Hornets 115, Kings 103
Chris Paul made a spectacular return from missing two games with a concussion, scoring a season-high 33 points and handing out 15 assists to power the New Orleans Hornets to a 115-103 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Paul was at his best in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and making two steals in a decisive 18-2 run as the Hornets (39-29) won for the fourth time in five games and took sole possession of sixth place in the Western Conference.
Playing just six days after he had to be carried off the court on a stretcher following a collision with Cleveland's Ramon Sessions, Paul shot 13 of 21 from the floor and added seven rebounds and five steals.
David West scored 25 points and Carl Landry added 20 points against his former teammates as New Orleans sent the Kings (15-49) to their sixth consecutive defeat.
Marcus Thornton, was who traded for Landry last month, led Sacramento with 25 points. Rookie DeMarcus Cousins added 19 points and 11 rebounds for his fifth double-double in six games.