In the News

Hawks coach Drew adds Gattison to staff (AP)
Hawks coach Larry Drew is adding former New Orleans Hornets assistant Kenny Gattison to his new staff as an assistant coach. Drew says Gattison adds knowledge and experience to the Hawks. Gattison was with the Hornets from 2003-09. Gattison says the Hawks are "young and talented" as they come off a 53-win season.

Paul noncommittal on future with Hornets (AP)
Chris Paul jumped at the chance to express his love for New Orleans during his annual youth basketball camp on Tuesday. Only the subject of his future with the Hornets gave him pause. Paul said his meeting with Hornets general manager Dell Demps, head coach Monty Williams and team president Hugh Weber on Monday "went really well." He added that he was "excited" by Williams'...

New Orleans Hornets turning away calls on Chris Paul, sources say
The Hornets prepared for their highly anticipated sitdown with star guard Chris Paul by turning away the latest flurry of trade calls from other teams, according to NBA front-office sources.

Chris Paul meets with Hornets
Did the Hornets change Chris Paul's mind about leaving New Orleans?

New Orleans Hornets say Chris Paul meeting didn't include trade talk
Hornets general manager Dell Demps says star guard Chris Paul did not request a trade during a meeting with New Orleans executives.

Hornets GM: Paul didn't request trade
Hornets general manager Dell Demps says star guard Chris Paul did not request a trade during a meeting with New Orleans executives.

Chris Paul puts out trade wish list, topped by New York Knicks, sources say
The New York Knicks are the first team on Chris Paul's wish list of clubs he'd like New Orleans to trade him to, according to sources.

Report: Hornets star Paul wants trade
Chris Paul's rumored efforts to leave New Orleans may be gaining steam.

Dell Demps officially introduced as New Orleans Hornets GM
Dell Demps says he's looking forward to working with old friend and new Hornets coach Monty Williams in New Orleans, where Demps will fill his first general manager's post.

Hornets to hire Spurs VP Demps as GM (AP)
A person familiar with the hiring says Dell Demps has agreed to become the New Orleans Hornets' next general manager. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press late Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because the hiring had not been formally announced, says the move is expected to become official on Wednesday.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets win fight to make Dell Demps GM
The New Orleans Hornets have fought off the Phoenix Suns to land San Antonio's Dell Demps as their next general manager.

Report: Hornets select Demps as general manager
A person familiar with the hiring says Dell Demps has agreed to become the New Orleans Hornets' next general manager.

New Orleans Hornets president: No uncertainty with owners
New Orleans Hornets team president Hugh Weber said Tuesday that the slow pace of the club's planned ownership change has no bearing on the franchise's ability to make key changes aimed at building a winner around star guard Chris Paul.

Dell Demps of San Antonio Spurs emerging as top New Orleans Hornets GM candidate, sources say
Spurs vice president of basketball operations Dell Demps has emerged as the frontrunner in the Hornets' fast-moving search for a new general manager, according to sources close to the process.

Washington Wizards rookie John Wall scores 31 points in win over New Orleans Hornets
John Wall scored 31 points in the Washington Wizards' 90-89 summer-league win over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Wall scores 31 in summer-league win (AP)
John Wall scored 31 points in the Washington Wizards' 90-89 summer-league win over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. The top pick in the draft had 13 points during an 18-0 run in the third quarter. He capped the run with a steal and a transition dunk that put Washington up 62-60 with 2:05 left in the period.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets identify former Portland GM Kevin Pritchard as top choice
The New Orleans Hornets have identified a handful potential candidates for their front-office vacancy, with former Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard emerging early as the top target, according to sources with knowledge of New Orleans' thinking.

2010 NBA free agents: New Orleans Hornets nixed Luther Head deal after medical report
The Hornets say they decided not to sign free agent Luther Head after consulting with the team's medical staff.

Agent: Hornets doing damage to Head (AP)
The agent for Luther Head said Wednesday that his client is healthy and that the New Orleans Hornets have not offered a reasonable explanation for why they rescinded a two-year contract offer for the veteran guard. Mark Bartelstein said the Hornets informed him not long after general manager Jeff Bower had stepped down on Tuesday that Head, who played for the Indiana Pacers last season, had failed...

Agent: New Orleans Hornets withdraw contract offer for Luther Head
The agent for Luther Head says his client is healthy and the New Orleans Hornets have not offered a reasonable explanation for why they rescinded a two-year contract offer for the veteran guard.

GM Jeff Bowers agrees to part ways with New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets and general manager Jeff Bower have "mutually agreed" to part ways immediately.

New Orleans Hornets sit Marcus Thornton for remainder of summer league
The New Orleans Hornets have decided to hold second-year shooting guard Marcus Thornton out of the remaining three games of the Las Vegas summer league.

Hornets G Thornton to rest bruised shin (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have decided to hold second-year shooting guard Marcus Thornton out of the remaining three games of the Las Vegas summer league. Thornton bruised his left shin during the Hornets' second game against the Miami Heat on Sunday night, so the club has decided to rest him as a precaution.

NBA free agency: Luther Head, New Orleans Hornets agree to two-year deal
Free-agent guard Luther Head is signing with the New Orleans Hornets, according to his agent.

Cavaliers get future picks for James (AP)
The Cavaliers made sure they got something back for LeBron James. After losing the superstar to Miami, the Cavs worked out a deal with the Heat, acquiring two future first-round draft picks and two second-round picks. Cleveland gets two first rounders starting in 2013 and continuing through 2017, and the Heat's 2012 second-round pick from New Orleans and a future second-round pick Miami...

Hornets, G Head agree on 2-year contract (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have reached an agreement on a two-year contract with veteran guard Luther Head. The Hornets are not announcing the deal yet because Head still must pass his physical, but Head's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the deal paying Head about $2.5 million over two years is done.

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets severs ties with longtime agents
Chris Paul has left the agency that has handled his marketing and basketball contracts since he entered the NBA.Chris Paul has left the agency that has handled his marketing and basketball contracts since he entered the NBA.

Paul severs relationship with agents (AP)
Chris Paul has left the agency that has handled his marketing and basketball contracts since he entered the NBA. Octagon basketball managing director Jeff Austin, who negotiated Paul's current four-year, $68 million contract with the New Orleans Hornets, confirmed on Thursday that Paul has ended his five-year relationship with the agency.

Oklahoma City Thunder complete trade for Cole Aldrich, Mo Peterson
The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired the draft rights to Cole Aldrich and veteran forward Mo Peterson from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for the rights to Craig Brackins and Quincy Poindexter.

Thunder acquire Aldrich, Peterson (AP)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired the draft rights to Cole Aldrich and veteran forward Mo Peterson from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for the rights to Craig Brackins and Quincy Poindexter. In making the announcement Thursday, executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti said the 6-foot-11 Aldrich will bring a "blue collar" approach to defense and that Morris will...

Pistons sign 1st-round pick Monroe (AP)
The Detroit Pistons have signed first-round draft pick Greg Monroe. Terms were not disclosed Tuesday. The 6-foot-11-inch Monroe averaged 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 34 games as a sophomore for Georgetown last season. He was the Big East Rookie of the Year as a freshman. The Pistons drafted the New Orleans native with the seventh overall selection in the NBA draft.

Hornets exec: 'No question' Paul will be here
Hornets president Hugh Weber said Saturday there is "no question'' that Chris Paul will still be with New Orleans when next season begins.

New Orleans Hornets' president says 'no question' Chris Paul will be with team next season
Hornets president Hugh Weber says there is "no question" Chris Paul will still be with New Orleans when next season begins.

Chris Paul says New Orleans Hornets must show urgency via upgrades
Chris Paul says he isn't interested in waiting several more years for the New Orleans Hornets to become a title contender.

Paul wants Hornets to upgrade roster (AP)
Chris Paul says he isn't interested in waiting several more years for the New Orleans Hornets to become a title contender. The 25-year-old guard says he loves New Orleans and holds his new coach, Monty Williams, in high regard. But he does want the Hornets to show their commitment to winning by upgrading the roster this summer.

Drew Brees of New Orleans Saints earns multiple ESPY nominations
Drew Brees, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jimmie Johnson and Albert Pujols will vie for the Best Male Athlete award at the 2010 ESPYS, which are set for July 14 in Los Angeles.

Brackins taken by OKC for New Orleans - Craig Brackins (F) New Orleans Hornets
The Thunder took forward Craig Brackins with the 21st pick for the New Orleans Hornets.

Drew Brees of New Orleans Saints earns multiple ESPY nominations
Drew Brees, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jimmie Johnson and Albert Pujols will vie for the Best Male Athlete award at the 2010 ESPYS, which are set for July 14 in Los Angeles.

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets wants to win, open to trade
With trade speculation swirling around him, Chris Paul said Wednesday that he's open to a trade if the New Orleans Hornets aren't committed to winning championships.

Hornets ownership discounts chances of Paul trade
The New Orleans Hornets' ownership on Wednesday sharply discounted the possibility of trading Chris Paul before Thursday's NBA draft or at any point this offseason.

New Orleans Hornets new coach doesn't want Chris Paul traded
Hornets coach Monty Williams says Chris Paul was "the main thing" that excited him about taking his new job and that he could not envision entering next season without the three-time All Star.

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul making slow recovery from injuries
Coming off what he calls "the longest stretch of my career," New Orleans guard Chris Paul is making slow progress in his rehabilitation from numerous injuries and is eager to play for new Hornets coach Monty Williams.

Hornets' Paul making slow recovery (AP)
Coming off what he calls "the longest stretch of my career," New Orleans guard Chris Paul is making slow progress in his rehabilitation from numerous injuries and is eager to play for new Hornets coach Monty Williams. His summer plans, including playing for the United States in the world championships, remain far from certain.

New Hornets coach plans up-tempo style
There was a twinkle in Monty Williams' eyes as he recalled all the times Doc Rivers yelled at him when they were together with the Orlando Magic. When Williams was introduced as the ninth head coach of the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday, he admitted the current Boston Celtics coach was right about one thing.

Monty Williams introduced as New Orleans Hornets coach
Monty Williams is formally introduced as New Orleans Hornets new coach on Tuesday.

The New Orleans Hornets will formally name Monty Williams coach Tuesday
The Hornets have scheduled a Tuesday afternoon news conference to formally introduce Monty Williams as their new head coach.

New Orleans Hornets expect to name Monty Williams head coach by Tuesday
New Orleans Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman says the club hopes to introduce Monty Williams as its new head coach by Tuesday.

Hornets close to introducing Williams as new coach
New Orleans Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman says the club hopes to introduce Monty Williams as its new head coach by Tuesday.

Hornets near naming Monty Williams coach (AP)
New Orleans Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman says the club hopes to introduce Monty Williams as its new head coach by Tuesday. Williams has agreed in principle to a three-year contract, although some details are still being worked out. The Hornets began negotiating with Williams on Friday when it became clear that another top candidate, Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, wanted to explore...

Source: Hornets negotiating with Williams
The New Orleans Hornets began contract talks with Monty Williams about their head coaching job on Friday, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

Sources: Tom Thibodeau turns down Hornets, who turn to Monty Williams
Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau has turned down the New Orleans Hornets contract offer, a source close to the situation said Friday.

Source: Hornets don't enforce deadline, wait for Tom Thibodeau to answer coaching offer
The New Orleans Hornets' coaching search will last at least one day longer than expected after the Hornets chose not to enforce a deadline issued earlier this week to Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets set decision deadline for Boston's Tom Thibodeau
The Hornets, who offered their vacant coaching job to Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau last week, might hire someone else if Thibodeau has not accepted the job before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets offer job to Boston Celtics' Tom Thibodeau
The Hornets have offered their coaching job to Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, sources told ESPN.com.

Report: New Orleans Hornets working on a contract for Tom Thibodeau
A person familiar with the process says Tom Thibodeau is the leading candidate to fill the New Orleans Hornets' coaching vacancy and the team could offer him the job this week.

Report: Thibodeau is Hornets' top choice
A person familiar with the process says Tom Thibodeau is the leading candidate to fill the New Orleans Hornets' coaching vacancy and the team could offer him the job this week.

Thibodeau top candidate for Hornets job (AP)
A person familiar with the process says Tom Thibodeau is the leading candidate to fill the New Orleans Hornets' coaching vacancy and the team could offer him the job this week. After interviewing eight candidates, the Hornets began working on a contract for Thibodeau, the person told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the offer has not yet been made.

New Orleans Hornets interview Utah Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin
Utah Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin has met with the New Orleans Hornets about the club's head coaching vacancy.

New Orleans Hornets interview ex-New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank, Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams
The New Orleans Hornets continue to interview candidates for their vacant coaching job; former NBA head coach Lawrence Frank and current Portland assistant Monty Williams are the latest.

Report: New Orleans Hornets to interview Portland Trail Blazers assist Monty Williams
A person familiar with the meeting says Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams is traveling to New Orleans to interview for the Hornets' vacant head coaching position.

Report: Hornets to meet with Williams
A person familiar with the meeting says Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams is traveling to New Orleans to interview for the Hornets' vacant head coaching position.

New Orleans Hornets interview prospective coaches Tom Thibodeau, Mark Jackson
The New Orleans Hornets have met with Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau and former NBA player Mark Jackson about the club's head coaching vacancy.

Hornets postpone announcement for ownership change
The New Orleans Hornets say a formal announcement of a change of ownership will not happen until next week at the earliest.

New Orleans Hornets' change in ownership pushed back
The New Orleans Hornets say a formal announcement of a change of ownership will not happen until next week at the earliest.

Report: Hornets interview Fratello
A person familiar with the meeting says the New Orleans Hornets have interviewed Mike Fratello, the third candidate to meet with the club about its vacant head coaching job.

Report: New Orleans Hornets interviews analyst Mike Fratello
A person familiar with the meeting says the New Orleans Hornets have interviewed Mike Fratello, the third candidate to meet with the club about its vacant head coaching job.

Report: Hornets meet with Johnson, Casey
A person familiar with the New Orleans Hornets' coaching search says the club has conducted its first two interviews with former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and current Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey.

New Orleans Hornets interview Avery Johnson, Dwane Casey for coaching position
A person familiar with the New Orleans Hornets' coaching search says the club has conducted its first two interviews with former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and current Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey.

Hornets meet with Avery Johnson, Casey (AP)
A person familiar with the New Orleans Hornets' coaching search says the club has conducted its first two interviews with former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and current Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey. Hornets general manager Jeff Bower and team president Hugh Weber traveled to Texas along with team owner Gary Chouest to meet with Johnson and Casey on Tuesday, the person told The Associated...

Report: Chouest-Shinn agree on sale of Hornets
A person familiar with the negotiations says New Orleans Hornets majority owner George Shinn has reached a deal to sell his shares of the team to minority owner Gary Chouest.

Report: New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn has deal to sell share of team to Gary Chouest
A person familiar with the negotiations says New Orleans Hornets majority owner George Shinn has reached a deal to sell his shares of the team to minority owner Gary Chouest.

Shinn reaches deal to sell Hornets (AP)
A person familiar with the negotiations says New Orleans Hornets majority owner George Shinn has reached a deal to sell his shares of the team to minority owner Gary Chouest. The club is planning an announcement on Wednesday, the person told The Associated Press on Monday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made by either party.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets ask to interview Dallas Mavericks' Dwane Casey
The New Orleans Hornets are the first team to formally request permission to interview in-demand Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey for their coaching vacancy, according to NBA coaching sources.

Avery Johnson to talk to 76ers, Hornets (AP)
Former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson says he is scheduled to speak early next week with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Hornets about each teams' coaching vacancy. Club representatives will meet Johnson in Texas -- the Sixers on Monday and the Hornets on Tuesday, Johnson said Saturday.

Sources: Avery Johnson to interview for New Orleans Hornets coaching job
The New Orleans Hornets will interview ESPN's Avery Johnson about their coaching vacancy next week, according to NBA coaching sources.

New Orleans Hornets sale talks reach 'impasse'
A person familiar with negotiations says Hornets sale talks between George Shinn and minority owner Gary Chouest have reached an "impasse" and that Shinn now wants to speak with other possible buyers.

Jeff Bower back to GM role with New Orleans Hornets
After coaching the New Orleans Hornets for all but nine games this season, Jeff Bower is returning to the Hornets' front office.

New Orleans Hornets' Jeff Bower defends coaching job in shortened post-practice interview
Jeff Bower uncharacteristically cut short a post-practice interview on Tuesday after asserting that the New Orleans Hornets' many accomplishments this season have gone "unnoticed" and "overlooked."

Bower defends record as Hornets coach (AP)
Jeff Bower uncharacteristically cut short a post-practice interview on Tuesday after asserting that the New Orleans Hornets' many accomplishments this season have gone "unnoticed" and "overlooked." The Hornets held their last practice of a trying season on Tuesday. With one game left at Houston on Wednesday, the Hornets are 36-45 and will miss the playoffs for the first...

Hornets end skid, rout woeful Wolves (AP)
Emeka Okafor scored 23 points and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a five-game skid with a 114-86 victory over the woeful Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Darren Collison had 17 points and 11 assists, and fellow rookie Marcus Thornton scored 22 points to help the Hornets win for only the fifth time in 22 games.

Hornets snap 5-game skid with win over Wolves
Emeka Okafor scored 23 points and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a five-game skid with a 114-86 victory over the woeful Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis kicked out for fighting call
Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis was ejected for arguing with officials in the second quarter of the Timberwolves' game against the New Orleans Hornets.

Williams keeps Jazz in striking range of 2 seed
Deron Williams had 27 points and 16 assists, and the Utah Jazz remained within striking distance of the second playoff seed in the Western Conference with a 114-103 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Jazz continue push for West's No. 2 seed (AP)
Deron Williams had 27 points and 16 assists, and the Utah Jazz remained within striking distance of the second playoff seed in the Western Conference with a 114-103 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Rookie Wesley Matthews added 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Carlos Boozer had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Utah.

Utah Jazz forward Mehmet Okur out vs. New Orleans Hornets
A Utah Jazz spokesman says center Mehmet Okur will not play against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left Achilles' tendon strain.

Strained Achilles' tendon sidelines Okur (AP)
A Utah Jazz spokesman says center Mehmet Okur will not play against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left Achilles' tendon strain. Okur had been playing with pain in the tendon for a couple games but left during the third quarter of Utah's loss at Houston on Wednesday night. The teams says the pain remains too much for Okur to play in Friday night's game in New Orleans.

Report: New Orleans Hornets owner negotiating sale of team
A person familiar with the situation says New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn is negotiating to sell his majority stake in the NBA club to minority owner and Louisiana native Gary Chouest.

Shinn negotiating to sell Hornets (AP)
New Orleans Hornets majority owner George Shinn is negotiating to sell his stake in the NBA club to south Louisiana businessman Gary Chouest, who has owned 25 percent of the team since 2007, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person familiar with both men's plans and the anticipated sale, told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because an agreement has...

Bobcats collect franchise's first playoff berth
The Charlotte Bobcats clinched their first playoff berth since their founding six years ago, as Stephen Jackson scored 29 points and D.J. Augustin hit a crucial 3-pointer with 16 seconds left in a 104-103 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

Bobcats clinch their first playoff spot (AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats clinched their first playoff berth since their founding six years ago, as Stephen Jackson scored 29 points and D.J. Augustin hit a crucial 3-pointer with 16 seconds left in a 104-103 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Charlotte blew a 26-point lead and trailed by as much as eight in the fourth quarter before clawing back, helped in large part by Augustin,...

Finger injury to keep New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul out for year
Chris Paul will miss the remainder of the season because of a ligament tear in the middle finger of his right hand.

Nets post biggest win of season over Hornets
Rookie Terrence Williams had 14 points and a career-high 14 assists and the New Jersey Nets posted their biggest win of the season with a 115-87 decision over the slumping New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night.

Williams helps Nets rout Hornets 115-87 (AP)
Rookie Terrence Williams had 14 points and a career-high 14 assists and the New Jersey Nets posted their biggest win of the season with a 115-87 decision over the slumping New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 17 points, and Chris Humphries added 10 points and season-high tying 12 rebounds as New Jersey (11-65) shot a season-high 58.2 percent in sending the Hornets to...

Mayo, Grizzlies maul Hornets, keep hopes alive
O.J. Mayo scored 27 points, Rudy Gay added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Hornets 107-96 on Friday night.

Mayo, Gay lead Grizzlies past Hornets (AP)
O.J. Mayo scored 27 points, Rudy Gay added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Hornets 107-96 on Friday night. Memphis built an early lead and held on to stay mathematically in the playoffs by the slimmest of margins. Another loss will end the Grizzlies' hopes. Sam Young finished with 19 points and seven rebounds off the Memphis bench.

