New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Chris Paul recorded 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, as the shorthanded New Orleans Hornets managed to top the New Jersey Nets, 102-92.
Paul shot an excellent 11-of-18 from the floor for the Hornets, who have won three straight and four of five. Peja Stojakovic had 20 points and 10 rebounds, including a 4-of-7 mark from long range. Rasual Butler posted 14 points for New Orleans, which was without starters David West (back spasms) and Tyson Chandler (ankle).
Vince Carter had a team-high 20 points for the Nets, who have lost four straight and five of six. Bobby Simmons added 16, while Keyon Dooling posted 12 points in the loss.
Devin Harris was a woeful 1-of-11 from the field for just six points in addition to six assists for New Jersey.
Leading by one at halftime, the Hornets took control of the game in the third quarter, as the hosts scored 17 of the period's first 21 points. Ryan Anderson's dunk briefly tied the game for the Nets at 48, but New Orleans ripped off the next seven points, as Paul's two free throws made it 55-48 with 8 1/2 minutes left.
Josh Boone scored on a layup for New Jersey, and then the Hornets scored nine unanswered points, with Posey's three extending the lead to 64-50.
The Hornets led by double digits throughout most of the fourth quarter, but the Nets tallied eight straight points to make it a 91-85 game with 3 1/2 minutes left.
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New Jersey cut the deficit to five on a three by Simmons, but Paul's three- point play put the Hornets back up by eight with 58.5 seconds left, sealing the victory.
New Orleans trailed, 28-22, after the first quarter but battled to take a 48-47 lead at halftime.
