The Hornets have no choice other than to play point guard Chris Paul a majority of the minutes of their remaining games against the Nuggets.

He played 46 minutes in the team's victory on Saturday, moving New Orleans to within a win of tying the series at two games apiece.

"It's the playoffs. There's nothing to save and Chris is such a passionate player, he wants to be out there," Hornets center Tyson Chandler said Sunday. "It's like you almost have to peal him off the court. He does a good job of letting coaches know when he's really gassed so he can get a breather and get back out there."

Paul played 34 minutes in Game 1, and 38 minutes in Game 2.

Denver realizes that New Orleans has to lean heavily on Paul in order to win.

"We feel like he has to play that many minutes for them to have a shot," said Chauncey Billups. "His responsibility for his team is probably more than anybody's in the league. We have to try to take advantage of him on the other end of the court, make him defend and try to wear him down a little bit."