Wizards end team-record 16-game skid (AP)
The Washington Wizards found a way to win, making a miserable March a little more bearable. Mike Miller scored a season-high 27 points and the Wizards snapped a franchise-record 16-game losing streak with a 96-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. The Wizards avoided an 0-17 March with their first win since beating New Jersey on Feb.

Wizards end team-record 16-game skid (AP)
Mike Miller scored a season-high 27 points and the Washington Wizards snapped a franchise-record 16-game losing streak with a 96-91 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. The Wizards avoided an 0-17 March with their first win since beating New Jersey on Feb. 28. Andray Blatche scored 23 points, and Shaun Livingston added 18 for the Wizards, who played without four regular starters but...

Lakers sit Vujacic after coaching run-in
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson says backup guard Sasha Vujacic hasn't played the last two games because of "a little run-in'' with the coaching staff. Jackson says the incident happened during last Friday's game at Oklahoma City. He says Vujacic didn't play at all in the next two contests at Houston and New Orleans because he "hasn't atoned himself for that error.'' Jackson refused Friday to give any more details about the incident. Vujacic says he doesn't know what his coach is talking about. The Lakers are wrapping up a five-game road trip at Atlanta.

Paul's double-double boosts Hornets past Lakers
Chris Paul had his first double-double since returning from injury with 15 points and 13 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-100 on Monday night.

Paul's 15 and 13 get Hornets past Lakers (AP)
Chris Paul had his first double-double since returning from injury with 15 points and 13 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-100 on Monday night. David West scored 20 points for New Orleans, while Marcus Thornton had 18 points and fellow rookie Darren Collison, a former UCLA standout, added 17 points against his hometown team.

Blazers mathematically eliminate Hornets (AP)
Brandon Roy scored 28 points and the Portland Trail Blazers eliminated the New Orleans Hornets from playoff contention with a 112-101 victory Saturday night. Roy hit 11 of his first 12 shots, only two of them layups. He finished 12 of 14 in 32 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 points, and Nicolas Batum had 13 for Portland.

LeBron pours in 38 as Cavs grab eighth straight
LeBron James scored an efficient 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting to go with nine assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won their eighth straight game, 105-92 over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.

James' 38 help Cavs win eighth straight (AP)
LeBron James scored an efficient 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting to go with nine assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won their eighth straight game, 105-92 over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. J.J. Hickson scored 20 for the Cavs, who led by as many as 17 and never trailed after James' floater tied it at 10 in the first quarter.

TNT studio team set to announce game (AP)
TNT's NBA studio team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith will announce a game together for the first time since 2001. The trio will call the game Thursday in Chicago between the Miami Heat and Bulls. It's the first time they've gone on the road in the regular season since a trip to New Orleans in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina.

Source: New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul eyeing return this week
Chris Paul is on the verge of a long-awaited return to New Orleans Hornets' lineup.

Hornets beat Mavericks in Paul's return (AP)
Chris Paul played for the first time in 25 games, and Marcus Thornton scored 28 points to help the Hornets to a 115-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Returning from a left knee injury, Paul started but was limited to 21 minutes and had 11 points. He helped New Orleans pull away in the fourth quarter, but rookie Darren Collison ran the floor when the Hornets had a remarkable run...

New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul returns to lineup Monday against Dallas Mavericks
Chris Paul has been placed in the starting lineup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Williams, Millsap lead Jazz past Hornets (AP)
Paul Millsap had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and Deron Williams added 17 points and 11 assists to help the short-handed Utah Jazz beat the even-more- depleted New Orleans Hornets 106-86 on Saturday night. C.J. Miles scored 19 points for the Jazz, who were without two injured starters and missed Carlos Boozer for much of the game because of foul trouble.

Millsap, Williams step up for short-handed Jazz
Paul Millsap had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and Deron Williams added 17 points and 11 assists to help the short-handed Utah Jazz beat the even-more- depleted New Orleans Hornets 106-86 on Saturday night.

Anthony's 26 and 18 power Nuggets (AP)
Carmelo Anthony pulled down a career-best 18 rebounds to go with his 26 points in leading the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 Thursday night. Despite allowing a late run, it was another in a long line of fine performances by the Nuggets while the team awaits the return of defensive stalwart Kenyon Martin, who's undergoing therapy for left knee tendinitis and rookie point...

Anthony grabs defensive slack as Nuggets roll
Carmelo Anthony pulled down a career-best 18 rebounds to go with his 26 points in leading the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 Thursday night.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will miss Thursday's game
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl is skipping his team's game against the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday night as he continues intensive treatment for neck and throat cancer.

Injury-ravaged Warriors rally by Hornets (AP)
The injury-ravaged Golden State Warriors haven't had the luxury of slowly bringing along their NBA Development League. That's worked well for Reggie Williams, one of five D-League players called up by Golden State this season. Williams scored 22 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, to help the Warriors overcome a 21-point deficit and beat the New Orleans Hornets 131-121 on Wednesday night.

Ellis' double-double leads Warriors past Hornets
Monta Ellis had 28 points and tied his career high with 13 assists, Anthony Tolliver had a career-high 30 points and the Golden State Warriors overcame a 21-point deficit to beat the New Orleans Hornets 131-121 on Wednesday night.

Stephen Curry held out by Golden State Warriors with sprained ankle
Golden State's Stephen Curry missed the Warriors' game against New Orleans on Wednesday night because of a sprained left ankle.

Ankle sprain sidelines Warriors' Curry (AP)
Golden State's Stephen Curry missed the Warriors' game against New Orleans on Wednesday night because of a sprained left ankle. Curry participated in the pregame shootaround but was a late scratch. It's the first game the Golden State rookie has missed this season, a rarity on a team that has been decimated by injuries this season.

Hornets end 7-game road skid, beat Clips (AP)
David West scored 24 points and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a seven-game road losing streak with a 108-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, completing a four-game season sweep. New Orleans beat the Clippers for the 13th straight time since a 100-90 loss on Jan. 8, 2007, in Oklahoma City, which was the Hornets' temporary home for one season because of the destruction...

Suns ride Nash, Amare past Hornets (AP)
Steve Nash had 13 points and 12 assists in his 1,000th NBA game and his favorite receiver Amare Stoudemire had a dominant 36-point, 12-rebound performance in the Phoenix Suns' 120-106 victory over the depleted New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Nash, in his 14th NBA season, became the 10th active player in the league to reach the 1,000-game milestone.

Nash connects with Stoudemire in Suns' victory
Steve Nash had 13 points and 12 assists in his 1,000th NBA game and his favorite receiver Amare Stoudemire had a dominant 36-point, 12-rebound performance in the Phoenix Suns' 120-106 victory over the depleted New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

New Orleans Hornets guard James Posey doesn't travel to Phoenix
Hornets forward James Posey did not travel with the team to Phoenix on Saturday and will miss Sunday night's game against the Suns.

Anthony leads Nuggets to fifth straight (AP)
Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to five with a 102-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Chauncey Billups scored 21 points for Denver, which finished with a flourish to break open an 86-all tie with 6:05 to go. Nene added 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Johan Petro had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Melo powers Nuggets' winning streak to five
Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to five with a 102-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

New Orleans Hornets' James Posey out Friday with flulike symptoms
Hornets forward James Posey has been scratched from New Orleans' game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Ailing Hornets F Posey out vs. Nuggets (AP)
Hornets forward James Posey has been scratched from New Orleans' game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Team spokesman Dennis Rogers says Posey has flulike symptoms. Posey is one of the Hornets' primary reserves, averaging five points and 4.5 rebounds in 22.7 minutes. He routinely plays in key late-game situations because of his defensive ability.

Durant scores 29 to lead Thunder by Hornets
Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and came up just shy of a triple-double, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the injury-depleted New Orleans Hornets 98-83 on Wednesday night.

Thunder cruise past short-handed Hornets (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and came up just shy of a triple-double, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the injury-depleted New Orleans Hornets 98-83 on Wednesday night. The Hornets got off to a hot start in their latest return to the building they called home for two seasons following Hurricane Katrina, but it was short-lived with Peja Stojakovic joining...

New Orleans Hornets forward Peja Stojakovic out with abdominal strain
Forward Peja Stojakovic joined All-Star point guard Chris Paul on the injured list Wednesday, and he's expected to miss at least two weeks with a lower abdominal strain.

Stojakovic to miss at least 2 weeks (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets' depleted starting lineup is taking another hit. Forward Peja Stojakovic joined All-Star point guard Chris Paul on the injured list Wednesday, and he's expected to miss at least two weeks with a lower abdominal strain. "That's a minimum timeframe, and it will all be dictated by the healing process," Jeff Bower, the Hornets' coach and general...

Collison's 20 assists help Hornets stop Warriors
Darren Collison had 16 points and a career-high 20 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 135-131 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.

Collison's 16 and 20 lift Hornets (AP)

Darren Collison had 16 points and a career-high 20 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 135-131 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. Collison's assists total tied Phoenix's Steve Nash for the most in an NBA game this season. Marcus Thornton and David West each scored 28 points for the Hornets, who shot 59 percent (54 of 92) and had...

New Orleans Hornets' Peja Stojakovic strains groin against Golden State Warriors
Peja Stojakovic has strained his right groin during the New Orleans Hornets' game against the Golden State Warriors.

Spurs win third straight, sweep Hornets (AP)

Tony Parker scored 20 points and the San Antonio Spurs won their third straight, beating the New Orleans Hornets for the fourth time with a 102-91 victory on Friday night. Manu Ginobili had 16 points and Keith Bogans scored 15 for the Spurs, who extended their longest winning streak in nearly two months and swept the season series from the Hornets for the second time in four seasons.

Grizzlies' club-record road streak now 5 (AP)

If Mike Conley can string together more performances like the one he had against Darren Collison and the New Orleans Hornets, the Memphis Grizzlies might have a playoff push left in them after all. Conley scored a season-high 26 points and the Grizzlies won their franchise-record fifth-straight road game, 104-100 over New Orleans on Wednesday night.

Grizzlies extend team-record road streak to five
Mike Conley scored a season-high 26 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won their franchise-record fifth-straight road game, 104-100 over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.

Hill scores 23 as Spurs beat Hornets (AP)

George Hill scored 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs won their second consecutive game, 106-92 over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. Tim Duncan added 22 points and nine rebounds and Tony Parker had 18 points for the Spurs, who shot 51 percent and led by 20 in the third quarter before holding on without much drama.

New Orleans Hornets' Darius Songaila expected back Wednesday
Hornets coach Jeff Bower says reserve Darius Songaila is expected to return from his sprained right ankle on Wednesday night.

Dirk leads Mavs to seventh straight win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 36 points, Caron Butler had 19 in his return to the Dallas lineup and the Mavericks held on for a 108-100 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night to extend their NBA-high winning streak to seven games. The Hornets had cut what had been a 25-point deficit to 101-97 after Darren Collison's 3-pointer with 2:44 left capped the rookie's stretch of eight...

Mavericks' Butler returns vs. Hornets (AP)
Caron Butler is back in the Dallas Mavericks lineup. Butler had missed the past two games after a bad reaction to medication before returning to the starting lineup Sunday night against the New Orleans Hornets, who were again without All-Star guard Chris Paul. Paul missed his 14th game because of a left knee injury and could miss another week to three weeks.

Dallas Maverick Caron Butler says he'll try to return against the New Orleans Hornets
Mavs swingman Caron Butler says he's going to try to return to action against the Hornets.

Hornets muscle Magic behind West's 40 points
David West scored 40 points and the New Orleans Hornets erased an 18-point deficit in the second half to beat the Orlando Magic 100-93 on Friday night.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler remains a game-time decision for game against New Orleans Hornets
Mavericks' Caron Butler remains a game-time decision for Hornets.

West's 40 help Hornets rally past Magic (AP)

David West scored 40 points and the New Orleans Hornets erased an 18-point deficit in the second half to beat the Orlando Magic 100-93 on Friday night. Marcus Thornton scored 18, including a 3-pointer that made it 96-86 with 51 seconds to go. Fellow rookie Darren Collison added 16 points. Dwight Howard led Orlando with 26, but scored only five points and only one of his eight dunks came after...

Bucks ride Bogut again, beat Hornets (AP)

Andrew Bogut had 26 points and 13 rebounds to continue his string of dominant performances, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 115-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Fresh off his 24-point, 20-rebound performance in a rout of the Knicks on Monday night, Bogut had his fourth straight double-double in Milwaukee's fourth straight win.

Antawn Jamison set for his first Cleveland Cavaliers start
Antawn Jamison will make his first start for Cleveland in place of J.J. Hickson against New Orleans.

Cavs' skid ends despite Thornton's monster 2nd
LeBron James had 20 points and 12 assists, and Antawn Jamison scored 18 points in his first start for Cleveland as the Cavaliers beat the New Orleans Hornets 105-95 on Tuesday night and snapped a three-game losing streak.

James, Jamison help Cavs snap skid at 3 (AP)

LeBron James had 20 points and 12 assists, and Antawn Jamison scored 18 points in his first start for Cleveland as the Cavaliers beat the New Orleans Hornets 105-95 on Tuesday night and snapped a three-game losing streak. New Orleans rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison combined for 59 points, including a franchise-record 23 from Thornton in the second quarter.

New Orleans Hornets' rookie Marcus Thornton scores 23 in quarter
Hornets rookie Marcus Thornton scored 23 points in the second quarter against the Cavaliers.

Hornets G Thornton scores 23 in 2nd (AP)
New Orleans rookie Marcus Thornton set a franchise record with 23 points in the second quarter of the Hornets' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Thornton made his first five shots and 10 of 13 in the quarter as the Hornets scored 40 points to turn an eight-point first-quarter deficit into a 56-53 lead at the half.

Slumping Cleveland Cavaliers will start Antawn Jamison on Tuesday vs. New Orleans Hornets
Cavaliers coach Mike Brown and general manager Danny Ferry were adamant that the addition of Antawn Jamison would be seamless. It seems Cleveland has hit a stitch.

West's 27 carry Hornets over Rockets (AP)

David West scored 27 points, including four in the final 2 minutes, to lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 102-94 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Darren Collison added 26 points, the fifth straight game he's had 24 or more. His driving floater with 34.6 seconds left put the Hornets up 96-89.

Collison triple-double powers Hornets by Pacers
Rookie Darren Collison registered his first career triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Indiana Pacers 107-101 on Friday night.

Collison's triple-double lifts Hornets (AP)

Rookie Darren Collison registered his first career triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Indiana Pacers 107-101 on Friday night. Collison joined injured star Chris Paul as the only Hornets to record triple-doubles since former New Orleans point guard Baron Davis had one on Jan.

Millsap scores 24 as Jazz beat Hornets (AP)

Paul Millsap scored 24 points on 11 of 13 shooting, and the Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Hornets 98-90 on Wednesday night. Carlos Boozer scored six of his 16 points in the last 3:06, helping Utah pull away after a 3-pointer by New Orleans' James Posey had tied it at 85. Boozer added 15 rebounds, and Deron Williams had 16 points and 10 assists for the Jazz, who shot 54 percent (38 of 70).

Ray Allen sits, Celtics fall to Hornets (AP)

Darren Collison scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping the New Orleans Hornets hold on for a 93-85 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Peja Stojakovic scored 20 for New Orleans and Morris Peterson had 16 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double in more than two seasons.

Collison leads way as Hornets take down Celtics
Darren Collison scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping the New Orleans Hornets hold on for a 93-85 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul says injury a blessing in disguise
Chris Paul says his left knee injury could be a "blessing in disguise" for the New Orleans Hornets.

Ray Allen scratched due to back spasms (AP)
The Boston Celtics scratched shooting guard Ray Allen from the lineup for the game Wednesday night against the New Orleans Hornets. The Celtics say Allen, who averages 16 points a game, has been bothered by back spams. The Hornets, meanwhile, say rookie shooting guard Marcus Thornton is ready to return from a lower back bruise that has sidelined him for three games.

Carter's 48 help Magic rally by Hornets (AP)

Vince Carter had a season-high 48 points, leading the Orlando Magic back from a 17-point second-half deficit to beat the New Orleans Hornets 123-117 on Monday night. Carter was 19 for 27 shooting and had 34 points in the second half with some of the most sizzling moves since he joined the Magic, who have won nine of their last 11 games.

Collison's 24 lift Hornets over Bobcats (AP)

Darren Collison scored a career-high 24 points filling in for Chris Paul, David West added 21 points, and the New Orleans Hornets gave Emeka Okafor a victory in his return to Charlotte, 104-99 over the listless Bobcats on Saturday night. In the first regular-season meeting since the July trade that sent Okafor to New Orleans for Tyson Chandler, the Hornets rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit...

Iverson out again due to child's illness (AP)
Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson will sit out a second straight game because one of his children is ill. Team officials say Iverson will miss Friday's game against the New Orleans Hornets. He also sat out the 76ers' overtime win over Chicago on Wednesday. He will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game at Houston.

Young helps Sixers win third straight (AP)

Thaddeus Young made his first seven shots and finished with 19 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 101-94 win over the short-handed New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Andre Iguodala scored 14 points, Rodney Carney had 13 and Samuel Dalembert added 16 rebounds for the Sixers, who stretched their winning streak to a season-high three games.

Jason Hart signed by New Orleans Hornets to 10-day contract
The Hornets have signed journeyman guard Jason Hart to a 10-day contract because of an injury to shooting guard Marcus Thornton

New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul to miss 4-6 weeks after knee surgery
New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Thursday afternoon for a meniscal repair, the team said in a news release.

Hornets star Paul to have knee surgery; timetable unclear
New Orleans point guard Chris Paul will have knee surgery and likely miss the All-Star game.

Paul to have knee surgery Thursday (AP)
New Orleans point guard Chris Paul will have knee surgery and likely miss the All-Star game. New Orleans Hornets coach Jeff Bower said Paul will have surgery Thursday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The All-Star weekend is Feb. 12-14 in Dallas. Paul hurt the knee last Wednesday against Golden State, then aggravated the injury when he collided with a camera while chasing an errant pass in...

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets to have surgery on left knee Thursday
Hornets point guard Chris Paul will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the team said Wednesday.

Durant scores 30, Thunder top Hornets (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 30 points, and Russell Westbrook had 26 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 103-99 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Westbrook hit a mid-range shot with 13.7 seconds left to give the Thunder a 99-97 lead. After the Hornets cut it to 101-99 on Peja Stojakovic's layup, Durant hit a pair of free throws with 8.5 seconds...

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets out indefinitely with knee injury
Hornets' All-Star point guard Chris Paul is out indefinitely with a left knee injury.

Suns hold off Paul-less Hornets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 25 points and Grant Hill hit two late key baskets and the Phoenix Suns held on to beat the New Orleans Hornets 109-100 on Monday. The Hornets played their second game in a row without All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who is out indefinitely with a left knee injury that coach Jeff Bower said could require surgery.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul will undergo knee surgery
Hornets guard Chris Paul will have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his knee on Monday and will miss at least a month, a sources confirmed to ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

Hornets, without Paul, snap Grizz' home streak
Emeka Okafor had 21 points, Darren Collison added 17 points and a career-high 18 assists and the New Orleans Hornets defeated Memphis 109-102 in overtime on Saturday, snapping the Grizzlies' 11-game home winning streak.

Hornets rally to beat Grizzlies in OT (AP)

Emeka Okafor had 21 points, Darren Collison added 17 points and a career-high 18 assists and the New Orleans Hornets defeated Memphis 109-102 in overtime on Saturday, snapping the Grizzlies' 11-game home winning streak. New Orleans overcame a 21-point deficit in the third quarter to win its third game out of the past four.

New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul out vs. Grizzlies with bruised knee
New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, the Hornets' leading scorer, will not play in Saturday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a bruised left knee.

Bulls win in OT, push road streak to 5 (AP)

Luol Deng scored 26 points, including a putback with 0.2 left in regulation to force overtime, and the Chicago Bulls outlasted the New Orleans Hornets 108-106 on Friday night. Derrick Rose added 18 points for the Bulls, including two free throws that put Chicago ahead for good in overtime. The Bulls finished a season-long, seven-game road trip with their fifth consecutive victory.

Paul takes over, scores 38 in Hornets' victory
Chris Paul scored 38 points to lead five New Orleans starters in double figures and the Hornets beat the Golden State Warriors 123-110 on Wednesday night for their fourth win in five games.

Hornets continue surge behind Paul's 38 (AP)

The New Orleans Hornets have used their successful month to take hold of eighth place in the talented Western Conference, a key step for this improving franchise. Chris Paul scored 38 points to lead five New Orleans starters in double figures and the Hornets beat the Golden State Warriors 123-110 on Wednesday night for their fourth win in five games.

Paul's jumper lifts Hornets in Portland (AP)

Chris Paul made a 15-foot jumper with 3.8 seconds remaining, lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 98-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. With the Hornets trailing by a point, Paul was left wide open at the free throw line when he caught a pass and buried the shot. Paul led all scorers with 24 points, and also had 12 assists.

