01/24/2008 - 04:20
Call It Six Straight
by Paul Kingston

Helped by another sensational rebounding effort by No. 6, New Orleans has ripped off six consecutive wins, the latest a 96-81 win over the visiting Portland Trailblazers.

Tyson scored nine points while collecting 14 rebounds (seven offensive), marking his fifth consecutive game -- and eighth in the last 10 -- with a double-digit rebound total.

Just how significant a role Ty plays for New Orleans was noted by the Associated Press:

New Orleans began to pull away when Stojakovic, who didn't score in the first half, hit a mid-range jumper and a 3-pointer to open the third quarter.

Chandler's tip-in of Paul's missed jumper and West's driving layup through a crowd fueled a 7-0 run, capped by Paul's free throws, that gave New Orleans a 67-55 lead.

BEST IN THE WEST
With the win, the Hornets bumped their record to 29-12, giving the franchise the best winning percentage (.707) in the Western Conference.

HIGH PRAISE FROM PAUL
Tyson started the week off with bang, scoring 21 points (one short of his season hight) and pulling down 15 boards (eight offensive) in a 106-92 home victory over Milwaukee.

Afterward, Chris Paul spoke in glowing terms about his teammate. As the AP reported:

It was the third straight game in which Chandler and Paul reached double figures in two categories. It was the 14th time they've done it this season, all resulting in New Orleans victories.

"It's absolutely crazy, but it's just like with your best friend or your buddy -- you can understand what they're thinking before they even say it," Chandler said. "It's all about eye contact and feeling the game. I know exactly what he's thinking and what he wants out there, and he knows what I want to do."

Added Paul: "I couldn't imagine playing with another center other than Tyson right now. He's helped me out so much, just having that option to throw it to the rim. ... I think we compliment each other really well."

NEXT UP
No. 6 and New Orleans host the Clippers (13-25) on Friday at 8:30 PM EST.

RELATED STORIES
Six Figures (Times-Picayune, Jan. 24, 2008)
Pargo’s Season-High 24 Points Lift Hornets (Associated Press, Jan. 24, 2008)
Chandler, Paul Lead Hornets in Win Over Bucks (Associated Press, Jan. 21, 2008)