Hawks 87 - 79 Pelicans
Final
  for this game

Hawks face stiff test vs. Hornets

Nov 5, 2008 - 2:14 PM Atlanta (2-0) at New Orleans (3-0) 8:00 p.m. EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- After wins over two potential Eastern Conference playoff teams to open the season, the Atlanta Hawks will face a firm test when they take on one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

A pair of unbeaten squads meet when the Hawks take on the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.

With wins over Orlando and Philadelphia, thanks in part to Joe Johnson's 30 points a game, Atlanta has established itself as a team capable of returning to the playoffs again this season.

While Johnson has led the offense, it was a team effort defensively that enabled Atlanta to start 2-0 for the first time since 1998-99. Philadelphia was limited to just 31 points in the second half as the Hawks overcame a 13-point halftime deficit.

Another quality defensive performance will be needed as they take on the league's highest scoring offense. Averaging 106.7 points per game, New Orleans is coming off a 104-92 win against Cleveland.

Chris Paul scored 24 points and dished out 15 assists to record his third double-double in as many games.

Six players are averaging double figures for New Orleans, including a team-leading 22.3 points a game from David West.






Related News