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Two transcendent playoff performances by Chris Paul made the Hornets' first-round series with Los Angeles far more interesting than the two-time defending champion Lakers would have preferred.

The question now is whether the Hornets' four-time All-Star can summon another big game in New Orleans on Thursday night.

Paul says he can't wait for the challenge of playing the Lakers on the brink of elimination. He says he likes the prospect of a game in which he and his teammates must pull out all stops to stay alive.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson says he'll approach Game 6 with urgency as well. Hoping to avoid a seventh game, he says he won't limit Kobe Bryant's minutes, even though Bryant's left ankle remains sore from a Game 4 injury.