Los Angeles Clippers acquire Bobby Brown from New Orleans Hornets
The Clippers have acquired guard Bobby Brown from the New Orleans Hornets for a conditional 2014 second-round draft pick.

Hornets ship starting guard Brown to Bulls
The New Orleans Hornets have traded starting shooting guard Devin Brown to the Chicago Bulls for backup 7-foot center Aaron Gray.

Bulls acquire Hornets G Brown for C Gray (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have traded starting shooting guard Devin Brown to the Chicago Bulls for backup 7-foot center Aaron Gray. The 31-year-old Brown has played in 39 games for New Orleans this season, starting all but two games. He is averaging 9.7 points per game and has made nearly 37 percent of his shots from 3-point range.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets agree to send Devin Brown to Chicago Bulls
The New Orleans Hornets have reached terms on a trade that will send guard Devin Brown to the Chicago Bulls for reserve big man Aaron Gray, according to NBA front-office sources.

'Melow overpowers Hornets as Nuggets win in OT
No last-second magic for the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Arron Afflalo made sure of that.

Melo, Nuggets stop Hornets for sixth straight win
Carmelo Anthony scored four of his 30 points in overtime and added 11 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets 116-110 on Saturday night for their season-high sixth straight victory.

Anthony leads Nuggets past Hornets in OT (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored four of his 30 points in overtime and added 11 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets 116-110 on Saturday night for their season-high sixth straight victory. Kenyon Martin added 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Chauncey Billups had 20 points and nine assists, and Arron Afflalo had 19 points, hitting two 3-pointers in overtime.

New Orleans Hornets forward David West sidelined with sprained left ankle
New Orleans forward David West missed the Hornets' game against Denver on Saturday night because of a sprained left ankle.

Posey beats buzzer again as Hornets win (AP)

James Posey scored on a driving layup at the buzzer for the second straight game, this time lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 96-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The play came two nights after he did the exact same thing with 1.1 seconds to play to beat the Memphis Grizzlies.

New Orleans Hornets F David West limps off with left ankle sprain
New Orleans Hornets forward David West left the game Friday night against Minnesota with a sprained left ankle.

Hornets F West sprains left ankle (AP)
New Orleans Hornets forward David West left the game Friday night against Minnesota with a sprained left ankle. West was injured late in the second quarter on a drive to the basket. His left ankle rolled when he stepped on Timberwolves guard Corey Brewer's foot. West remained in the game to shoot free throws, but walked to the locker room after making one of two.

Hornets top Grizzlies on Posey's layup (AP)

James Posey's driving layup with 1.1 seconds left gave the New Orleans Hornets a 113-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Chris Paul scored 10 of his 21 points in the last 4:20 and had 13 assists as the Hornets rallied from a late nine-point deficit to win it on Posey's basket.

Parker, Spurs hand Hornets rare loss at home
Tony Parker scored 25 points and the San Antonio Spurs handed the New Orleans Hornets a rare home loss, 97-90 on Monday.

Spurs deal Hornets rare home loss, 97-90 (AP)

Tony Parker scored 25 points and the San Antonio Spurs handed the New Orleans Hornets a rare home loss, 97-90 on Monday. Tim Duncan added 21 points and 14 rebounds, while George Hill scored 16 points and Manu Ginobili had 11 to help the Spurs snap a two-game losing streak. David West scored 18 points for New Orleans, which lost for only the second time in its last 15 home games.

Spurs F Jefferson out against Hornets (AP)
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says starting forward Richard Jefferson is sitting out Monday's game at New Orleans. Jefferson had played in all 39 of San Antonio's games this season but had his worst game since 2006 during the their loss Saturday night in Memphis, going 0 for 6 from the field. Jefferson is San Antonio's third-leading scorer at 12.8 points per game.

West fuels Hornets to 4th straight over Pacers
David West scored 24 points and Chris Paul just missed a triple-double, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 101-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.

Paul nears triple-double, lifts Hornets (AP)

David West and the New Orleans Hornets keep showing they can't be counted out in the Western Conference. West scored 24 points and Chris Paul just missed a triple-double, leading the Hornets to a 101-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. New Orleans (21-18), which began the season 3-8, has won eight of 10 to move within five games of Southwest Division leader Dallas.

Hamilton torches Hornets to power Pistons' win
Richard Hamilton scored a season-high 32 points and Rodney Stuckey scored eight of his 13 points in overtime and the Detroit Pistons beat the New Orleans Hornets 110-104 Friday night.

Detroit Pistons missing three players against New Orleans Hornets
The Detroit Pistons will be missing three players for Friday's game against the New Orleans Hornets.

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn has successful surgery to remove prostate
Hornets owner George Shinn underwent successful surgery to remove his prostate and will begin immediate rehab.

Hornets earn seventh win in 8 games (AP)

Chris Paul had 15 points and 15 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets won for the seventh time in eight games, 108-94 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Peja Stojakovic, hitting at least four 3-pointers in a game for the ninth time this season, scored 20 points to help New Orleans beat the Clippers a 12th consecutive time.

Hornets owner has surgery to remove prostate
New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn will undergo surgery on Wednesday to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with cancer in November.

Hornets owner to have prostate surgery (AP)
New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn will undergo surgery on Wednesday to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with cancer in November. The surgery is being performed by Dr. Patrick Walsh at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution in Baltimore. A businessman from Kannapolis, N.C., the 68-year-old Shinn has been the owner of the Hornets since he received an expansion franchise in Charlotte,...

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn to have prostate surgery
New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn will undergo surgery on Wednesday to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with cancer in November.

Iguodala, Brand lead 76ers over Hornets (AP)

Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand scored 18 points each, Allen Iverson added 16 and the Philadelphia 76ers snapped a four-game home losing streak with a 96-92 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams added 12 points each and Samuel Dalembert had six points, 14 rebounds and five blocks for the Sixers, who had lost nine of 10 at home.

New Orleans Hornets ship Hilton Armstrong to Sacramento Kings, near luxury-tax line
The Sacramento Kings acquired forward Hilton Armstrong from the New Orleans Hornets for a conditional 2016 second-round pick and cash considerations.

Kings acquire F Armstrong from Hornets (AP)
The Sacramento Kings acquired forward Hilton Armstrong from the New Orleans Hornets for a conditional 2016 second-round pick and cash considerations. Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie announced the deal Monday, saying Armstrong would contribute immediately at power forward and center.

Wizards' Stevenson honors Arenas (AP)
While the Washington Wizards have removed virtually all traces of Gilbert Arenas from the Verizon Center, one teammate found a way to get his suspended teammate's nickname visible Sunday when the team played the New Orleans Hornets. DeShawn Stevenson took to the court during pregame warmups with the words "AGENT" and "ZERO" written in red capital letters on tape wrapped...

Hornets beat Wizards, win sixth straight (AP)

Chris Paul scored eight of his 26 points in the final three minutes Sunday to lead the New Orleans Hornets to their sixth-straight win, 115-110 over a Washington Wizards team that has turned its game up a notch since the suspension of Gilbert Arenas. Peja Stojakovic scored 20 points, and Paul added 14 assists for the Hornets, who have won three straight away from home to improve their record to...

Stevenson pays tribute to Arenas during game
While the Washington Wizards have removed virtually all traces of Gilbert Arenas from the Verizon Center, one teammate found a way to get his suspended teammate's nickname visible Sunday when the team played the New Orleans Hornets.

DeShawn Stevenson of Washington Wizards tapes Arenas' nickname on his shins
While the Washington Wizards have removed virtually all traces of Gilbert Arenas from the Verizon Center, one teammate found a way to get his suspended teammate's nickname visible Sunday when the team played the New Orleans Hornets.

Paul's layup helps Hornets hold off Nets (AP)

Chris Paul hit a driving scoop as he was fouled with 7.6 seconds left, and the New Orleans Hornets narrowly averted a stunning loss at home by beating the New Jersey Nets 103-99 on Friday night. The Hornets had blown a 15-point lead and trailed 99-98 before Paul capped an 11-point, 18-assist performance by putting New Orleans back up for good.

Minus Williams, Jazz cruise by Grizzlies (AP)

C.J. Miles scored a season-high 24 points and Carlos Boozer added 20 to help the Utah Jazz overcome the absence of Deron Williams and beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-94 on Wednesday night. Williams sat out with a sprained right wrist, which he sustained when he hit the ground after a driving layup in the fourth quarter of Monday's loss to New Orleans.

Hornets above .500 after win in Oklahoma (AP)

Chris Paul stopped at his favorite restaurants, swung by his old house and got a warm reception when he got introduced in his latest visit to Oklahoma City. Then came a noticeably less friendly reception from the town the New Orleans Hornets' temporarily called home after Hurricane Katrina. Paul had 14 points and 13 assists and drove for a key layup in the final minute of the Hornets' 95-92...

Paul's late layup lifts Hornets in Utah (AP)

Chris Paul stole the ball and drove for a layup with 27 seconds left to help New Orleans end a late threat by the Jazz and seal a 91-87 win Monday night, the Hornets' first in Utah in almost four years. Paul scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half and Devin Brown finished with a career-high 30 points as the Hornets overcame 19 turnovers and ended a six-game losing streak at Utah.

Hornets hold off Jazz as Paul's theft seals win
Chris Paul stole the ball and drove for a layup with 27 seconds left to help New Orleans end a late threat by the Jazz and seal a 91-87 win Monday night, the Hornets' first in Utah in almost four years.

West finishes late run to lift Hornets vs. Rockets
Chris Paul had 28 points and nine assists, and the New Orleans Hornets closed the game on a 13-2 run to pull out a 99-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Paul, late run push Hornets by Rockets (AP)

Chris Paul had 28 points and nine assists, and the New Orleans Hornets closed the game on a 13-2 run to pull out a 99-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Emeka Okafor had 14 points and 16 rebounds for New Orleans, and David West added 14 points, including a jumper that gave the Hornets the lead for good with 47.6 seconds left after the Rockets had led by seven late in the fourth...

West helps Hornets hold off Heat 95-91 (AP)

David West scored six of his 21 points in the last 55 seconds, and the New Orleans Hornets held on to beat the Miami Heat 95-91 on Wednesday night. Chris Paul had 18 points and nine assists, and Emeka Okafor had 15 points, 14 rebounds and a key block on Udonis Haslem in the final 30 seconds, helping the Hornets end a two-game skid and snap Miami's three-game winning streak.

Paul's triple-double not enough as Rockets rally
Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Luis Scola added 13 points and 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets overcame Chris Paul's triple-double and David West's career game in a 108-100 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

West has 44, Paul triple-double in loss (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Luis Scola added 13 points and 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets overcame Chris Paul's triple-double and David West's career game in a 108-100 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night. Paul had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 11th career triple-double and first this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves announce deal with New Orleans Hornets before it's done
The Minnesota Timberwolves' trade of backup point guard Jason Hart didn't exactly go as smoothly as planned.

Balanced Bulls top Hornets in Thomas' return
Tyrus Thomas returned from injury to score 21 points, Joakim Noah added 17 points and 18 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls capped an eventful week with a 96-85 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night.

Thomas returns, leads Bulls over Hornets (AP)

Tyrus Thomas returned from injury to score 21 points, Joakim Noah added 17 points and 18 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls capped an eventful week with a 96-85 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Thomas, back after missing 22 games with a broken left forearm, was active from the moment he entered to a nice ovation 3:09 into the game.

Paul helps Hornets extend Warriors' skid (AP)

Chris Paul scored 20 points and the New Orleans Hornets handed the Golden State Warriors their seventh straight loss, 108-102 on Wednesday night. Emeka Okafor had 10 points and 14 rebounds for New Orleans, which trailed late in the third quarter before surging ahead for good with a 13-2 run. David West scored 14 points and Peja Stojakovic had 13 for the Hornets.

Raptors hold off Hornets 98-92 (AP)

Chris Bosh had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani had 13 points and 11 boards and the Toronto Raptors beat the New Orleans Hornets 98-92 on Sunday. Jarrett Jack had 15 points and Hedo Turkoglu scored 14 for the Raptors, who held the Hornets to 39 percent shooting. Jack and Turkoglu also had seven assists apiece, and Amir Johnson added 12 rebounds.

Paul's 30 and 19 lift Hornets by Nuggets (AP)

Chris Paul had 30 points and a season-high 19 assists, and narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds, to lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 98-92 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Paul scored 26 points in the second half, and with his assists combined for 41 of the Hornets' 52 points over the final two quarters.

Paul flirts with triple-double to lift Hornets to win
Chris Paul had 30 points and a season-high 19 assists, and narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds, to lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 98-92 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Denver Nuggets' Chauncey Billups out with groin strain vs. Hornets
Chauncey Billups has been scratched from the Denver Nuggets' game against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left groin strain.

Groin sidelines Billups vs. Hornets (AP)
Chauncey Billups has been scratched from the Denver Nuggets' game against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left groin strain. The injury occurred in the second quarter of Denver's game in Houston on Wednesday. Anthony Carter started at point guard in Billups' place Friday night. Billups is averaging 17.4 points and 5.7 assists this season for the Nuggets.

Chauncey Billups of Denver Nuggets questionable for Friday with groin injury
Point guard Chauncey Billups might miss the Denver Nuggets' game at New Orleans on Friday night because of a strained left groin.

Nuggets' Billups questionable for Friday (AP)
Point guard Chauncey Billups might miss the Denver Nuggets' game at New Orleans on Friday night because of a strained left groin. Billups was hurt in the second half of Denver's win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. He underwent a precautionary MRI on Thursday that confirmed a strain of his left adductor muscle, and the team said he was day-to-day.

Hornets rally from 16 down, beat Pistons (AP)

David West's best game of the season spared the Hornets a demoralizing loss to an undermanned opponent in front of their own fans. West scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping New Orleans overcome a 16-point deficit and beat the Detroit Pistons 95-87 on Wednesday night. "Detroit, they're a little banged up.

Mavs escape Hornets' bench with push in fourth
J.J. Barea scored a season-high 23 points and Dirk Nowitzki scored four of his season-low 10 in the final 59 seconds, sending the Dallas Mavericks to a 94-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night.

Mavs win despite Dirk's season-low 10 (AP)

J.J. Barea scored a season-high 23 points and Dirk Nowitzki scored four of his season-low 10 points in the final 59 seconds, sending the Dallas Mavericks to a 94-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. Barea scored 19 points in the first half, helping Dallas build an early 21-point lead.

Knicks score last 18, extend win streak (AP)

Al Harrington scored 28 points and the New York Knicks beat the New Orleans Hornets 113-96 Friday night, scoring the game's last 18 points. The Knicks won their fourth straight for the first time since winning six in a row from Jan 2-13 in 2006. The Hornets lost for the first time in seven home games.

Paul's late layup gets Hornets by Wolves (AP)

Chris Paul taught rookie Jonny Flynn another lesson. Paul streaked past Flynn on an inbounds pass to hit a layup with 1.4 seconds left and lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 97-96 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Paul finished with 15 points and 14 assists. Trailing by one point with 3.9 seconds to go, Paul threw an inbounds pass to David West.

Paul's layup knocks back Wolves with 1.4 left
Chris Paul streaked past Jonny Flynn on an inbounds pass to hit a layup with 1.4 seconds left and lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 97-96 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Hornets hold on to beat Kings 96-94 (AP)

David West had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets held on to beat the Sacramento Kings 96-94 on Tuesday night. Andres Nocioni had a chance to tied it when he rebounded Tyreke Evans' miss and was fouled with just over a second left. He missed his first free throw, then was forced to miss the second in hopes of a putback that never had a chance because of a Kings lane...

Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans leaves with apparent leg injury
Sacramento Kings guard and second-leading scorer Tyreke Evans appeared to injure his right leg while making a layup at the end of the first quarter against the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

Paul nears triple-double in return as Hornets win
Chris Paul came close to a triple-double in his return after missing eight games because of a sprained ankle, and Devin Brown had 19 points in the New Orleans Hornets' 98-89 victory over thge Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Paul returns, leads Hornets over Wolves (AP)

Chris Paul came close to a triple-double in his return after missing eight games because of a sprained ankle, and Devin Brown had 19 points in the New Orleans Hornets' 98-89 victory over thge Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Paul finished with 16 points, 15 assists and a season-best eight steals, one off his career high.

New Orleans Hornets PG Chris Paul and Minnesota Timberwolves F Kevin Love make return
Two-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul returned to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night after missing eight games, and Kevin Love played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this season.

Hornets' Paul back, Wolves' Love debuts (AP)
Two-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul returned to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night after missing eight games, and Kevin Love played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this season. Paul, the runner-up to the Lakers' Kobe Bryant for NBA MVP in 2007-08, has been out since spraining his left ankle against Portland on Nov.

Paul, Stojakovic to return to Hornets' lineup
The New Orleans Hornets announed Chris Paul and Peja Stojakovic would return to the lineup on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Love could play this weekend for Wolves
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love says he may play as soon as Saturday after missing the first 18 games of the season with a broken left hand. Love was injured in the preseason and required surgery. Coach Kurt Rambis said after Thursday's practice that Love will determine when he plays. The Timberwolves play at New Orleans on Friday night and host Utah on Saturday night. Love says the Utah game is the most realistic goal for his return.

Lakers move to top of West with 7th straight win
Andrew Bynum scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on a light night of work and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 110-99 Tuesday for their seventh straight victory.

Bynum helps Lakers win seventh straight (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on a light night of work and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 110-99 Tuesday for their seventh straight victory. Ron Artest scored 16 points as the Lakers remained undefeated in six games since the return of Pau Gasol, who had 14 points in Los Angeles' balanced offense.

Kings get control of Hornets for 3rd straight win
Sergio Rodriguez scored a career-high 24 points, Jason Thompson had 22 points and 14 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings won their third straight game with a 112-96 victory Sunday over the New Orleans Hornets.

Kings top Hornets for third straight win (AP)

Sergio Rodriguez scored a career-high 24 points, Jason Thompson had 22 points and 14 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings won their third straight game with a 112-96 victory Sunday over the New Orleans Hornets. The Kings took the lead for good early in the second quarter and led the remainder of the game in upping their home record to 7-2.

New Orleans Hornets' Peja Stojakovic excused from game
Peja Stojakovic has skipped the New Orleans Hornets' trip to Sacramento for personal reasons.

West leads Hornets over Bucks in OT (AP)
David West had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 102-99 in overtime Wednesday night. Rookie point guard Darren Collison scored 18 points, including a 3-pointer to tie it with 7.5 seconds left in regulation. Collison also stole the ball from fellow rookie Brandon Jennings and drew a foul late in overtime, then hit two free throws to help New Orleans...

Charlotte center Chandler returns from balky back
Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler will play against Toronto after missing two games with back spasms. Chandler had practiced the past two days and coach Larry Brown said before Wednesday's game that he would start out guarding Raptors big man Chris Bosh Chandler is averaging just 6.1 points and 6.5 assists since being acquired in the offseason from New Orleans in exchange for Emeka Okafor.

Bobcats C Chandler returns vs. Raptors (AP)
Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler will play against Toronto after missing two games with back spasms. Chandler had practiced the past two days and coach Larry Brown said before Wednesday's game that he would start out guarding Raptors big man Chris Bosh Chandler is averaging just 6.1 points and 6.5 assists since being acquired in the offseason from New Orleans in exchange for Emeka...

Haslem's jumper lifts Heat over Hornets (AP)

Dwyane Wade had 31 points, and Udonis Haslem hit a jumper with 15.4 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat past the New Orleans Hornets 102-101 on Sunday night. Haslem finished with 14 points off the bench, including both field goals for Miami in the final minute. He tied the game at 100 with 45 seconds left, then after Marcus Thornton put the Hornets ahead with a free throw, Haslem won it with a shot...

Haslem's helping hand boosts Heat past Hornets
Dwyane Wade had 31 points, and Udonis Haslem hit a jumper with 15.4 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat past the New Orleans Hornets 102-101 on Sunday night.

Hornets snap Hawks' 7-game win streak (AP)

Rookie Darren Collison had 22 points and 11 assists for his first double-double, and the New Orleans Hornets won their third straight while snapping the Atlanta Hawks' seven-game winning streak, 96-88 on Saturday night. Fellow rookie Marcus Thornton scored 21 for the resurgent Hornets, who made 12 of 17 3-point attempts.

Collison, Hornets snap Hawks' 7-game streak
Rookie Darren Collison had 22 points and 11 assists for his first career double-double, and the New Orleans Hornets won their third straight while snapping the Atlanta Hawks' seven-game winning streak, 96-88 on Saturday night.

Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby leaves with sprained ankle
Atlanta Hawks starting guard Mike Bibby sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the Hawks' game in New Orleans on Saturday night.

