Hornets Hurt Warriors' Playoff Chances

Chris Paul had a rather quiet triple double in leading New Orleans to a commanding 12-point victory over Golden State, which drops the Warriors 1/2 game back from the Nuggets for the 8th and final playoff spot in the west. Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis, usually the catalysts and leaders of Nellie's circus act he calls a basketball team, played miserably. They shot a combined 11-33 from the field, including 1-14 from 3-point range, with 9 turnovers. Worse than their shooting was their horriific, lazy defense. On several occasions, Baron didn't even put his hands up to defend outside shots. He just stood there and watched. There was zero help defense on penetrators and kickouts and hardly any switching on man-to-man coverage. I know this team has an up-tempo, hich-octane identity to uphold, but there comes a point where they have to at least make the minimal effort on defense. As a Warriors fan, it is painful to watch. How many easy baskets did David West have in the second half? It's really a shame that Monta's incredible offensive display (17-26 from the field) was wasted today. But it looks as if some guys just don't give a crap out there. Unless they can really turn things around, I don't see this team getting that last playoff spot. The Mavericks are losing to the Suns right now, but they are in great shape to get at least the #8 seed. The Nuggets should win tonight in Seattle, making Thursday's showdown in Oakland against Melo, A.I. & company a must-win for the Warriors. I want to be a believer but Nellieball is almost too difficult to accept.