot more physical. Basically kind of took us right out of our game. I thought we lost our composure tonight a little bit as well… you got to give [the Spurs] a lot of credit.”      

But also expect the Hornets to make their adjustments to what the Spurs were doing effectively. Chris Paul still had a terrific performance in the loss. The MVP runner-up scored 35 and dished out 9 dimes as he made an array of circus shots. His partner in crime and all-star David West had also a good game with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

The key in San Antonio’s win was not allowing anyone else to beat you. Stojakovic, who has been terrific this whole series, was held to only 8 points (2-7 from the field including 1-3 shooting the 3-ball). The Spurs also did a good job of containing Peterson and the rest of the Hornet’s bench.

Tonight’s game will not be a blow out, by either team. Now after 3 games in the books, punches and counter-punches have already been thrown. There are no longer any secrets as to each team’s game plan is. Now it’s just a matter of continuing to make minor adjustments (throughout the game), offensive/defensive execution, and desire... who wants it more?

In a long series, the team with the most experience benefits tremendously. A young team on the other hand, might start feeling a bit uncomfortable as the pressure of the playoffs starts tightening up. I like the Spurs in this one, however, it will be a close contest.  

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