Hawks G Bibby sprains left ankle (AP)
Atlanta starting guard Mike Bibby sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the Hawks' game in New Orleans on Saturday night. Bibby appeared to roll the ankle while coming down from a jump shot about five minutes into the game. Team officials said he would not return. Bibby came in averaging 10.7 points and 4.2 assists in a little more than 31 minutes a game.

Stojakovic sinks 7 3-pointers in defeat of Suns
Peja Stojakovic hit seven 3-pointers during a 25-point, 13-rebound performance, and the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Phoenix Suns 110-103 on Thursday night.

Stojakovic hits 7 3s as Hornets top Suns (AP)

Peja Stojakovic hit seven 3-pointers during a 25-point, 13-rebound performance, and the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Phoenix Suns 110-103 on Thursday night. Devin Brown and rookie Marcus Thornton each scored 19 for New Orleans, which won its second straight under new head coach Jeff Bower. The score was tied at 96 when Stojakovic and rookie Darren Collison hit back-to-back 3s, and New Orleans...

Hornets beat Clips for Bower's first win (AP)

David West had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Jeff Bower picked up his first coaching win in the New Orleans Hornets' 110-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. With Chris Paul out, point guards Darren Collison and Bobby Brown scored 12 apiece and combined for 11 assists as New Orleans snapped a three-game losing streak.

Hornets star Paul has ankle sprain; return unclear
Further tests on Chris Paul's ankle show nothing beyond a sprain, but there is no timetable for the star point guard's return to the New Orleans Hornets. The team says an MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis. Paul twisted his left ankle in the Hornets' loss Friday night to Portland. Team spokesman Dennis Rogers said Monday that Paul will be evaluated daily but remains out indefinitely. In 10 games this season, Paul has averaged 23.8 points and 9.2 assists.

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets has ankle sprain, tests confirm
Further tests on Chris Paul's ankle show nothing beyond a sprain, but there is no timetable for the star point guard's return to the New Orleans Hornets.

Hawks take it to Hornets as Paul stays at home
Joe Johnson scored 26 points, Jamal Crawford added 21, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Hornets 121-98 on Saturday night for their fourth straight victory.

Streaking Hawks rout Paul-less Hornets (AP)

Joe Johnson scored 26 points, Jamal Crawford added 21, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Hornets 121-98 on Saturday night for their fourth straight victory. The Hornets were without Chris Paul, who stayed home after spraining his ankle from the night before, and have lost three straight and five of six.

Paul unsure Hornets had to fire Scott (AP)
Chris Paul's loss was Tim Floyd's gain. From here on into the foreseeable future, they'll win and lose together. Paul said he was not sure firing Byron Scott as head coach was the change the struggling New Orleans Hornets needed to make. Floyd said the opportunity to rejoin the club as a top assistant "seemed like a perfect scenario for me." Floyd, a former head coach for New...

Hornets fall to Blazers in 1st game without Scott
LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping Portland to an 86-78 victory over a New Orleans team on Friday night that lost Chris Paul to a sprained ankle while trying to adjust to new head coach Jeff Bower.

Paul injured, Hornets lose Bower's debut (AP)

LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping Portland to an 86-78 victory over a New Orleans team on Friday night that lost Chris Paul to a sprained ankle while trying to adjust to new head coach Jeff Bower. The Hornets trailed for most of their first game since the firing of Byron Scott on Thursday.

New Orleans Hornets PG Chris Paul leaves game with ankle injury
Chris Paul had to be helped off the court by teammates after apparently injuring his left ankle late in the third quarter of the Hornets' home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Hornets PG Paul leaves with injury
Chris Paul had to be helped off the court by teammates after apparently injuring his left ankle late in the third quarter of the Hornets' home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Moments after setting up Hilton Armstrong's dunk, Paul appeared to land on Joel Przybilla's foot, before falling hard to the court and writhing in pain. It was the same ankle New Orleans' star point guard twisted earlier in the week during a victory in Los Angeles over the Clippers.

Hornets' star Paul unsure coach Scott had to go
Chris Paul's loss was Tim Floyd's gain. From here on into the foreseeable future, they'll win and lose together. Paul said he was not sure firing Byron Scott as head coach was the change the struggling New Orleans Hornets needed to make. Floyd said the opportunity to rejoin the club as a top assistant "seemed like a perfect scenario for me.

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets not sure firing Byron Scott was neccesary
Chrios Paul said he was not sure firing Byron Scott as head coach was the change the struggling New Orleans Hornets needed to make.

New Orleans Hornets fire Byron Scott, according to NBA sources
The New Orleans Hornets have responded to their 3-6 start by making the first coaching change of the young NBA season, firing Byron Scott on Thursday, according to NBA coaching sources.

Suns score 40 in 1st, rout Hornets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash combined to hit all eight of their first-quarter shots and the Phoenix Suns used a sizzling opening period to beat the New Orleans Hornets 124-104 on Wednesday night for their eighth victory in nine games. The Suns (8-1) have the best in the Western Conference and are tied with the Boston Celtics for the league's best mark.

Hornets fire Scott as coach after 3-6 start
A person familiar with the decision says the New Orleans Hornets have fired coach Byron Scott. The person confirmed the firing to The Associated Press and requested anonymity because the team had not yet announced it. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. New Orleans lost 124-104 at Phoenix on Wednesday, falling to 3-6 to start the season. When Scott took over as coach following the 2003-04 season, he was the Hornets' third coach in three seasons.

VIDEO: Why did Hornets fire Scott?
Byron Scott raised the level of expectation in New Orleans. When the Hornets didn't reach it, Randy Hill says, guess who got axed?

Hornets fire Scott, GM Bower to coach (AP)

The New Orleans Hornets fired Byron Scott only nine games into the season on Thursday and replaced him with general manager Jeff Bower, hoping the man who put the current roster together can get more out of it on the court. "I told Jeff, 'The genie's out of the bottle,"' Hornets chief operating officer Hugh Weber said.

Hornets fire Scott as coach after slow 3-6 start
A person familiar with the decision says the New Orleans Hornets have fired coach Byron Scott. The person confirmed the firing to The Associated Press and requested anonymity because the team had not yet announced it. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. New Orleans lost 124-104 at Phoenix on Wednesday, falling to 3-6 to start the season. When Scott took over as coach following the 2003-04 season, he was the Hornets' third coach in three seasons.

Suns sizzle to start, make short work of Hornets
Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash combined to hit all eight of their first-quarter shots and the Phoenix Suns used a sizzling opening period to beat the New Orleans Hornets 124-104 on Wednesday night for their eighth victory in nine games.

Hornets end Clippers' 3-game win streak (AP)

Chris Paul had 24 points and 10 assists on a sore ankle, Devin Brown scored 25 points and the New Orleans Hornets bounced right back from a blowout loss with a 112-84 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. David West added 17 points and nine rebounds in just New Orleans' second win in six games.

Kobe, Lakers climb to 6-1 with rout of Hornets
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Shannon Brown added 15 and the Los Angeles Lakers thrived again without their top two big men, beating the New Orleans Hornets 104-88 Sunday night.

Lakers win fifth straight, beat Hornets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Shannon Brown added 15 and the Los Angeles Lakers thrived again without their top two big men, beating the New Orleans Hornets 104-88 Sunday night. DJ Mbenga had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who easily won their fifth straight game and their second in a row without injured center Andrew Bynum and forward Pau Gasol.

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn optimistic despite prostate cancer
The owner of the New Orleans Hornets has announced that he has cancer.

Hornets owner Shinn has prostate cancer
The owner of the New Orleans Hornets has announced that he has cancer. George Shinn made the announcement in a news release Friday that he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Shinn says he remains healthy and is optimistic that he will conquer the disease. Shin, who moved the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002, says he and his wife, Denise, "remain strong in our faith and will maintain a positive attitude as I battle this with intense fervor and drive.

Hornets owner Shinn has prostate cancer (AP)
The owner of the New Orleans Hornets has announced that he has cancer. George Shinn made the announcement in a news release Friday that he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Shinn says he remains healthy and is optimistic that he will conquer the disease. Shin, who moved the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002, says he and his wife, Denise, "remain strong in our faith and...

Raptors use big run to defeat Hornets (AP)

Chris Bosh scored 27 points and the Toronto Raptors used a 27-4 run in the third quarter to take control of a 107-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. The Raptors trailed 56-51 before hitting a barrage of open 3-pointers to put the game away. Bosh?s 3 gave them the lead for good, 57-56, and Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani both hit three 3s in the next 7 minutes as Toronto went...

Peja, Paul lead Hornets past Mavs in OT (AP)

Peja Stojakovic hit a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation and Chris Paul scored six of his 39 points in overtime, lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 114-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. David West scored 25 points and Bobby Brown 18 points for the Hornets, including a 3 and a breakaway dunk in overtime.

Paul sparks Hornets to OT win over Mavericks
Peja Stojakovic hit a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation and Chris Paul scored six of his 39 points in overtime, lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 114-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

NBA won't penalize Paul or Rondo (AP)
The NBA will not penalize Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo for an incident between them after a recent game in Boston. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and was blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory over New Orleans on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under the...

NBA will not take action against Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo or New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul
The NBA confirmed Thursday that no further action will be taken against either Rajon Rondo or Chris Paul after tensions ran high all night between the two guards in Sunday's Celtics-Hornets game in Boston.

No penalties for Hornets' Paul, Celts' Rondo
The NBA will not penalize Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo for an incident between them after a recent game in Boston. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and was blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory over New Orleans on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under the basket.

NBA reviewing Paul-Rondo incident (AP)
The NBA is reviewing the postgame incident in Boston involving New Orleans guard Chris Paul and the Celtics' Rajon Rondo. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and had to be blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under...

Knicks surmount Paul's 32 and 13 to nab 1st win
David Lee scored a season-high 28 points, Al Harrington had 13 of his 24 in the fourth quarter, and the New York Knicks earned their first victory of the season by beating the New Orleans Hornets 117-111 on Monday night.

Knicks earn first win, beat Hornets (AP)

David Lee scored a season-high 28 points, Al Harrington had 13 of his 24 in the fourth quarter, and the New York Knicks earned their first victory of the season by beating the New Orleans Hornets 117-111 on Monday night. Chris Duhon finished with 18 points and nine assists for the Knicks (1-3), who were off to their worst start since dropping their first five games in 2005-06.

D'Antoni: Robinson could miss 2 weeks (AP)
Knicks guard Nate Robinson could miss two weeks because of a sprained right ankle. Robinson was hurt Saturday night in an overtime loss to Philadelphia and was still on crutches before the Knicks' game against New Orleans on Monday night. X-rays later in the evening were negative. Robinson is one of the top players off the New York bench but has struggled this season, averaging 8.7 points on 27...

Celtics run past Hornets late to spoil Paul's day
Paul Pierce scored 27 points and the Boston Celtics improved to 4-0 with a 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

Celtics beat Hornets to stay undefeated (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 27 points and the Boston Celtics improved to 4-0 with a 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Chris Paul scored 22 points with eight assists for New Orleans, and then had to be held back after the game when he tried to follow the Celtics off the court to their locker room.

Paul, Okafor lead Hornets past Kings (AP)

Chris Paul scored 31 points and Emeka Okafor capped another strong performance by blocking Kevin Martin's tying 3-point attempt in the final seconds to help the Hornets beat the Sacramento Kings 97-92 on Friday night. Okafor, who missed the entire preseason with a sprained toe, finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for his second straight double-double with New Orleans.

Tony Parker in San Antonio Spurs' lineup after tumble vs. New Orleans Hornets
San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker was in the lineup against the Chicago Bulls after taking a hard fall the previous night.

Parker takes hard fall in Spurs' win (AP)

Other than Tony Parker crashing to the floor, it was everything the revamped San Antonio Spurs wanted for a season opener. Parker walked back to the bench OK after a hard landing in the third quarter, leaving the game with 17 points but with rookie DeJuan Blair and the Spurs already well in command of the New Orleans Hornets in a 113-96 victory on Wednesday night.

Parker's fall dampens Spurs' defeat of Hornets
Tony Parker scored 17 points before leaving the game after a hard fall and the San Antonio Spurs beat the New Orleans Hornets 113-96 on Wednesday night.

Hornets exercise option on G-F Wright (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have picked up swingman Julian Wright's option for the 2010-11 season. Wright, who is 6 feet 8, 225 pounds, is a former first-round draft choice entering his third NBA season and is expected to be in the starting lineup when the Hornets open the regular season at San Antonio on Wednesday night.

VIDEO: NBA Tipoff: Hornets
Will the addition of center Emeka Okafor make the Hornets a serious force in the West? Our NBA Tipoff previews New Orleans' season.

Magic remain perfect in preseason (AP)

Ryan Anderson scored 22 points to help the Orlando Magic remain unbeaten in the preseason with a 121-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night. Mickael Pietrus had 19 points for Orlando (5-0) and teammate Vince Carter scored 13 of his 18 points in the first quarter in the game played at Wichita State's Koch Arena.

Collison, Thornton make NBA debut Thursday - Darren Collison (G) New Orleans Hornets
Hornets rookies Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton will make their NBA preseason debut Friday night against the Bobcats. Collison will replace Bobby Brown as Chris Paul's backup and Thornton will replace Devin Brown in relief of Morris Peterson.

Wolves allow G Daniels to seek trade (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves say they have given veteran guard Antonio Daniels permission to seek a trade. If Daniels and his agent cannot work out a deal, the Timberwolves will buy him out. Daniels is in the final year of his deal that will pay him $6.6 million this season. He was acquired from New Orleans in a trade for Darius Songaila earlier this month that gives the Wolves more salary cap...

Hornets-Timberwolves agree on 3-player trade
The New Orleans Hornets agreed to trade reserve point guard Antonio Daniels and a 2014 second-round draft pick to Minnesota on Wednesday in exchange for forward Darius Songaila and guard Bobby Brown. "This move gives us added depth at the guard position and the power forward position," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "Darius brings toughness and experience to bolster our frontcourt.

Hornets agree to send Daniels to Wolves (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have agreed to trade reserve point guard Antonio Daniels and a 2014 second-round draft pick to Minnesota in exchange for forward Darius Sangaila and guard Bobby Brown. A person with direct knowledge of the trade confirmed it to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been officially announced.

New Orleans Hornets to improve depth by adding pari from Minnesota Timberwolves
The Hornets are on the verge of completing a trade with the Timberwolves to improve their depth, according to NBA front-office sources, with forward Darius Songaila and guard Bobby Brown headed to the Hornets in exchange for guard Antonio Daniels.

James rides toward free agency (AP)

Police halt traffic so the King can pass. Speeding downhill and through an intersection where the traffic signal glows red, LeBron James rolls onto a long bridge overlooking a lush Ohio valley of treetops glistening in the morning sun. The city that raised him now trailing behind, James separates from the pack.

Hornets bring back C Marks (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free-agent Sean Marks, bringing the reserve center back for a second-straight season. Marks, a nine-year veteran, saw action in 60 games for New Orleans in 2008-09, averaging 3.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14.1 minutes. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound New Zealand native was the first from his country to sign with an NBA team after playing in college for Cal-Berkeley in...

New Orleans Hornets trade Rasual Butler to Los Angeles Clippers
The New Orleans Hornets, in a move to shed some payroll after the recent acquisiton of Emeka Okafor, have agreed to trade swingman Rasual Butler to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future second-round pick, according to NBA front-office sources.

Hornets deal Butler to Clippers, will save $3.9M
The Clippers have acquired shooting guard Rasual Butler and cash from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2016. Butler had the most productive season of his seven-year career in 2008-09, averaging 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds while playing in all 82 games for the Hornets, who made the playoffs. He shot 40 percent from the floor and 37 percent from 3-point range to match his career averages.

Emeka Okafor looks forward to new New Orleans Hornets chapter
The Hornets introduced new center Emeka Okafor on Tuesday.

Making sense of the new landscape
Who are some of the bigger winners and losers in Fantasy for 2009-10 based on what has transpired in the offseason? Our Sergio Gonzalez loves Emeka Okafor in New Orleans and thinks Vince Carter could produce career lows now that he's in Orlando.




Making sense of the new landscape
Who are some of the bigger winners and losers in Fantasy for 2009-10 based on what has transpired in the offseason? Our Sergio Gonzalez loves Emeka Okafor in New Orleans and thinks Vince Carter could produce career lows now that he's in Orlando.




Sources: New Orleans Hornets, Ike Diogu close to finalizing deal
The Hornets, after swapping Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor, are poised to add further to their frontcourt by signing free-agent forward Ike Diogu.

New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul bringing basketball talent back to China
Chris Paul was so taken by basketball's popularity in China during the Beijing Olympics that he's adding a Chinese flair to his signature shoe and making a return trip for the first time since receiving his gold medal.

Hornets sign free-agent F Diogu (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed forward Ike Diogu to a free agent contract, hoping he can provide solid backup minutes behind All-Star David West. Diogu, who is 6-foot-9, played in 29 games last season for Portland and Sacramento. He averaged 4.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. Diogu was drafted ninth overall out of Arizona State by the Golden State Warriors in 2005.

Bobcats, Hornets complete Okafor-Chandler deal
The New Orleans Hornets have finally found a taker for Tyson Chandler. It took a deal with tinkering Charlotte coach Larry Brown, who was willing to jettison the Bobcats' first draft pick. Emeka Okafor was dealt to the Hornets on Tuesday for Chandler in a deal involving 26-year-old centers, a trade that brought different financial relief to both teams and hopes they'll thrive under different big men. The Hornets have been trying to unload the 7-foot-1 Chandler for several months.

Emeka Okafor traded by Charlotte Bobcats for Tyson Chandler of the New Orleans Hornets
The New Orleans Hornets have officially found a taker for Tyson Chandler in the Charlotte Bobcats. Emeka Okafor was dealt to the Hornets on Tuesday for Chandler in a deal involving 26-year-old centers.

Okafor to go to Hornets for Chandler (AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats are finalizing a trade that would send Emeka Okafor to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday. The swap of 26-year-old centers wasn't expected to be completed until Tuesday and was unlikely to include other players, the people said on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not...

Bobcats, Hornets may swap Okafor for Chandler
Persons familiar with the deal say the Charlotte Bobcats are finalizing a trade that would send Emeka Okafor to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler. The swap of centers could be completed later Monday, two people told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made. The Bobcats will be giving up the only starting center in franchise history for Chandler, who has been plagued by a left toe injury.

Sources: Charlotte Bobcats, New Orleans Hornets talk Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor
Sources say the Bobcats and Hornets are in talks to trade Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor.

Hornets sign rookies Thornton, Collison - Marcus Thornton (G) New Orleans Hornets
Shooting guard Marcus Thornton and point guard Darren Collison signed with the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.

Paul's 3 at buzzer gives Hornets win (AP)

Chris Paul capped a 27-point performance with an off-balance 3-pointer as time expired, lifting the hobbled New Orleans Hornets to a 103-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday. Peja Stojakovic hit five 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 26 points for New Orleans. The Hornets started the game without David West (back) and lost center Tyson Chandler (left ankle) late in the second...

Hornets hobbled by injuries to Chandler, West
The Hornets lost a second starter Monday when center Tyson Chandler injured his left ankle and was helped off the floor in the second quarter of New Orleans' game against the Indiana Pacers.

Hornets F West out vs. Pacers (AP)
Hornets starting forward David West sat out New Orleans' game against the Indiana Pacers with back spasms Monday. Shawn Marks started in West's spot. It was the first start of the season for Marks, who has appeared in 18 previous games, averaging 1.8 points and 2 rebounds. West, sitting out his first game this season, averaged 20 points and 7.1 rebounds through the Hornets' first 37 games.

Hornets hand Pistons fifth straight loss (AP)

Chris Paul had 23 points and 14 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets hand the Detroit Pistons their fifth straight loss, 91-85 on Saturday night. David West added 20 points for the Hornets, who had six players in double figures. Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 20 points. Detroit, with Tayshaun Prince and Hamilton already playing at less than 100 percent, got a scare when Allen Iverson hurt...

Cavs move to 20-0 at home, beat Hornets (AP)

Sick, tired and short-handed. And still, the Cleveland Cavaliers are unbeatable at home. LeBron James, sniffling and wheezing through a head cold, shook off one of his worst games this season to flirt with a triple-double, and the Cavaliers extended their home winning streak to 20 by beating the New Orleans Hornets 92-78 on Friday night.

Paul has triple-double, Hornets top Mavs (AP)

Chris Paul nearly showed Jason Kidd what a quadruple-double looks like, putting up 33 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and seven steals in the New Orleans Hornets' 104-97 victory over the slumping Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Paul had to settle for his fourth triple-double of the season, one he's certain to savor because it came against Kidd, the active leader in that category and the guy...

