05/13/2008 - 14:43
The TC Effect
by Andrew Mees

Hornets' guard Chris Paul may have finished second in the league's MVP voting, but the argument can be made that No. 6 has been just as important to the Hornets' dream season.

The big man has taken his game to another level this year, and his team has become one of the best and most exciting in the game as Ty grows as a player.

Just how important has No. 6 been to the Hornets' success this season?

THE T FACTOR
A look inside the numbers shows that Ty has not only been as important as CP3, but is the one player that must be on his game if the Hornets plan on raising the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.

In the 57 games (including the postseason) that Tyson has gone for at least 10 rebounds, the Hornets are 46-11. The game's premier offensive rebounder, Ty averaged just over four offensive boards a game. When he's gone for at least four boards on the offensive glass, the Hornets are an outstanding 39-10.

But the area of Ty's game that has really improved is the offensive end of the floor, where he has become a double-double machine. When No. 6 goes for double figures in both points and rebounds, the Hornets are an astounding 36-4.

The numbers make it pretty clear: When No. 6 is at his at his best, the Hornets are close to an unbeatable basketball team. If they want to get past the defending champion Spurs, they need the big man to get into the flow and play to his future all-star potential.

TY'S THOUGHTS ON GAME FIVE
No. 6 was asked to comment about Tuesday night's pivotal game five against the Spurs by the Times-Picayune. Here's what Ty had to say:

"We're very confident. At this point, it's a three-game series. We've got two home games, and hopefully we'll wrap this game up and have a chance to win the series (Thursday) in San Antonio."

It'll be crucial for Ty to get into the flow on the offensive end, and to stay out of foul trouble in order for the Hornets to take a 3-2 series lead back to San Antonio.

NEXT UP
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night at New Orleans Arena. Tip-off will be at 8:30 Central Standard Time. You can catch all the action on TNT.

RELATED STORIES
Home Remedy (The Times-Picayune, May 13, 2008)
http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-3/121065627596690...

Spurs Have Momentum On Their Side, But Little Else (ESPN.com, May 13, 2008)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=holli...

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