(Photos: Getty Images) The New Orleans Hornets take the win against the San Antonio Spurs (101-82). New Orleans Hornets’ Chris Paul went into this game ready and excited about being so close to the Finals. Seeing the rings Hornets’ coach Byron Scott gained with previous team, Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Paul responded after the win last night:

“It sort of gives you goose bumps. We understand right now we’re on that same journey and we feel like we can get there.”

Paul had a total of 17 points, 13 assists, and 4 rebounds. Top scorer of the night was David West, who had 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 rebounds. Tyson Chandler racked up 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Tim Duncan didn’t perform as well as he could’ve in this first game against the Hornets’. He had only 5 points, 2 assists and 3 rebounds. He talked about his performance after the game:

“Things just didn’t go my way,” said Duncan, “They did a great job. … I played badly, so credit to them.”

Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker ,on the other hand, made up for Duncan’s poor performance. Ginobili had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Parker had 23 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds.

The next game against the Spurs will air May 5th (Monday) on TNT @ 9:30PM.