Knicks' Curry sued by his former driver (AP)
A man who worked as a driver for Eddy Curry is suing the New York Knicks center, alleging Curry owes him money, sexually harassed him and berated him with racist slurs. Curry denied the allegations. "I'm shocked, really," said Curry, who missed the Knicks' 101-95 victory at New Orleans on Monday night with right knee soreness.

Knicks beat Hornets to end 3-game skid (AP)

Mike D'Antoni worried that his up-tempo approach had led the New York Knicks into rushing unwise shots. He wanted more ball movement and more patience -- and the Knicks finally came through during a tough road test against one of the better teams in the Western Conference. David Lee scored 24 points and the Knicks had 30 assists, ending a three-game losing streak with a 101-95 victory over the New...

Hornets hand Clippers 10th straight loss (AP)

Rasual Butler scored a season-high 27 points, and the New Orleans Hornets handed the Los Angeles Clippers their 10th straight loss, 107-80 on Friday night. Butler hit six 3-pointers, also a season high, as the Hornets made 11 3s and had seven players score in double figures. Tyson Chandler had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets, dunking three times on alley-oop feeds from Chris Paul.

Spurs win despite Duncan's poor night (AP)

Tony Parker scored 19 points and San Antonio beat the Los Angeles Clippers 106-84 on Thursday night, giving the Spurs their ninth win in the past 10 games despite getting only eight points from Tim Duncan. The Clippers have lost nine straight, the longest skid in the NBA this season. The Spurs (24-11), winners of three consecutive games, have a 1 1/2 -game lead over second-place New Orleans in the...

Hornets end Lakers' 15-game home streak (AP)

David West scored 15 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter, Chris Paul added 32 points and 15 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets beat Los Angeles 116-105 on Tuesday night to snap the Lakers' 15-game home winning streak. West shot 14-of-23 from the floor and 12-of-13 from the foul line in matching his career high.

Millsap leads Jazz over Hornets 116-90 (AP)

After running slightly behind New Orleans in the first quarter, the Utah Jazz ran over the Hornets in the second and kept on going. The Jazz held the weary Hornets to two field goals in the second period during a 116-90 victory Wednesday night, pulling down more than twice as many rebounds and shutting down everybody except Chris Paul.

Nuggets blow 26-point lead, top Hornets (AP)

The Denver Nuggets' starters were looking forward to resting in the fourth quarter. Instead, they needed Carmelo Anthony's last-minute shot. Anthony scored 22 points, including a layup with 56.5 seconds left, and the Nuggets blew a 26-point third quarter lead before recovering to beat the New Orleans Hornets 105-100 on Saturday night.

Hornets' Chandler suspended for striking player
Hornets center Tyson Chandler was suspended without pay for New Orleans' game at Denver on Saturday for striking an opponent the previous night.

Hornets C Chandler suspended for 1 game (AP)
Hornets center Tyson Chandler was suspended without pay for New Orleans' game at Denver on Saturday for striking an opponent the previous night. Chandler was ejected during the third quarter of the Hornets' 92-77 win at Portland on Friday for elbowing Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla in the neck. Przybilla was also fined $7,500 for his role in the incident, the NBA said Saturday.

Hornets win fourth straight, top Blazers (AP)

David West had 25 points, Chris Paul added 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 92-77 on Friday night for their fourth straight victory. West and Paul teamed to lead New Orleans' rally, with the Hornets outscoring Portland 41-19 in the final 15 minutes.

Paul's triple-double powers Hornets (AP)

Chris Paul's three triple-doubles in the first two months of the season have impressed, but not surprised, his teammates. "He's one of the best point guards ever to grace this game," Hornets shooting guard Rasual Butler said. "He's the ultimate talent." Paul had 15 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds, tying a franchise record with his seventh career triple-double, and New Orleans beat the Washington...

Hornets rally to beat Pacers 105-103 (AP)

Chris Paul scored 11 points in the final 3:36 and David West made a 17-foot fadeaway jumper with 2.5 seconds remaining to help the New Orleans Hornets rally for a 105-103 win over Indiana on Sunday night. Paul and James Posey scored 19 points each for the Hornets (18-9). David West added 18 points, Rasual Butler scored 15 and Peja Stojakovic had 12.

Paul's 26 and 10 lift Hornets by Rockets (AP)

Chris Paul had 26 points and 10 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a two-game skid with an 88-79 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. David West added 23 points for New Orleans, which led throughout. Tyson Chandler has 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Rasual Butler scored 13 for the Hornets.

Artest out for Rockets vs. Hornets (AP)
Ron Artest missed the Houston Rockets' road game Friday night against the Hornets, who were also short-handed. Artest had a sprained right ankle, Rockets officials said. New Orleans was without swingman Peja Stojakovic and reserve center Hilton Armstrong. Stojakovic remained sideline by back soreness for a fifth-straight game.

Magic C Howard to defend NBA dunk crown (AP)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will try to defend his Slam Dunk championship at the NBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix in February. In New Orleans last season, Howard edged defending champion Gerald Green for the title in one of the most creative competitions in recent history. Howard scored perfect 50s on both of his first-round dunks -- one of which included his donning a cape for a "Superman"...

Magic rout Hornets, Paul's streak ends (AP)

First, Stan Van Gundy praised the Orlando Magic after their latest win. Then, he criticized them for a lackluster second half. Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points to lead the Magic to an 88-68 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday in a matchup of division leaders. "Our first half was our best offensive half of the year," the Orlando coach said.

Lakers cruise to 100-87 win over Hornets (AP)

So much for the Lakers' brief bout with vulnerability. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 20, and Los Angeles beat the New Orleans Hornets 100-87 on Tuesday night in a performance that was more dominant than the final score indicated. Using swarming defense to bottle up Chris Paul for much of the game, the Lakers stormed to a 19-point halftime lead and led by 20 after Bryant's jumper...

Paul leads Hornets past Kings 99-90 (AP)

Chris Paul had 34 points, nine assists and a season-high eight steals, and the New Orleans Hornets won for the 11th time in 13 games, 99-90 over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Reserve James Posey added 19 points, and David West had 12 for New Orleans, which built a double-digit lead behind Paul's 16 third-quarter points and allowed Sacramento to get no closer that seven points the rest of...

Kings' Udrih misses game with sore hamstring
Sacramento's Beno Udrih missed the Kings' game against New Orleans on Saturday night because of a sore left hamstring.

Kings G Udrih out vs. Hornets (AP)
Sacramento's Beno Udrih missed the Kings' game against New Orleans on Saturday night because of a sore left hamstring. Udrih was replaced in the starting lineup by veteran guard Bobby Jackson. Udrih played Friday night in the Kings' loss in Houston, but left the game in the fourth quarter. He was listed as questionable on Saturday until shortly before tipoff.

Hornets' Paul sets steals record in win (AP)

Chris Paul set an NBA record with a steal in his 106th straight regular-season game and had 19 points and 12 assists to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 90-83 comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Paul broke Alvin Robertson's NBA mark -- which stood since 1986 -- when he deflected and quickly corralled an attempted pass by Tony Parker late in the second quarter.

Hornets G Paul sets steals record (AP)
New Orleans' Chris Paul set an NBA record with a steal in his 106th straight regular-season game Wednesday night. Paul broke Alvin Robertson's mark set between November 1985 and December 1986. Robertson was playing for San Antonio when he set the previous mark of 105, which Paul tied Tuesday night in Memphis.

Hornets' Stojakovic out with back spasms (AP)
New Orleans' Peja Stojakovic missed the Hornets' game against San Antonio on Wednesday night because of back spasms. Stojakovic played a key role in the Hornets' victory in Memphis on Tuesday night, hitting a 3-pointer to give New Orleans the lead for good with 2:52 to go. An 11-year NBA veteran known for his perimeter shooting, Stojakovic is averaging 13.1 points this season.

Hornets end Grizzlies' 4-game win streak (AP)

Chris Paul had 18 points, nine assists and five steals, James Posey scored nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter, and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 91-84 on Tuesday night. The loss snapped Memphis' four-game winning streak, its longest of the season. The Hornets won for the fifth time in six games despite struggling from the field at times.

Paul ties streak for games with a steal (AP)
New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul tied the NBA record for most consecutive games with a steal on Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Paul's theft came after a bad pass by Grizzlies forward Darko Milicic with 3:33 left in the first quarter. That gave Paul 105 straight games with a steal, pulling him even with Alvin Robertson's mark set between November 1985 and December 1986.

Hornets C Chandler out with stiff neck (AP)
New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler missed Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors because of a stiff neck. Hilton Armstrong made his second consecutive start in place of Chandler, who also sat out Friday's loss at Boston. Chandler, the second overall pick in the 2001 draft, is averaging 8.5 points and 8 rebounds in 15 games this season.

Hornets hit 12 3s, beat Raptors 99-91 (AP)

David West scored 29 points, James Posey added 20, including six 3-pointers, and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Toronto Raptors 99-91 Sunday for their eighth win in 10 games. Rasual Butler had 16 points, and Chris Paul added 12 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, who went 12-for-33 from beyond 3-point range.

Celtics go to 22-2, win 14th straight (AP)

James Posey got his championship ring before the game. The Boston Celtics walked away with all the spoils after it. Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night to lead the Celtics to their 14th consecutive victory, a 94-82 win over their former teammate and the New Orleans Hornets.

Paul leads Hornets over depleted Bobcats (AP)

Tyson Chandler was about to shoot a free throw when he glanced up at a video board and saw a computer-generated Afro hairstyle completing the image of him wearing a throwback uniform from the late 1960s. "That's probably why I missed," Chandler said. "I looked up and saw how they had me and I started laughing.

'Melo ties record with 33-point quarter (AP)

Carmelo Anthony matched the NBA record for points in a quarter with 33 in the third and finished with a season-high 45 points in the Denver Nuggets' 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Anthony tied the NBA mark of 33 points set by San Antonio's George Gervin in the second quarter against New Orleans on April 9, 1978.

Wizards get James, Crittenton in three-team deal
The New Orleans Hornets sent veteran guard Mike James to Washington on Wednesday in exchange for Antonio Daniels as part of a three-team trade that returned a future first-round draft pick from the Wizards to the Memphis Grizzlies.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/481082474" height="1" width="1"/

Wizards get two guards in three-team trade
The Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Hornets have agreed to a three-team trade that will bring two new guards to the Gilbert Arenas-less Wizards.

Paul leads Hornets to rout of Grizzlies (AP)

Chris Paul had 21 points and 11 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets made 11 3-pointers in a 106-87 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. Peja Stojakovic hit five 3-pointers and finished with 20 points. The Hornets (11-6) have won six of their last seven games and 11 of their last 12 with Memphis.

Paul leads Hornets over undermanned Suns (AP)
Peja Stojakovic fell backward onto the court, his legs splayed as his feet swung upward almost comically. The quick fadeaway he'd just released swished through, the referee whistled the Suns for a defensive foul and the New Orleans Arena crowd roared. It was the kind of flair for the dramatic the Hornets needed during a second-half surge that powered them to a 104-91 victory over the depleted but...

Suns' Nash, O'Neal sit out vs. Hornets (AP)
Phoenix point guard Steve Nash missed the Suns' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night because of flu-like symptoms. Nash is averaging 15.1 points and 8.1 assists this season after scoring 20 points or more in each of his last three games. Also inactive for Phoenix was former LSU star Shaquille O'Neal, who has made a practice of sitting out a game in stretches when the Suns have...

Hornets beat Nuggets on Posey's late 3 (AP)

James Posey made a 3-pointer with 19.1 seconds left Thursday night to lift the New Orleans Hornets to their fourth straight victory, 105-101 over the Denver Nuggets, one of his former teams. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 22 points and 10 assists but came up six rebounds short of recording his third straight triple-double.

Blazers beat Hornets, now 7-0 at home (AP)

Brandon Roy had 25 points and 10 assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers used a 17-point, second-half run to beat the New Orleans Hornets 101-86 on Friday night. The Blazers improved to 7-0 this season at the Rose Garden, their best start at home since they went 9-0 in the 1998-99 season. LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers (11-6), who are off to their best overall...

West helps Hornets win third straight (AP)

David West scored 27 points and the New Orleans Hornets beat Los Angeles 99-87 on Monday night. Peja Stojakovic had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Hornets, who won their third straight following a home-and-home sweep of Oklahoma City. Forward Morris Peterson did not play because of pain in his right knee, but backup point guard Devin Brown was back in the lineup, scoring 11 points after...

Clippers can't play Randolph and Collins
The Los Angeles Clippers weren't able to suit up their two newest players, Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins, for Monday night's game against New Orleans because of some red tape involving the results of the physicals taken by Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley following Friday's trade to the New York Knicks. So Mike Dunleavy's first deal in his dual role as coach-general manager of the Clippers remained on hold - leaving them undermanned for the third consecutive game.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/464633587" height="1" width="1"/

Clips can't play Randolph, Collins yet (AP)
The Los Angeles Clippers weren't able to suit up their two newest players, Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins, for Monday night's game against New Orleans because of some red tape involving the results of the physicals taken by Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley following Friday's trade to the New York Knicks.

West, Paul lift Hornets over Thunder (AP)

David West scored a season-high 33 points and Chris Paul had a triple-double to help New Orleans beat Oklahoma City 109-97 on Saturday night, handing the Thunder their 11th straight loss and first under Scott Brooks. Oklahoma City, which fired coach P.J. Carlesimo on Saturday after its 105-80 home loss to the Hornets on Friday night, hung around much longer in the second meeting between the teams...

Hornets rout Thunder in return to OKC (AP)

David West scored 19 points, Chris Paul added 17 in the city where his NBA career began and the New Orleans Hornets had a triumphant return to Oklahoma City on Friday night with a 105-80 victory over the Thunder. The Hornets' starters received a warm welcome from a sellout crowd, then got to take the fourth quarter off in a dominating defensive performance.

Injury-depleted Kings surprise Hornets (AP)

For three quarters, Bobby Jackson did nothing to make the New Orleans Hornets pay for trading him last February. Then he showed them exactly what they were missing in the fourth. John Salmons scored 29 points, and Jackson had all eight of his points in the final 5:10 to help the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings surprise the New Orleans Hornets 105-96 on Wednesday night.

Rockets stifle Paul to top Hornets 91-82 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady added 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Houston Rockets bottled up Chris Paul in a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Paul, who came in averaging 22 points, went 2-for-10 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line to score 12.

Hornets end Blazers' 4-game win streak (AP)

The New Orleans Hornets signed free-agent James Posey for his defense, his championship pedigree and his clutch shooting. The first two things should benefit the Hornets in the long run. His big-shot ability helped them beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. David West scored 18 points and Posey hit two 3-pointers -- New Orleans' only baskets in the last 8:30 -- to help the Hornets outlast...

Lakers improve to 7-0, hold off Hornets (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers improved to 7-0 with a 93-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.

Heat F Marion misses second straight game
Heat forward Shawn Marion was held out of Miami's game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night because of continued problems with a strained groin. Marion was injured in Saturday's loss at New Orleans. He sat out Miami's win over New Jersey on Monday and got treatment again nearly until game time Wednesday with hopes of playing against the Blazers. Yakhouba Diawara started again in Marion's place. Marion could return Friday when Miami hosts Washington.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/451289001" height="1" width="1"/

Nets PG Harris, Heat F Marion sit out (AP)
New Jersey guard Devin Harris and Miami forward Shawn Marion both were held out of Monday's Nets-Heat game with injuries. Harris has battled a sprained left ankle for several days. Marion aggravated his right groin Saturday in Miami's loss to New Orleans. Harris hasn't played since scoring a career-best 38 points against the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

Paul gets 21 and 13 as Hornets beat Heat (AP)

Chris Paul had 21 points and 13 assists for his sixth straight double-double and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a two-game losing streak with a 100-89 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Paul set an NBA record for consecutive games at the start of a season with at least 20 points and 10 assists, breaking the mark set by Oscar Robertson in 1968.

Bobcats stifle Paul early, top Hornets (AP)

Jason Richardson and Raymond Felton scored 20 points apiece, rookie D.J. Augustin spearheaded a late comeback, and the Charlotte Bobcats spoiled Chris Paul's homecoming, beating the New Orleans Hornets 92-89 on Friday night. New coach Larry Brown tinkered with his lineup late, going with the rookie point guard Augustin, who helped Charlotte regroup after blowing a 14-point lead to give Brown his...

Hawks stay perfect as Hornets lose first (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks made 12 3-pointers to stay perfect on the young season while handing the New Orleans Hornets their first loss, 87-79 on Wednesday night. Reserve Flip Murray added 14 points for the Hawks (3-0), hitting a pair of 3s in the fourth quarter, including one as the shot clock expired during a 14-2 surge that put Atlanta in the lead for good.

Paul's near triple-double powers Hornets (AP)
Chris Paul had 20 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds and the New Orleans Hornets held off a rally, then pulled away to beat Phoenix 108-95 Thursday night and spoil the home debut of new Suns coach Terry Porter. The Hornets, who never trailed, improved to 2-0 on the heels of a season-opening victory at Golden State on Wednesday night.

Paul helps Hornets stave off Warriors (AP)
Chris Paul drove for the go-ahead layup with 19.4 seconds left and finished with 21 points and 11 assists in the New Orleans Hornets' perilous 108-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. After going 7-0 in the NBA's first unbeaten preseason in six years, New Orleans stayed perfect despite falling apart down the stretch against Golden State.

Warriors ink Nelson to two-year extension
The Golden State Warriors signed Don Nelson to a contract extension Wednesday, hours before the veteran coach opened his 30th NBA season against New Orleans. The club refused to divulge terms of the deal, but Nelson said last weekend he had all but agreed to a two-year extension to his current deal, which expires this season. Nelson also said the financial terms were roughly the same as those in his first contract.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/436311951" height="1" width="1"/

Hornets finish preseason with 7-1 mark (AP)

David West scored 22 points, Peja Stojakovic added 14 and the New Orleans Hornets were 9-of-16 from 3-point range in their 100-80 exhibition victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday at the University of South Alabama. New Orleans wrapped up the preseason with a 7-0 mark, while the Heat (1-5) will finish their exhibition schedule Friday night in San Antonio.

Paul keeps Hornets perfect in preseason (AP)

Chris Paul's midseason-like form kept the New Orleans Hornets undefeated in the preseason. Paul had 23 points, 15 assists, five rebounds and three steals in 36 minutes, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 101-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. "He looks like he's ready to go," said Hornets coach Byron Scott, who said he wanted to give his starters more playing time as the regular...

Hornets beat Wizards again in Europe (AP)
Life without Gilbert Arenas isn't getting any easier for the Washington Wizards, who dropped their second straight European exhibition game to the New Orleans Hornets, 102-80 in Barcelona on Friday. Melvin Ely had 19 points and eight rebounds and Chris Paul added 10 points and eight assists to help the Hornets wrap up the NBA's annual preseason tour of Europe with another strong performance.

Stern: NBA ready for economic downturn (AP)
NBA commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that the league is well-positioned to deal with any fallout from the global economic turmoil after cutting 80 jobs. "In anticipation of a slowdown we had stared cutting our work force a bit," Stern said before the New Orleans Hornets played the Washington Wizards in a preseason game at the O2 World arena.

Stern says NBA prepared for economic downturn
NBA commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that the league is well-positioned to deal with any fallout from the global economic turmoil after cutting 80 jobs. "In anticipation of a slowdown we had stared cutting our work force a bit," Stern said before the New Orleans Hornets played the Washington Wizards in a preseason game at the O2 World arena. "It's our sense we should be very prudent in expending our work force because we have to see what the economy holds.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/420817397" height="1" width="1"/

Hornets, Wizards set to play in Berlin (AP)
From Beijing to Berlin, All-Star point guard Chris Paul is getting a firsthand look at the globalization of basketball. Paul, who won a gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics in August, leads the New Orleans Hornets against the Washington Wizards in an NBA preseason game Tuesday in the German capital.

Radio hosts accuse Magic of faking AIDS (AP)

Magic Johnson says he's outraged that a pair of Minneapolis talk radio hosts accused him of faking AIDS. KTLK's Chris Baker and Langdon Perry made the remarks during Baker's conservative talk show on Wednesday. The context for the remarks wasn't clear. According to a partial transcript and audio clip posted on a media watchdog site, mediamatters.org, the remarks came after a caller complained about...

