Hornets 97, Blazers 78
Chris Paul had 16 points and 13 assists as the New Orleans Hornets overcame an early deficit and pulled away late in a 97-78 win over the host Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
After trailing by as many as nine points midway in the second quarter, the Hornets responded with a 12-0 run capped by a 19-foot turnaround jumper by David West. The Trail Blazers scored just two points in the final 6 1/2 of the quarter.
Portland (8-7) drew to within one after halftime, but Marco Belinelli's 3-pointer fueled a 12-1 run that allowed the Hornets to put the game away.
Willie Green had 19 points to pace the Hornets, while Trevor Ariza added 18 points and West and Belinelli chipped in with 14 apiece.
Blazers swingman Brandon Roy had 27 points in his first game back after missing the previous three with a knee injury. LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 points and nine rebounds in defeat.