New Orleans Hornets 2007–08 Season: A Historic Campaign
The 2007–08 season stands as a landmark era for the New Orleans Hornets. Marking the franchise's sixth season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), it was a year of homecoming and unprecedented success. For the first time since the 2004–05 season, the team returned to New Orleans full-time, fueling a surge in momentum that would lead them to the pinnacle of their division.
Driven by a potent offense—ranking sixth in the NBA for offensive rating (a measure of points scored per 100 possessions)—the Hornets combined elite guard play with a formidable frontcourt to dominate the Western Conference.
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Key Facts
- Regular Season Record: 56–26 (.683 winning percentage).
- Division Title: First-ever Southwest Division championship.
- Conference Standing: 2nd seed in the Western Conference.
- Coaching Honor: Byron Scott named NBA Coach of the Year.
- Playoff Achievement: First seven-game playoff series win in franchise history.
- Historic Milestone: Only season in New Orleans franchise history with 50+ wins.
Regular Season Dominance
The Hornets' journey to the top was defined by consistency and home-court advantage. They finished the season with a strong 30–11 record at the New Orleans Arena and a respectable 26–15 record on the road. The team officially clinched the Southwest Division title on April 15 following a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Under the leadership of head coach Byron Scott and general manager Jeff Bower, the team developed a balanced attack. The roster was anchored by the brilliance of Chris Paul and the scoring prowess of David West and Peja Stojaković.
Season Summary Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Byron Scott |
| General Manager | Jeff Bower |
| Owner | George Shinn |
| Regular Season Record | 56–26 |
| Division Finish | 1st (Southwest) |
| Conference Finish | 2nd (Western) |
| Playoff Result | Conference Semifinals (lost 3–4 to Spurs) |
Playoff Run and Individual Brilliance
The Hornets entered the playoffs as the 2nd seed, facing the 7th-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round. They made history by winning the series 4–1, marking the first time the franchise had ever won a seven-game playoff series. This victory was highlighted by a Game 2 performance where the team set several franchise records, including most points in a game (127) and most three-pointers made (10).
Chris Paul delivered a legendary post-season debut. He became the first player in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in each of his first two career playoff games. Across the first round, Paul averaged 24 points, 12 assists, and 2 steals per game.
The momentum carried into the Conference Semifinals against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. The Hornets pushed the series to the limit, but were ultimately eliminated in Game 7 on May 19.
Roster and Draft Contributions
The team's success was built on a deep roster. Key contributors included center Tyson Chandler, who provided a strong defensive presence, and forward David West, who remained a primary scoring threat. The team also integrated new talent through the draft, selecting forward Julian Wright (13th overall) and shooting guard Adam Haluska (43rd overall).
Top Regular Season Performers
- Chris Paul: 21.1 PPG, 11.6 APG, 2.7 SPG
- David West: 20.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG
- Peja Stojaković: 16.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 44.1% 3P%
- Tyson Chandler: 11.8 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the coach of the New Orleans Hornets in 2007–08?
The team was led by Byron Scott, who was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year for his leadership during the season.
What was the team's final regular season record?
The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 56 wins and 26 losses.
Which division title did the Hornets win this season?
The Hornets won the Southwest Division title, the first division championship in the franchise's history.
What historic playoff record did Chris Paul set?
Chris Paul became the first player in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in his first two career playoff games.
How far did the Hornets go in the 2008 playoffs?
They reached the Western Conference Semifinals, where they lost a closely contested seven-game series to the San Antonio Spurs.