Hornets can't rest on laurels
The Hornets have a bright future, but for that future to remain in New Orleans, Mike Kahn says they can't afford any lapses.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/412974419" height="1" width="1"/

Chandler sprains right ankle
Hornets center Tyson Chandler sprained his right ankle in the first quarter of New Orleans' preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. A Hornets spokesman said Chandler was not expected to return. The injury occurred under the Hornets' basket after Chandler stepped into the lane to help defend a drive by C.J. Watson. Chandler appeared to turn his ankle as he landed and immediately dropped to the floor, lying on his back until trainers helped him to the locker room.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/412454611" height="1" width="1"/

Hornets' Chandler sprains ankle against Warriors
Hornets center Tyson Chandler sprained his right ankle in the first quarter of New Orleans' preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Hornets get good news about practice site, arena
The New Orleans Hornets are looking forward to getting back to the Big Easy after receiving reports that their suburban training center survived both Hurricane Gustav and a reported tornado nearby Tuesday evening, general manager Jeff Bower said. "We're happy the reports are all favorable on the practice site and look forward to resuming operations," said Bower, who expanded a Labor Day weekend vacation with family in Las Vegas because of the storm.

Hornets get good news on facilities (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets are looking forward to getting back to the Big Easy after receiving reports that their suburban training center survived both Hurricane Gustav and a reported tornado nearby Tuesday evening, general manager Jeff Bower said. "We're happy the reports are all favorable on the practice site and look forward to resuming operations," said Bower, who expanded a Labor Day weekend...

Heat sign 'big body' Magloire
The Heat signed former All-Star center Jamaal Magloire on Tuesday, four days after agreeing to basic terms with the nine-year veteran. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Magloire has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career. He spent his first five seasons with the Charlotte and New Orleans Hornets, and has now been with five teams since the start of the 2005-06 season - Milwaukee, Portland, New Jersey, Dallas and now Miami.

Heat sign former All-Star C Magloire (AP)
The Heat signed former All-Star center Jamaal Magloire on Tuesday, four days after agreeing to basic terms with the nine-year veteran. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Magloire has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career. He spent his first five seasons with the Charlotte and New Orleans Hornets, and has now been with five teams since the start of the 2005-06 season -- Milwaukee, Portland, New...

Hornets sign veteran free agent Marks
The New Orleans Hornets on Thursday signed free-agent Sean Marks, a nine-year NBA veteran who can play both power forward and center. "We are excited for Sean to join our team," said Hornets general manager Jeff Bower, who did not release terms of the contract, citing team policy. "He is a veteran leader who has been on winning teams and will be a great addition to our frontcourt.

Versatile Brown returns to Hornets' backcourt
The New Orleans Hornets turned to a familiar face to fill an opening in the backcourt, signing Devin Brown on Friday.

Hornets sign ex-Cavaliers G Devin Brown (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets turned to a familiar face to fill an opening in the backcourt, signing Devin Brown on Friday. Brown, formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers, played with New Orleans two seasons ago and was brought back to bolster the depth in the backcourt depth. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nuggets re-sign Smith to multiyear deal
The Denver Nuggets re-signed restricted free agent J.R. Smith to a multiyear contract on Friday. The 22-year-old guard averaged 12.6 points for the Nuggets over the past two seasons. He shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range, the best percentage in team history for players with at least 100 3-pointers. Smith was acquired from Chicago in 2006 in exchange for Howard Eisley and two second-round draft picks. He was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in the first round and 18th overall in 2004.

Hornets' Pargo signs with Moscow Dynamo
New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo is the latest player to turn his back on the NBA for Europe. Pargo signed a one-year deal with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian League, agent Mark Bartelstein told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday. The one-year deal is worth nearly $4 million and is about twice what Pargo made for the Hornets last season, Bartelstein said. Pargo joins a growing defection of NBA players lured overseas by higher salaries.

Hornets PG Pargo signs with Moscow team (AP)
New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo is the latest player to turn his back on the NBA for Europe. Pargo signed a one-year deal with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian League, agent Mark Bartelstein told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday. The one-year deal is worth nearly $4 million and is about twice what Pargo made for the Hornets last season, Bartelstein said.

Hornets add Europe games to preseason schedule
The New Orleans Hornets will play seven preseason games prior to their season opener at Golden State in late October, including two games in Europe as part of NBA Europe Live. The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards on October 14 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The game will be one of the first major sporting events held at the arena, which opened last fall. The team will close out NBA Europe Live on October 17 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain.

Hornets to play two preseason games in Europe
The New Orleans Hornets will play seven preseason games prior to their season opener at Golden State in late October, including two games in Europe as part of NBA Europe Live. The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards on October 14 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The game will be one of the first major sporting events held at the arena, which opened last fall. The team will close out NBA Europe Live on October 17 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain.

Hornets have 2 preseason games in Europe (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets will play seven preseason games prior to their season opener at Golden State in late October, including two games in Europe as part of NBA Europe Live. The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards on October 14 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The game will be one of the first major sporting events held at the arena, which opened last fall.

Bowen re-signs with Hornets for 2008-09
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren't released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game.

Hornets re-sign eight-year veteran reserve Bowen
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday.

Hornets re-sign F Ryan Bowen (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren't released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes...

Andersen signs deal with Nuggets
The Nuggets signed Chris Andersen on Thursday, bringing the forward-center back to Denver after three seasons with New Orleans. The 6-10, 228-pound Anderson averaged 1.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds in five games with the Hornets last season. Andersen began his career after being the first player called up from the NBA Development League in 2001. He played three seasons in Denver before going to New Orleans in 2004.

Nuggets sign F-C Chris Andersen (AP)
The Nuggets signed Chris Andersen on Thursday, bringing the forward-center back to Denver after three seasons with New Orleans. The 6-10, 228-pound Anderson averaged 1.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds in five games with the Hornets last season. Andersen began his career after being the first player called up from the NBA Development League in 2001.

Posey signs with Hornets, sees contender on rise
James Posey knows what NBA championship teams look like, and he thinks the New Orleans Hornets are beginning to bear some resemblance.

Reports: Champs retain House, Allen
A week after losing sixth man James Posey to the New Orleans Hornets, the Boston Celtics retained two other free-agent reserves from their championship team.

Injured toe keeps Chandler out of U.S. team practice
Tyson Chandler won't practice with the U.S. Olympic team next week because he has an inflamed big toe. The New Orleans center wasn't selected for the team, but was invited to training camp in case he was needed to replace an injured player. Instead, USA Basketball announced Saturday that Chandler was the one who was hurt. Chandler played on the U.S.

Will Posey help bring a ring to New Orleans?
James Posey has now helped two teams win NBA titles. Mike Kahn ponders whether he'll do the same for the Hornets.

Hornets sign Posey to 4-year, $25M deal
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free agent forward James Posey. Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, says Posey, who played last season for the Boston Celtics, has agreed to a four-year contract worth $25 million.

Hornets, Posey agree to $25M deal (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free agent forward James Posey. Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, says Posey, who played last season for the Boston Celtics, has agreed to a four-year contract worth $25 million.

Hornets' Chandler to train with Team USA (AP)
^ New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler has accepted an invitation to train with the U.S. national team in Las Vegas later this month, shortly before the team departs for the Olympics in China. "This will allow Tyson and the team to be better prepared in the event that he is needed," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said Tuesday on USA Basketball's Web site.

Mayo puts up 15 points, 5 dimes in debut
O.J. Mayo's professional debut featured 15 points, five assists and three steals Friday in the Memphis Grizzlies' 88-75 win over the New Orleans Hornets at the NBA Summer League. Mayo, a former USC guard who was chosen No. 3 in the draft, scored only two points in the first quarter and finished with eight turnovers overall. He made his presence felt quickly, as his steal and assist on Darrell Arthur's layup with 8:37 left in the period preceded his first basket.

Mayo scores 15 in Summer League debut (AP)
O.J. Mayo's professional debut featured 15 points, five assists and three steals Friday in the Memphis Grizzlies' 88-75 win over the New Orleans Hornets at the NBA Summer League. Mayo, a former USC guard who was chosen No. 3 in the draft, scored only two points in the first quarter and finished with eight turnovers overall.

Sonics still undecided on interim practice facilities
When the New Orleans Hornets arrived in Oklahoma City weeks before the 2005-06 season, one of their first priorities was to find a place to practice.

Sonics need Okla. City practice facility (AP)
When the New Orleans Hornets arrived in Oklahoma City weeks before the 2005-06 season, one of their first priorities was to find a place to practice. It's also a major concern for the Seattle SuperSonics, who -- unlike the Hornets -- will be moving permanently to Oklahoma before the upcoming season. A taxpayer-funded practice facility is planned but won't be ready for at least 18 months, meaning...

Paul's agent: Extension with Hornets almost done
Chris Paul's agent will travel to New Orleans on Wednesday to talk to the Hornets about an extension.

Hornets nearing extension with All-Star Paul
Chris Paul's agent plans to travel to New Orleans on Wednesday with the intention of completing a contract extension that would keep the All-Star and Team USA point guard with the Hornets for an additional three to five years.

Hornets trade 1st-round pick to Blazers (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have agreed to send their first-round draft pick, the 27th overall, to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for cash. The deal is expected to be announced Wednesday afternoon, according to a person who works in the NBA and is familiar with the transaction. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced.

Source: Hornets trade 27th draft pick to Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Hornets to acquire the 27th pick in the draft for cash considerations, a Blazers source told ESPN.com.

Pistons hire 3 assistant coaches
New Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry has selected Darrell Walker, Pat Sullivan and Harold Ellis as assistants. Walker is a former coach of the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. He has been an assistant coach with the New Orleans Hornets since the 2004-2005 season. Sullivan has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets. Ellis has been minor league coordinator with the Atlanta Hawks for the past six seasons.

Pistons coach Curry hires 3 assistants (AP)
New Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry has selected Darrell Walker, Pat Sullivan and Harold Ellis as assistants. Walker is a former coach of the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. He has been an assistant coach with the New Orleans Hornets since the 2004-2005 season. Sullivan has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets.

New Orleans guard charged with carrying loaded gun
New Orleans Hornets guard Rasual Butler has been charged with flashing a loaded gun near a South Florida nightclub. A witness told investigators that Butler pulled out a gun near a South Beach club early Monday, according to a Miami Beach police report. Butler was sitting in an SUV when officers arrived and found a loaded gun in the vehicle. "We take these matters very seriously and we'll work with all appropriate authorities," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said in a statement.

Hornets G Rasual Butler faces gun charge (AP)
New Orleans Hornets guard Rasual Butler has been charged with flashing a loaded gun near a South Florida nightclub. A witness told investigators that Butler pulled out a gun near a South Beach club early Monday, according to a Miami Beach police report. Butler was sitting in an SUV when officers arrived and found a loaded gun in the vehicle.

Scott encouraged about Hornets' future
Byron Scott had a chance to chat with Michael Jordan last week when the two were in Orlando to watch prospects work out at a pre-draft camp. When they spoke, Scott, the NBA coach of the year, had yet to agree to a contract extension with the New Orleans Hornets. Jordan, now a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, was curious about Scott's plans. "You're not really thinking about leaving Chris Paul, are you?" Scott recalled Jordan asking. "Nah, not really," Scott replied.

Scott agrees to extension with Hornets
NBA coach of the year Byron Scott and the New Orleans Hornets have agreed in principle to a contract extension. Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman confirmed the deal on Wednesday but said he could not disclose the terms of the agreement.

Hornets, coach Scott agree to contract extension
NBA coach of the year Byron Scott and the New Orleans Hornets have agreed in principle to a contract extension.

Spurs slept on grounded plane after Game 7 win
After planning a quick getaway to Los Angeles to prepare to face the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs instead spent the night on the ground in New Orleans, trying to sleep on a plane grounded by technical trouble.

Hornets galvanized New Orleans community (AP)

Glum economic forecasts greeted the Hornets upon their return to New Orleans following a two-year displacement forced by Hurricane Katrina. George Shinn, the team's majority owner, said his accountants initially projected the franchise would run a deficit of about $20 million this season, but he was determined to do right by a city recovering from the worst natural disaster in American history,...

Spurs' plane delayed out of New Orleans
The San Antonio Spurs' departure from New Orleans after winning Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals was delayed several hours after their plane had mechanical problems, the team said Tuesday. The team could not find hotel rooms in the city, so the players had to sleep on the plane, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said. "We slept on the plane - as much as you can sleep," Puchalski said. "We tried to keep some normal semblance of order.

Spurs slept on plane after Game 7 win (AP)
The San Antonio Spurs' departure from New Orleans after winning Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals was delayed several hours after their plane had mechanical problems, the team said Tuesday. The team could not find hotel rooms in the city, so the players had to sleep on the plane, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said.

Spurs win Game 7 at New Orleans 91-82 (AP)

A title defense endures for the playoff-savvy San Antonio Spurs. Manu Ginobili scored 26 points, hitting four free throws in the final minute, sending the Spurs to the Western Conference finals with a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night in Game 7 of their second-round series. Tony Parker added 17 points, including a crucial jumper in the final minute, as the Spurs held off a...

Barkley says he will stop gambling
Charles Barkley said Monday he will stop gambling, at least for now, less than a week after acknowledging he owed a $400,000 debt to a Las Vegas Strip casino. "I like to go into Vegas, it's a fun place, but you know what, I've got to stop gambling. That's the bottom line," Barkley said during TNT's pregame show before Game 7 between San Antonio and New Orleans. "I am not going to gamble anymore. For right now, the next year or two, I'm not going to gamble.

LIVE: Hornets, Spurs in Game 7
Something will conclude in New Orleans. Either the Hornets' magical season, or the Spurs' reign as champs. Follow Game 7 LIVE.

Hornets, champion Spurs set for Game 7 (AP)
Jannero Pargo spun through the air on a one-handed dunk attempt, stuffed himself on the front rim and fell backward onto the court while his New Orleans Hornets teammates buckled over in laughter. Tyson Chandler, showing no lingering effects from a foot injury last Tuesday, quickly grabbed a ball and mocked the whole sequence -- fall included.

Bynum to undergo knee surgery Wednesday
More than four months after Andrew Bynum injured his left knee, it's been decided the Los Angeles Lakers center will undergo arthroscopic surgery. The Lakers made the announcement Sunday, saying Dr. David Altchek will perform the procedure in New York on Wednesday - the same day Bynum's team entertains San Antonio or New Orleans to begin the Western Conference finals. An estimated timetable for Bynum's return will be provided following the surgery.

Lakers C Bynum to undergo knee surgery (AP)
More than four months after Andrew Bynum injured his left knee, it's been decided the Los Angeles Lakers center will undergo arthroscopic surgery. The Lakers made the announcement Sunday, saying Dr. David Altchek will perform the procedure in New York on Wednesday -- the same day Bynum's team entertains San Antonio or New Orleans to begin the Western Conference finals.

Lakers get a break, wait for next opponent
Derek Fisher says the road to the NBA title goes through San Antonio since the Spurs are the defending league champions. The veteran Lakers guard also pays homage to New Orleans as an up-and-coming club that must be taken seriously. Fisher is well-schooled in diplomacy. But the Lakers, who await their opponent in the Western Conference finals that begin Wednesday night at Staples Center, could very well be the team to beat.

Lakers get break before West finals (AP)
Derek Fisher says the road to the NBA title goes through San Antonio since the Spurs are the defending league champions. The veteran Lakers guard also pays homage to New Orleans as an up-and-coming club that must be taken seriously. Fisher is well-schooled in diplomacy. But the Lakers, who await their opponent in the Western Conference finals that begin Wednesday night at Staples Center, could very...

Spurs, Hornets to get rest before Game 7 (AP)
The last thing the New Orleans Hornets wanted was to give the defending champions the whole weekend off before Game 7. "You're playing with fire," coach Byron Scott said before the San Antonio Spurs beat the Hornets 99-80 Thursday night. Too late now. It's back to New Orleans for a winner-take-all matchup Monday night.

Spurs beat Hornets 99-80 to force Game 7 (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs' Big Three came through, but they'll still have to win one on the road to keep their title defense alive. Manu Ginobili scored 25 points, Tim Duncan had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Tony Parker added 15 points in the Spurs' 99-80 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 6 on Thursday night.

West has 38, Hornets go up 3-2 on Spurs (AP)

Back pain couldn't keep David West from taking the court with aggression. The San Antonio Spurs couldn't stop him from dominating. "Back in the locker room, right before we break huddle and come out to the game, we said, 'No excuses,"' West recalled. "Regardless of how I was feeling, I just knew how important this game was for us as a basketball team.

Spurs face elimination vs. Hornets (AP)
Just as Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs appeared to be hitting their stride and gaining momentum for a berth in the Western Conference finals, they are down again, their march toward consecutive NBA titles very much in doubt. The defending champions face elimination at the hands of the upstart New Orleans Hornets, who have a 3-2 lead in the conference semifinals, when they play Game 6 on...

Hornets' Chandler leaves game vs. Spurs (AP)
Hornets center Tyson Chandler had to be helped to the bench after dropping to the floor with a bruised left foot in the fourth quarter of New Orleans' playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. Chandler's leg appeared to buckle as he came out to the perimeter on the Hornets' defensive end.

Horry plays in record 238th playoff game (AP)
Spurs forward Robert Horry set an NBA record by appearing in his 238th playoff game during Game 5 of San Antonio's series against New Orleans on Tuesday night. Coming into the playoffs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the previous record for playoff appearances with 237. Horry, in his 16th season, has been in the playoffs in all of them, winning two championships with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio...

Hornets back home, try to regroup (AP)
Tyson Chandler had a rare game without a basket, Peja Stojakovic didn't hit one 3-pointer and David West had an awful shooting night while turning the ball over three times. The Hornets looked tense, stressed and sometimes lost on offense in their 100-80 Game 4 loss at San Antonio. Yet New Orleans coach Byron Scott had other concerns heading into Tuesday night's fifth game of this deadlocked...

Spurs dominate, expose young Hornets
The Spurs dominated the Hornets in Game 4 and may have finally exposed New Orleans' youth in the process, Charley Rosen says.

Spurs cruise past Hornets to even series (AP)

Tim Duncan had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the New Orleans Hornets 100-80 on Sunday night in Game 4 to even the Western Conference semifinals at 2-2. Tony Parker added 21 points for the Spurs, who led nearly the entire game and are assured of a Game 6 back in San Antonio.

Parker-Paul matchup highlights series (AP)
Besides winning titles, there's another reason Tony Parker loves playing in the NBA. The San Antonio point guard thrives on a good 1-on-1 matchup, such as the one he's got going with New Orleans' Chris Paul in the Western Conference semifinals. "It's great fun, great matchup, a great challenge for me.

Parker, Manu each score 31 in Spurs' win (AP)

There was no third-quarter breakdown for the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, just the desperate play of a team whose quest for a second straight NBA title was on the line. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili both scored 31 points to lead the Spurs to a 110-99 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Hornets try to steal game in San Antonio (AP)
Chris Paul turned 23 on Tuesday. The New Orleans Hornets' talented point guard said he had a low-key birthday, just hanging out with his teammates. The big surprise party might happen Thursday night, courtesy of Paul and his team if they can beat the defending champion San Antonio Spurs yet again by picking up a Game 3 win to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Spurs down 0-2 for first time since 2001 (AP)

Consecutive third-quarter breakdowns. Tough nights for their top players. And now, an 0-2 deficit to a young and athletic team. It's all happening to the San Antonio Spurs, the defending NBA champions. The Spurs, who came into this series looking like their usual dominant selves after dispatching the Phoenix Suns in just five games, are struggling against the Hornets and searching for answers before...

Paul helps Hornets go up 2-0 vs. Spurs (AP)

Shutting down David West only gave the San Antonio Spurs front-row seats for the Chris Paul show. With razzle-dazzle dribbles and a driving floater that couldn't miss, Paul had 30 points and 12 assists, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 102-84 victory Monday night and a 2-0 lead over the Spurs in their second-round series.

LIVE: Can the Spurs rebound in New Orleans?


West leads Hornets over Spurs 101-82 (AP)

David West scored a career playoff-high 30 points to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 101-82 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Saturday night. Chris Paul added 17 points, 13 assists and four steals for New Orleans, which trailed by as much as 11 in the first half but stormed into the lead for good in the third quarter.

Hornets try to contain Duncan again (AP)
Tim Duncan was annoyed, muttering after losing a ball out of bounds, and later staring at the floor with his hands on his hips after missing a foul shot. After averaging nearly 25 points and 14 rebounds in five playoff games against the Phoenix Suns, Duncan did little right for the Spurs in Game 1 at New Orleans on Saturday night.

West leads Hornets over Spurs 101-82 (AP)
Tim Duncan was annoyed, muttering after losing a ball out of bounds, and later staring at the floor with his hands on his hips after missing a foul shot. After averaging nearly 25 points and 14 rebounds in five playoff games against the Phoenix Suns, Duncan did little right for the Spurs in Game 1 at New Orleans on Saturday night.

Hornets ready for playoff-tested Spurs (AP)
Tyson Chandler struggled with the idea that New Orleans could be favored in its second-round series against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, even if the Hornets are the higher seed and have home-court advantage. "I don't know if many players on this team consider themselves underdogs, but for some reason that's what we've been labeled as," Chandler said.

