07.07.2005

NEW ORLEANS (73) AT CLEVELAND (76)
Stats

The Cleveland Cavaliers held on in the final seconds to beat the New 
Orleans Hornets, 76-73, Thursday afternoon. Hornets rookie Chris Paul 
missed a game tying running lay-up with six seconds left and former 
Hornet Matt Freijie made one of two free throws to seal the win for the Cavs.

Paul was very impressive in his first NBA action, scoring a game-high 
21 points (8-13 FG), pulling down five rebounds and dishing out four 
assists in 34 minutes. Paul had the highlight of the game when he 
crossed over John Lucas III, drove the lane and got the basket and a 
foul as he kissed a runner off the glass. 

Blake Stepp displayed his great shooting touch, leading the Cavs with 
16 points (6-9 FG). Freijie had 13 points (5-9 FG) in the win. Cleveland 
finished the game 45 percent (31-69 FG) and out-rebounded the Hornets 40-38. 

J.R. Smith had 15 points (5-12 FG) in the losing effort for the Hornets. 
Maciej Lampe grabbed a team-high seven rebounds in addition to scoring 
12 points (5-10 FG). Former Charlotte Hornet Eddie Robinson had 12 points
(6-10 FG) and six rebounds. 

Paul had 14 points (5-6 FG) in the first half as he dazzled the crowd with 
his speed and ball handling ability. Smith put in nine points (4-9 FG) in t
he half. New Orleans shot 52 percent (16-31 FG) for the half. 

Stepp led he Cavs in scoring for the first half, scoring eight points(3-3 FG). 
The Cavs shot 55 percent (17-31 FG) at the break. 

The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards tomorrow night at 8 p.m., while the 
Cavaliers battle the Golden State Warriors on Saturday at 8 p.m.