The Hornets begin this season knowing their opponents will be more focused on them than they have been in years past.
The Hornets had missed the playoffs three seasons in a row before a breakthrough year last season in which they won 56 games and came within one victory of the Western Conference finals. "We have to be up to the task," coach Byron Scott said. "Teams are going to be geared up for us every night. We're not going to sneak up on anybody. We do have a little bit of a target on our back.
"But if you're a competitor, that's what you kind of like, the fact that every night, you're going to get somebody's best."
The Hornets accomplished a laundry list of firsts last season, and the goal this season is to add another -- an NBA title.
"All those records we set last year were great," point guard Chris Paul said, "but we know we're starting with a clean slate."
HORNETS 108, WARRIORS 103: Chris Paul scored the go-ahead basket on a driving lay-up with 19 seconds remaining as the Hornets prevailed in the season opener for both teams Wednesday night in Oakland, Calif.
Paul made amends for a missed jumper and subsequent foul that helped the Warriors take a 103-102 lead on Corey Maggette's two free throws with 28 seconds left.
"I couldn't make a jump shot," Paul said, "so I figured I'd shoot a lay-up. It was a great team win."
The Warriors missed an opportunity to regain the lead when Stephen Jackson threw away an in-bounds pass after Paul's basket.
Peja Stojakovic and Rasual Butler each made two free throws to complete the scoring.