Spurs knock out Suns behind Parker's 31 (AP)

Tony Parker scored 31 points, Tim Duncan added 29 points and 17 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with a 92-87 Game 5 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. The third-seeded Spurs will meet the No. 2 seed Hornets in a second-round series that begins Saturday at New Orleans.

Scott voted NBA coach of year
Byron Scott has been voted NBA coach of the year after leading the New Orleans Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years. Scott coached the Hornets to a 56-26 record, a franchise high for wins. New Orleans won the Southwest Division crown and leads Dallas 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs entering Game 5 Tuesday night. This is the first time Scott has won the Red Auerbach Trophy in eight seasons as a coach, four with the New Jersey Nets and the past four with the Hornets.

Great Scott: Hornets' boss named NBA's top coach
Byron Scott has been voted NBA coach of the year after leading the New Orleans Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years.

Paul helps Hornets eliminate Mavericks (AP)

Byron Scott accepted his NBA coach of the year award, then guided his team to the second round of the playoffs. Chris Paul had 24 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets held on for a 99-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night to win their first-round series in five games.

Kidd ejected, may have to miss Game 5 (AP)
Dallas point guard Jason Kidd was ejected for committing a flagrant foul on Jannero Pargo during the fourth quarter of Game 4 on Sunday night against the New Orleans Hornets. Kidd's status for Game 5 on Tuesday may be in jeopardy. Kidd was given a flagrant 2 -- which results in an immediate ejection and the NBA can review the play to determine whether a suspension is warranted.

Report: Scott to be NBA coach of year
New Orleans coach Byron Scott, who led the Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years this season, has been chosen as the NBA coach of the year, The Associated Press has learned. A person with knowledge of the award spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity because the league had not yet announced it. New Orleans sent a media advisory Monday afternoon, saying it planned a "major announcement" at 10 a.m. Tuesday following the Hornets' gameday shootaround.

Source: Scott to be NBA coach of year (AP)
New Orleans coach Byron Scott, who led the Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years this season, has been chosen as the NBA coach of the year, The Associated Press has learned. A person with knowledge of the award spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity because the league had not yet announced it.

NBA opts not to suspend Kidd for flagrant foul
Jason Kidd won't be suspended for his flagrant foul on New Orleans' Jannero Pargo, meaning the Mavericks will have their starting point guard Tuesday night when they try to avoid elimination Tuesday night in Game 5. Kidd's takedown of Pargo drew an automatic ejection. The NBA reviewed the play Monday and determined further punishment wasn't necessary, league spokesman Tim Frank said. The play came with 7:16 left in the Hornets' 97-84 victory Sunday. Dallas trails 3-1 in the first-round series.

Kidd won't be suspended for flagrant foul on Pargo
The NBA has ruled that Jason Kidd will not be suspended for Game 5 in New Orleans after his hard takedown of Hornets guard Jannero Pargo in Game 4.

Hornets end skid in Dallas for 3-1 lead (AP)

David West hardly said a word the last two days. That meant trouble for the Dallas Mavericks. West let out his pent-up frustration over a poor Game 3 with a determined effort in Game 4, scoring 10 of his 24 points in a quick stretch early in the second half to help the New Orleans Hornets pull away for a 97-84 victory Sunday and a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.

Nowitzki looks to help Mavs even series (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki heard plenty of criticism after he struggled in the first round of the playoffs last season. When the Mavericks needed a big game Friday to avoid a 3-0 deficit, Nowitzki responded with the type of performance he had in the 2006 postseason. The 2007 MVP scored 32 points, grabbed 19 rebounds and handed out six assists in Dallas' 97-87 victory over New Orleans.

Nowitzki powers Mavs back into series (AP)

Chris Paul raced down the court, beating most of the Dallas Mavericks. He put on the brakes with a jump stop in the lane and floated up a jumper that was supposed to get the New Orleans Hornets within a few baskets of the lead. The ball went in all right. And then it came out. Things sure were different now that he and the Hornets were on the road -- and the Mavs were at home.

Mavericks figure things can't get worse (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki has it all figured out. To snap out of their funk, and start climbing out of an 0-2 hole against the New Orleans Hornets, all the Dallas Mavericks have to do is get on the court Friday night in front of their home fans. OK, he acknowledged, they also need to "play in attack mode," which means getting more physical on both ends of the court.

Paul, Hornets race past Mavs
Once again, the Mavericks couldn't contain Chris Paul in Game 2. The result was a New Orleans rout and a 2-0 lead for the Hornets.

Paul helps Hornets rip Mavs for 2-0 lead (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki skipped out to the perimeter, joining Jason Kidd as they attempted to trap Chris Paul. Paul promptly let them know they were in for long night, knifing into the lane on the dribble and dropping in a pretty floater. As brilliant as Paul was in his playoff debut last weekend, his encore was better.

Hornets take 2-0 lead on Mavs
Once again, the Mavericks couldn't contain Chris Paul in Game 2. The result was a New Orleans rout and a 2-0 lead for the Hornets.

NO's Paul has spectacular playoff debut (AP)

So much for playoff experience. Chris Paul had 35 points and 10 assists in his first career playoff game Saturday night, lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 104-92 come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their first-round series. David West, in his first playoff game since he was a rookie reserve, scored 23 points, and Tyson Chandler had 10 points and 15 rebounds to help...

Hornets brace for series with Mavericks (AP)
A little smirk crept across Tyson Chandler's face. The subject was the Dallas Mavericks' comments this week that they were pleased to be facing the New Orleans Hornets in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, rather than the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. "They wanted us. They got us now, and good for them," said Chandler, the Hornets' feisty, 7-foot-1 center.

Seattle still trying to save SuperSonics (AP)

The supposedly obsolete arena is dark. After enduring billionaire power plays, broken promises and the team's worst season ever, Seattle is on the brink of losing its first big-time sports franchise. On Friday, NBA owners are set to approve the SuperSonics' move to Oklahoma City. The last two votes on moves -- the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans and the Grizzlies from Vancouver to Memphis --...

Final 6 seeds in West to be decided (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Hornets cleared up the top of the Western Conference playoff picture Tuesday night by winning. But the middle was still a mess heading into the final day of the season. The Lakers routed Sacramento 124-101 to take the No. 1 seed in the West. New Orleans did its part, beating the Clippers 114-92 to lock up the Southwest Division title and the No.

Kidd ensures Mavs-Hornets in 1st round (AP)

Jason Kidd had the 100th triple-double of his career and sparked a 30-8 stretch that sent the Dallas Mavericks past the New Orleans Hornets, 111-98 Wednesday night, and set up a first-round showdown between these teams. Kidd had 27 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double since rejoining the Mavericks, the team he was with when he broke into the NBA and began piling up the...

On the Mark: Kobe's been great, but Paul is MVP
You want to talk valuable? Chris Paul has single-handedly revived the NBA in New Orleans. That's why he gets Mark Kriegel's MVP nod.

Hornets clinch Southwest Division title (AP)

David West scored 32 and Chris Paul had 12 during a decisive run in the third quarter as the New Orleans Hornets clinched the Southwest Division by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 114-92 on Tuesday night. The Hornets will have at least the No. 2 seed in the playoffs in the rugged Western Conference. Hornets coach Byron Scott earned his 300th career victory.

Lakers clinch Pacific, beat Hornets (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers are Pacific Division champions for the first time in four years and have a shot at the Western Conference title after winning their most important game of the season. But they had to survive a tremendous scare, blowing all but one point of a 30-point lead. Kobe Bryant, making a push for his first MVP award, had 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and the Lakers held off...

Kings hamper Hornets' bid for top seed (AP)

Ron Artest returned from a thumb injury to hit four clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Sacramento Kings dealt a big blow to New Orleans' hopes for the top seed in the Western Conference with a 94-91 victory over the Hornets on Saturday night. The loss dropped the Hornets (55-25) into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the top spot in the West with only two games remaining.

Kings' Martin out, but Artest returns (AP)
Leading scorer Kevin Martin missed Sacramento's game against the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night with an injured right knee. Martin, who is averaging 23.7 points, hurt himself in the third quarter Friday night against Portland. He did not return to the game and was unavailable against the Hornets.

Cavaliers' James making case in MVP race (AP)
Kicking back near the rear of a charter bus, a sleepy LeBron James pulled up his sweatshirt's hood and contemplated a cat nap on a rainy afternoon in New Orleans. As Cleveland's superstar was about to doze off before departing for a community service event during a busy All-Star weekend, Jason Kidd came aboard and hustled down the aisle as if he were leading a three-on-one fastbreak.

Lakers win, gain ground on idle Hornets (AP)

Luke Walton scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the short-handed Clippers 106-78 Thursday night for their fifth win in six games. The victory moved the Lakers (54-25) within 1 1/2 games of the Western Conference-leading New Orleans Hornets entering Friday night's showdown between the teams.

Hornets' Paul a serious MVP contender (AP)

Chris Paul snatched a rebound under the Hornets' basket, raced the length of the court and crashed at full-speed over photographers on the baseline after converting the thrilling end-to-end layup. "M-V-P! M-V-P!" screamed the New Orleans Arena crowd. True star power can galvanize a community. And that's exactly what Paul has done this season, putting the Hornets in contention to finish first in the...

Hornets set team record with 55th win (AP)

Chris Paul had 19 points and 16 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets bounced back to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-90 Wednesday night. Peja Stojakovic scored 24 points and David West had 22 for the Hornets, who scored just 66 points in a loss to Utah on Tuesday. Rashad McCants had 23 for the Timberwolves, who have lost six straight.

Jazz end Hornets' 11-game home streak (AP)

Mehmet Okur had 22 points and 17 rebounds to help the Utah Jazz clinch the Northwest Division and snap the New Orleans Hornets' 11-game home winning streak, 77-66 on Tuesday night. Deron Williams had 16 assists and outplayed Chris Paul as the Jazz took a 20-point lead early in the fourth quarter and cruised from there, holding New Orleans to its lowest point total of the season.

Paul triple-double gets Hornets 54th win (AP)

Chris Paul had 16 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets tied a franchise record for single-season victories with 54 in a 108-96 defeat of the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. It was the fourth career triple double for Paul, who inspired boisterous chants of M-V-P from a sellout crowd that watched the Hornets win their 11th straight home game and fourth straight overall.

Hornets top Knicks, clinch playoff berth (AP)

Chris Paul had 33 points and 15 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets became the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoff berth by beating the New York Knicks 118-110 on Friday night. Jamal Crawford had 29 points for the Knicks, who have lost 17 of 19 but stayed competitive into the fourth quarter.

Gasol returns as Lakers defeat Blazers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol added 10 points in his first game in nearly three weeks and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-91 on Wednesday night. Bryant also had 13 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers (51-24), who trail New Orleans by 1 1/2 games and San Antonio by one game in the Western Conference standings.

Chandler helps Hornets stay atop West (AP)

Tyson Chandler was perfect, and the New Orleans Hornets finished off a nearly perfect road trip. Chandler was 10-for-10 from the floor, and his 20-point, 10-rebound effort helped the Hornets remain atop the Western Conference standings with a 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. David West scored 22 points and Chris Paul added 14 points and 10 assists for the Hornets, who finished...

Kidd's 27 get Mavericks past Clippers (AP)

Jason Kidd scored 27 points, Josh Howard got 12 of his 25 in the fourth quarter, and the Dallas Mavericks held off the banged-up but stubborn Los Angeles Clippers 93-86 Monday night to complete a sweep of the four-game season series. The Mavericks are seventh in the Western Conference standings, five games behind front-running San Antonio and New Orleans with eight games remaining -- including the...

Spurs win eighth straight, rip Warriors (AP)
Tony Parker scored 26 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 116-92 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night for their eighth straight win. The defending champions remained second in the Western Conference, just percentage points behind the New Orleans Hornets. The Warriors, in a three-way race with Dallas and Denver for the final two playoff spots, dropped their 20th straight in...

Stojakovic helps Hornets top Magic 98-97 (AP)

Peja Stojakovic hit a 3-pointer and three free throws in the final minute to lift the New Orleans Hornets over the Orlando Magic, 98-97, on Tuesday night. Chris Paul had 19 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, Morris Peterson scored 19 points and David West had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Hedo Turkoglu had 26 points, seven assists and five rebounds for Orlando.

Wade set to work season-ticket phone drive
Dwyane Wade is going back to work with the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Sort of, anyway. Wade, the 2006 NBA finals MVP, and several other injured Heat players will work the phones at halftime of Miami's game against the New Orleans Hornets, fielding calls from people looking to buy season tickets.

Wade to help Heat field season ticket phone calls
Dwyane Wade, the 2006 NBA finals MVP, and several other injured Heat players will work the phones at halftime of Miami's game against the New Orleans Hornets, fielding calls from people looking to buy season tickets.

West, Paul lead Hornets to 50th win (AP)

David West scored 32 points and Chris Paul had 20 points and 16 assists to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 118-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. Peja Stojakovic scored 25 and Tyson Chandler had 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Hornets bounced back from a 20-point loss in Boston on Friday night to win for the sixth time in seven games.

Spurs win sixth straight, get 50th win (AP)

Manu Ginobili 16 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and the San Antonio Spurs picked up their sixth straight win with a 99-84 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Spurs, who were in fifth place in the West, moved into second place and sit just percentage points behind New Orleans.

Celtics end Hornets' 5-game win streak (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett added 21, and the Boston Celtics moved closer to wrapping up the top record overall by avenging last weekend's loss in New Orleans with a 112-92 win over the Hornets on Friday night. Eastern-conference leading Boston (57-15) opened its advantage to six games over the idle Detroit Pistons with 10 games left.

Hornets top Cavs on West's late jumper (AP)

Along with countless assists, Chris Paul has given teammate David West a rather unique nickname. "I call David West the 17-foot assassin," Paul said. The Cavaliers now know why. West calmly dropped a 17-foot jumper -- coming on Paul's 20th and most impressive assist -- with 0.6 seconds remaining to give the New Orleans Hornets their fifth straight win, 100-99 over Cleveland on Wednesday night.

Cavs' Wallace likely to miss game vs. New Orleans
Cavaliers center Ben Wallace will likely miss Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Hornets because of back spasms he's had the past two weeks. Wallace, acquired in last month's three-team trade from the Chicago Bulls, has missed two games and part of another with the injury. With 10 regular-season games remaining, the Cavaliers want Big Ben as ready as possible for the postseason.

Cavaliers C Wallace likely out Wednesday (AP)
Cavaliers center Ben Wallace will likely miss Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Hornets because of back spasms he's had the past two weeks. Wallace, acquired in last month's three-team trade from the Chicago Bulls, has missed two games and part of another with the injury. With 10 regular-season games remaining, the Cavaliers want Big Ben as ready as possible for the postseason.

West scores 37, Hornets cool off Celtics (AP)

David West scored 37 points and the New Orleans Hornets overcame an early 15-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 113-106 on Saturday night. Chris Paul, despite playing only 29 minutes because of foul trouble, had 19 points and hit a pair of clutch jumpers in the waning minutes as New Orleans added a win over the mighty Celtics to recent triumphs over San Antonio, the Los Angeles Lakers and...

Suns overcome 27 TOs, win sixth straight (AP)

Steve Nash scored 23 points, Amare Stoudemire dominated inside with 26 points and the Phoenix Suns overcame a season-high 27 turnovers to beat the Seattle SuperSonics 110-98 on Wednesday night. It was Phoenix's sixth straight win -- its second longest streak this season -- and pulled the Suns within a half game of New Orleans and the idle Lakers for the best record in the Western Conference.

Wells sends Rockets to another defeat (AP)

Former Houston swingman Bonzi Wells helped New Orleans hand the Rockets their second straight loss after a 22-game winning streak, scoring 20 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter in the Hornets' 90-69 victory Wednesday night. David West, returning from a right ankle sprain that sidelined him for two games, had 23 points and 11 rebounds to help New Orleans (46-21) pull a half-game ahead of the...

Hornets' West well-rested, returns against Rockets
Hornets All-Star forward David West returned from a two-game injury absence on Wednesday night when New Orleans hosted the Houston Rockets.

Paul's 37 rally Hornets over Bulls (AP)

Chris Paul scored a game-high 37 points to give the New Orleans Hornets a 108-97 come-from-behind win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Paul made an open 3-pointer with 2:47 left in the fourth quarter to tie it 96-all. After a steal by Jannero Pargo on the next possession, Paul found Tyson Chandler for a thundering alley-oop dunk to give the Hornets their first lead since halftime.

Hayes leads Pistons past Hornets 105-84 (AP)

Jarvis Hayes scored 29 points, including a career-high seven 3-pointers, and the Detroit Pistons routed the New Orleans Hornets 105-84 Sunday. The Pistons have won four of five, while the Hornets lost for just the second time in seven games. New Orleans was missing David West, who sprained his right ankle Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gasol (sprained ankle) to miss at least 3 games
Even the Houston Rockets acknowledge they've had some good luck during their 21-game winning streak. They are getting more heading into their biggest regular-season game in years. Pau Gasol will sit out with a sprained left ankle when the Rockets play the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday for first place in the Western Conference. Gasol was injured in Friday's loss to New Orleans and left the arena on crutches.

Lakers lose Gasol, game to New Orleans


Hornets beat Lakers, West, Gasol injured (AP)

Chris Paul had 27 points and 17 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-98 Friday night in what could prove to be a costly game for both teams. Paul hobbled to the finish after hurting his left ankle on a failed drive to the hoop with 2:31 to go. Lakers center Pau Gasol and David West, however, did not make it to the final horn.

Gasol leaves Lakers' game with sprained ankle
Pau Gasol sprained his left ankle and needed help limping off the court in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Gasol helped off the court during game vs. Hornets
Pau Gasol sprained his left ankle and needed help limping off the court in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Gasol was running into the lane looking for a potential offensive rebound when he appeared to step on teammate Vladimir Radmanovic's foot. Gasol came up lame, favoring his left leg, as the Hornets took the ball the other way, then was helped to the locker room after New Orleans scored and the Lakers called timeout.

Lakers C Gasol suffers sprained ankle (AP)
Pau Gasol sprained his left ankle and needed help limping off the court in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Gasol was running into the lane looking for a potential offensive rebound when he appeared to step on teammate Vladimir Radmanovic's foot.

Bowen suspended for kicking Paul
San Antonio's Bruce Bowen was suspended one game by the NBA on Friday for kicking Chris Paul, ending his consecutive games streak at 500. Bowen began his streak, the longest in the NBA, on Feb. 28, 2002. He has started every game since but will miss the Spurs' visit to Detroit on Friday night. The altercation happened after Paul was called for a foul with 5:15 left in the third quarter of the Spurs' 100-75 loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. Besides his streak, Bowen will lose about $373,000.

Kobe helps Lakers regain lead in West (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 34 points in the final 8 1/2 minutes, Lamar Odom added 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 117-108 on Tuesday night to regain the top spot in the Western Conference. Now, they'll face a major challenge staying there, playing their next four games on the road against New Orleans, Houston, Dallas and Utah, who have a...

Paul, West power Hornets past Spurs (AP)

David West's sprained left ankle kept him from running in practice and forced him to miss three games, but didn't stop him from trying to maintain his shooting touch. In his return against San Antonio on Wednesday night, West had 29 points and 10 rebounds to help the New Orleans Hornets take a convincing 100-75 victory over the Southwest Division leading Spurs.

West back in Hornets' lineup after 4-game absence
Hornets All-Star forward David West returned from an ankle sprain and was in the starting lineup when New Orleans hosted the Spurs on Wednesday night.

Hornets F West back in starting lineup (AP)
Hornets All-Star forward David West returned from an ankle sprain and was in the starting lineup when New Orleans hosted the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. West hurt his right ankle during the Hornets' victory at New York on March 3. He finished that game, but missed New Orleans' next three contests.

Rockets win 18th straight, top Hornets (AP)

Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets are making it look easy, even against the best teams in the Western Conference. McGrady scored 41 points Saturday night and the Rockets stretched their winning streak to 18 games with a 106-96 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. The Rockets have won their last nine games by double digits and moved into a tie with the Hornets in the overall conference...

Hornets' West sits 3rd game; Rockets' Landry out
New Orleans All-Star forward David West sat out for the third straight game with a sprained left ankle, missing the Hornets' contest against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Hornets' West, Rockets' Landy both out (AP)
New Orleans All-Star forward David West sat out for the third straight game with a sprained left ankle, missing the Hornets' contest against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. The Rockets were short-handed, too, with rookie forward Carl Landry sidelined with a bruised right knee. West, the Hornets' second-leading scorer and rebounder, rolled his ankle in the second half of New Orleans' 100-88...

NBA Tipoff: New Orleans vs. Houston
The Rockets have won 17 in a row. Can the Hornets cool them off? Marques Johnson says Houston will be hard to stop.

Paul, Chandler power Hornets to victory (AP)

Hornets rookie Julian Wright sat in front of his locker with a bag of ice wrapped around his right wrist, which was sore for all the right reasons. "That's from dunking," Wright said, a reference to three alley-oop jams. Wright had career highs of 20 points and eight rebounds in about 30 minutes as a reserve Friday night, helping the Hornets win their third straight game, 107-96 over the New Jersey...

Hornets' West (ankle) misses 2nd straight game
New Orleans All-Star forward David West missed his second straight game with a sore left ankle when the Hornets hosted the New Jersey Nets on Friday night.

The Birdman's back: Andersen returns to Hornets
The New Orleans Hornets formally welcomed back Chris "Birdman" Andersen on Wednesday after he spent more than two years sidelined because of a drug suspension.

After 2 year-ban, Andersen a Hornet again
The New Orleans Hornets formally welcomed Chris "Birdman" Andersen back to the club Wednesday after he spent more than two years out of the NBA because of a drug suspension. Andersen was kicked out of the league in January 27, 2006, for violating the league's drug policy and had to wait two years to apply for reinstatement. The NBA reinstated him on Tuesday, when Andersen was in New Orleans for a physical.

Andersen back on Hornets after drug ban (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets formally welcomed back Chris "Birdman" Andersen on Wednesday after he spent more than two years sidelined because of a drug suspension. Andersen was kicked out of the NBA on Jan. 27, 2006, for violating the league's drug policy. "A lot of people, when they fail, they stay there ...

Hornets make 15 3s in win over Hawks (AP)

Chris Paul had 23 points and 18 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets tied a franchise record with 15 3-pointers in a 116-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Peja Stojakovic made six 3-pointers and led all scorers with 29 points to help the Hornets to their second straight victory and fourth in five games.

West rests sore left ankle, sits out against Atlanta
New Orleans Hornets All-Star forward David West was a late scratch for the Hornets' game Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sore left ankle.

Hornets F West late scratch vs. Hawks (AP)
New Orleans All-Star forward David West was a late scratch for the Hornets' game Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sore left ankle. West rolled his ankle during the second half of the Hornets' victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night. He remained in the game after the injury, but sat out practice on Tuesday and the game-day shootaround Wednesday morning.

NBA reinstates Andersen after drug suspension
The NBA reinstated Chris Andersen from a drug suspension on Tuesday, and the New Orleans Hornets will have the first chance to sign their former player. Andersen was kicked out on Jan. 27, 2006, for violating the league's drug policy. Since he was "dismissed and disqualified" for a specific violation, he was forced to wait two years to apply for reinstatement. Anderson's rights belong to the Hornets, provided they offer him a contract in the next 30 days, which they are expected to do.

NBA reinstates Andersen from drug ban (AP)
The NBA reinstated Chris Andersen from a drug suspension on Tuesday, and the New Orleans Hornets will have the first chance to sign their former player. Andersen was kicked out on Jan. 27, 2006, for violating the league's drug policy. Since he was "dismissed and disqualified" for a specific violation, he was forced to wait two years to apply for reinstatement.

Report: NBA to reinstate Andersen from drug ban
Chris Andersen reportedly is set to make his return from a NBA drug suspension to join the New Orleans Hornets.

Source: Heat to open preseason in Europe (AP)
Dwyane Wade will get to see his popularity in Europe first-hand next fall. Wade and the Heat will begin preseason play in Paris and London this October against the New Jersey Nets as part of the NBA Europe Live tour, a person with knowledge of the schedule told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Also on the tour, the New Orleans Hornets will play the Washington Wizards in Berlin and Barcelona,...

Paul helps Hornets down Knicks 100-88 (AP)
New Orleans' latest victory left everybody talking about Chris Paul -- except Paul himself. He seemed more in awe of Tyson Chandler. Paul scored 27 points and had a hand in three clutch baskets in the final minutes, leading the Hornets to a 100-88 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night. Paul made two of those buckets himself and found Chandler for an alley-oop dunk on the other, part of...

Knicks' Randolph misses game with bruised foot
Forward Zach Randolph missed the Knicks' game against New Orleans on Monday night because of a bruised right foot.

Knicks F Randolph out with foot injury (AP)
Forward Zach Randolph missed the Knicks' game against New Orleans on Monday night because of a bruised right foot. Randolph was hurt Friday in a loss in Atlanta and sat out the next night in a loss at Orlando. He had an MRI exam Monday that revealed the bruise. The Knicks listed Randolph as day-to-day.

Wizards complete sweep of Hornets 101-84 (AP)

The Washington Wizards can indeed adjust to life without Caron Butler, and they have a sweep of the New Orleans Hornets to prove it. After spending a month thinking their All-Star forward would return any day, the Wizards have decided to go ahead and win without him. Sunday's 101-84 victory was their fourth win in five games and their second over the Hornets in a week.

Lakers beat Heat for 10th straight win (AP)

Jordan Farmar scored a career-high 24 points, Kobe Bryant added 21 and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to a season-best 10 games Thursday night with a 106-88 victory over the Miami Heat. The Lakers (41-17) maintained their one-game lead over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs for best record in the Western Conference, and lead Phoenix and New Orleans by two.

Paul helps Hornets defeat Jazz 110-98 (AP)

Chris Paul explained his latest highlight-filled performance by complimenting his friend and fellow All-Star point guard, Deron Williams. "When you play against the best, it brings out the best in you," Paul said. Paul had 24 points, 16 assists and five steals to help the New Orleans Hornets hold off the Utah Jazz 110-98 on Friday night.

Paul, Hornets beat Williams, Jazz
Chris Paul (24 points, 16 assists) and the Hornets got the better of Deron Williams and the Jazz on Friday night in New Orleans.

Paul helps Hornets beat Suns, end skid (AP)

Chris Paul had 25 points, 15 assists and three steals to help the New Orleans Hornets end a three-game losing skid with a 120-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. David West scored 27 points and reserve guard Jannero Pargo 22 added for New Orleans, which shot 53 percent in avoiding its first four-game losing streak of the season.

Buzzer-beating 3 gets Wizards by Hornets (AP)

DeShawn Stevenson drained a fade-away 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Washington Wizards beat New Orleans 95-92 on Monday night, sending the Hornets to their third straight loss. Stevenson's buzzer beater capped a career night for the Wizards guard as he scored 33 points. Roger Mason scored 12 points off the bench, as did Brendan Haywood, while Antawn Jamison and Antonio Daniels added in 10 apiece.

Manu helps Spurs top Hornets, win 5th straight
Manu Ginobili had 30 points and a career-high 12 assists, and Tim Duncan added 25 points and 11 rebounds Saturday night to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 98-89 win over the New Orleans Hornets for their fifth straight win. Chris Paul had 27 points and David West 16 for the Hornets, who have lost two in a row and are tied atop the Western Conference standings with a 37-17 record.

Ginobili powers Spurs past Hornets 98-89 (AP)

Manu Ginobili had 30 points and a career-high 12 assists, and Tim Duncan added 25 points and 11 rebounds Saturday night to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 98-89 win over the New Orleans Hornets for their fifth straight win. Chris Paul had 27 points and David West 16 for the Hornets, who have lost two in a row and are tied atop the Southwest Division with a 37-17 record.

Slumping Wizards down Bobcats 110-95 (AP)

It's been a difficult few weeks for the Washington Wizards. Despite their win Saturday night, it doesn't look as if things will get any easier any time soon. Antawn Jamison scored 22 points to lead the Wizards to just their second victory in their last 12 games, 110-95 over the Charlotte Bobcats. Washington then got ready for a three-game roadtrip to New Orleans, Houston and Chicago without Caron...

Yao powers Rockets to 11th straight win (AP)

The Houston Rockets' winning streak just got a whole lot more impressive. Yao Ming had 28 points and 14 rebounds, and the Rockets won their 11th straight game, 100-80 over the Western Conference-leading New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. "We talked about making a statement," said Rockets coach Rick Adelman, whose team also set a franchise record with 10 consecutive road victories.

T-Mac leads surging Rockets
Tracy McGrady scored 34 points to lead Houston to their 11th straight win and 10th on the road. Hear from T-Mac after the Rockets' 100-80 win in New Orleans.

Wells on trade: 'It's a great situation'
Bonzi Wells doesn't eat seafood or pork, which pretty much rules out gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and soft-shell crab - the dishes for which New Orleans is known. He says he'll settle for a good steak and otherwise focus on basketball, which shouldn't be hard to do with the Hornets playing about as well as any team in the NBA. "It's a great situation," Wells said Friday, when he and guard Mike James arrived from Houston. "I think myself and Mike will fit in well here.

Hornets get Bonzi Wells from Rockets (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have acquired swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Mike James from Houston. The Rockets are getting guards Bobby Jackson and Adam Haluska in return. Hornets coach Byron Scott said Memphis is also involved in the deal but didn't know to what extent. The deal gives the Western Conference-leading Hornets depth on their bench.

Sources: Hornets on verge of obtaining Bonzi
Every top team in the Western Conference has made a significant move this season. Every team, that is, except the one at the very top. Well, that's about to end. The New Orleans Hornets are on the verge of making their move.

Hornets acquire Wells, James from Rockets
The New Orleans Hornets have acquired swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Mike James from Houston. The Rockets are getting guards Bobby Jackson and Adam Haluska in return. Hornets coach Byron Scott said Memphis is also involved in the deal but didn't know to what extent. The deal gives the Western Conference-leading Hornets depth on their bench.

Paul outplays Kidd, spoils Mavs' debut (AP)

Chris Paul had 31 points, 11 assist and a career-high nine steals, spoiling Jason Kidd's debut with Dallas and lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 104-93 victory over the Mavericks on Wednesday night. Kidd, acquired Tuesday from New Jersey, looked out of sorts at times, committing six turnovers. Meanwhile, Paul's dazzling performance on both ends of the floor had the enraptured crowd on its feet,...

Kidd's advice to Mavericks: Be ready (AP)

Jason Kidd delivered an early message to his new Dallas Mavericks teammates: Be ready for his passes, whether they think they're covered or not. "I've always felt my teammates are always open." Kidd said. "When you think it's not coming, then that's when it is." Kidd was set to make his Mavericks debut against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night, so invigorated by the prospect of playing for...

Rockets extend road win streak to 9 (AP)

Shane Battier chuckled before revealing Houston's defensive game plan to stop LeBron James. "Well, we hoped he had a good time in New Orleans," Battier said. It was the Rockets, though, who gave James the headache. Rafer Alston scored 22 points, Yao Ming added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Houston tied a team record Tuesday night with its ninth straight road win, 93-85 over the Cleveland Cavaliers,...

As deadline nears, what trades are next? (AP)
Only a few days left in the NBA's version of "Let's Make a Deal." The Lakers were already winners, and the Suns and Mavericks could start playing with their new toys Wednesday. Now it's up to teams like San Antonio and New Orleans to see if they want to make a trade to help put them over the top in the loaded Western Conference.

Mayor: All-Star weekend a 'slam dunk' for city
A peaceful NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans should silence skeptics who question whether the city is equipped to host major events as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina, city leaders said Monday. New Orleans largely avoided the violence that tarnished last year's game in Las Vegas, where five people were shot and hundreds arrested during All-Star weekend, city officials said a day after Sunday's game.

Big Easy hosts peaceful All-Star weekend (AP)
A peaceful NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans should silence skeptics who question whether the city is equipped to host major events as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina, city leaders said Monday. New Orleans largely avoided the violence that tarnished last year's game in Las Vegas, where five people were shot and hundreds arrested during All-Star weekend, city officials said a day after...

Superman lives! Howard electrifies crowd
Superman lives! Dwight Howard electrified the All-Star Weekend crowd in New Orleans, winning the dunk contest — cape and all.

Howard wins dunk contest, Kapono 3-point shootout
Deron Williams was flawless and fast. With a nearly perfect run through an obstacle course of dribbling, passing and shooting, Utah's point guard won the Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday, defeating New Orleans playmaker Chris Paul in the final round. Williams blazed up, down and around the floor of the New Orleans Arena in 25.5 seconds, a new record for the six-year-old event. Cheered on by his home crowd, Paul, who completed the circuit in 29.9 seconds in the first round, finished in 31.

Raptors' Kapono wins 3-point shootout
Deron Williams was flawless and fast. With a nearly perfect run through an obstacle course of dribbling, passing and shooting, Utah's point guard won the Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday, defeating New Orleans playmaker Chris Paul in the final round. Williams blazed up, down and around the floor of the New Orleans Arena in 25.5 seconds, a new record for the six-year-old event. Cheered on by his home crowd, Paul, who completed the circuit in 29.9 seconds in the first round, finished in 31.

Williams edges Paul in All-Star Skills (AP)
Deron Williams was flawless and fast. With a nearly perfect run through an obstacle course of dribbling, passing and shooting, Utah's point guard won the Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday, defeating New Orleans playmaker Chris Paul in the final round. Williams blazed up, down and around the floor of the New Orleans Arena in 25.5 seconds, a new record for the six-year-old event.

Dirk replaces Kobe in 3-point contest (AP)
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Bryant's injury will not keep him out of Sunday night's All-Star game in the New Orleans Arena. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP last season, won the 3-point shootout in 2006.

Stojakovic: NBA idea about Euro league could work
New Orleans Hornets forward and Serbian Peja Stojakovic was intrigued by reports that the NBA is exploring whether to launch a five-team European division. "That's interesting. The only thing that concerns me is the distance," Stojakovic said among the All-Star festivities on Friday. "But everything else, I think there are cities and there are arenas that can really prove they are ready to be part of the NBA.

Paul, West keep focus on New Orleans (AP)
There may be no better opportunity for Chris Paul to capitalize on his emerging stardom than here, at his first NBA All-Star weekend. Averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 assists and 2.6 steals, Paul has led the New Orleans Hornets to the top of the powerful Western Conference. Yet when asked on Friday what it means to be compared to the likes of Jason Kidd and Steve Nash, the Hornets' point guard passed,...

Nowitzki will replace Bryant in 3-point shooting contest
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Bryant's injury will not keep him out of Sunday night's All-Star game in the New Orleans Arena. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP last season, won the 3-point shootout in 2006. He will compete in the event for the fifth time.

Dirk to replace Kobe in 3-point contest (AP)
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Bryant's injury will not keep him out of Sunday night's All-Star game in the New Orleans Arena. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP last season, won the 3-point shootout in 2006.

All-Star weekend puts focus on Big Easy (AP)
Reminiscing about record crowds and the excitement of working in the NBA should be expected from someone like Bill Bertka, a longtime scouting director for the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet the topic of discussion wasn't all those Lakers championships. It was his stint as an executive for the New Orleans Jazz in the 1970s.

Ray Allen replaces injured Butler in All-Star game
Ray Allen was added to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster by commissioner David Stern on Wednesday, replacing injured Washington forward Caron Butler. Allen's eighth All-Star selection means the NBA-leading Boston Celtics will again have two players in Sunday's game in New Orleans. Kevin Garnett was the top vote-getter in fan balloting, but had to pull out because of an abdominal strain. Celtics forward Paul Pierce is going as a reserve. The East will be coached by Boston's Doc Rivers.

New Orleans' security ready for All-Star Weekend
If the NBA ever had any doubts about New Orleans' ability to provide security for the All-Star game this weekend, Mardi Gras took care of it.

NBA confident in New Orleans security (AP)
If the NBA ever had any doubts about New Orleans' ability to provide security for the All-Star game this weekend, Mardi Gras took care of it. "The NBA security team has visited the city at least 20 times," Mayor Ray Nagin said. "They started getting comfortable with our ability to handle crowds pretty quick, but once they saw the crowd at Mardi Gras and the way we did things, they said if any city...

Gay turns to YouTube for All-Star dunk inspiration
Rudy Gay has turned to the Internet for extra inspiration for this year's slam dunk contest at NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

Paul helps Hornets past Bulls 100-86 (AP)

Chris Paul had 25 points and 14 assists in a 100-86 victory over the Bulls on Tuesday night, sending Chicago to its sixth loss in nine games. David West added 27 points for the Hornets and Tyson Chandler, who played five seasons for the Bulls before being traded before the 2006-07 season, was booed throughout the game and scored four points and had 16 rebounds.

Gay turns to YouTube for All-Star dunk inspiration
Rudy Gay has turned to the Internet for extra inspiration for this year's slam dunk contest at NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

NBA stuffs Dwight Howard's All-Star dunk request
For the second succesive year, Dwight Howard's proposal to have the rim raised to 12 feet during the annual dunk contest at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans has been rejected by the NBA.



Rasheed Wallace replaces Garnett on All-Star team
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett withdrew from the NBA All-Star game Sunday and was replaced on the Eastern Conference roster by Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace. The announcement was made by the commissioner's office after Garnett missed his seventh consecutive game with an abdominal strain. Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who will coach the East in the Feb. 17 game in New Orleans, said Garnett will not play until the team returns from the break.

Anthony's 49 power Nuggets over Wizards (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored a career-high 49 points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Washington Wizards 111-100 Friday night for their ninth win in their last 10 home games. Melo, who will join teammate Allen Iverson as an All-Star starter in New Orleans later this month, made 19 of 25 shots from the floor and made all eight of his free throws in the third-highest individual scoring game in the NBA...

West's 33 help Hornets top Grizzlies (AP)

David West had 33 points and 10 rebounds to help the undermanned New Orleans Hornets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 112-99 on Saturday night. Peja Stojakovic made six 3-pointers and finished with 26 points for New Orleans, which was without starting center Tyson Chandler (flu) and starting shooting guard Morris Peterson (back).

Suns get Shaq, give up Marion, Banks (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal smiled broadly, then stood from his seat in a suite high above the court at US Airways Center. He pointed to his ring finger and gave a thumbs up. The crowd went crazy. The message he was sending on the big screen at the Phoenix-New Orleans game Wednesday night was clear: He intends to bring to Phoenix the championship that has eluded the Suns franchise through its 40-year history.

NBA announces plans for All-Star Day of Service
Before they take to the basketball court in New Orleans, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan will help unveil a new one.

NBA announces 'All-Star Day of Service' (AP)
Before they take to the basketball court in New Orleans, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan will help unveil a new one. The court refurbishment and dedication at the Mahalia Jackson School in Central City was among the plans the NBA announced Thursday for its "All-Star Day of Service" next Friday, two days before the All-Star game at New Orleans Arena.

Shaq watches Peja's 2OT buzzer-beater (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal got a look at how entertaining his new team can be. The result was the same as its been all season, though, for his Phoenix Suns against New Orleans. The Hornets won. Peja Stojakovic sank a 22-footer at the buzzer to give the Hornets a 132-130 double-overtime victory Wednesday night, improving their record against the Suns to 3-0, with two of the victories in Phoenix.

Power rankings: Western logjam near top
Utah's streaking and New Orleans is slumping. They made big moves in opposite directions in John Galinsky's power rankings.

Jazz beat Hornets for ninth straight win (AP)

Deron Williams had 29 points and 11 assists, and the Utah Jazz set a team record for 3-pointers in a 110-88 victory Monday night over the New Orleans Hornets that extended their winning streak to nine games. The Jazz went 14-for-22 from 3-point range, getting six from Kyle Korver and three from Williams.

Hornets suffer second straight loss (AP)

Ron Artest scored 24 points, Kevin Martin added 22 on his 25th birthday and the Sacramento Kings handed the New Orleans Hornets back-to-back losses for the first time in seven weeks, beating the Western Conference's top team 112-103 Friday night. The Hornets had won nine straight games before falling at home to Golden State on Wednesday.

Hornets' Scott to coach West All-Stars (AP)
New Orleans' Byron Scott will direct the Western Conference in the All-Star game, becoming the first to coach the event on his home court in 13 years. Scott clinched the coaching honor Thursday night after Dallas' 96-90 loss at Boston. That meant Scott's Hornets will have the highest winning percentage in the conference among eligible coaches.

Paul, West named All-Stars for Hornets (AP)
Chris Paul and David West were picked for their first All-Star game Thursday night, giving the hometown Hornets a pair of players for the event New Orleans will host next month. Detroit, Phoenix and Washington also had multiple players chosen as reserves for the Feb. 17 game. Boston will only send two of its Big Three to the Big Easy.

Shaq's All-Star streak comes to an end
Someone told Shaquille O'Neal a few days ago that he wasn't selected for the All-Star Game, an erroneous statement at the time only because the coaches' votes still hadn't been counted. Those votes are now in. And O'Neal is indeed out. Ending his record-tying streak of 14 straight All-Star selections, the Miami Heat center was not on the list of Eastern Conference reserves released Thursday for the Feb. 17 game in New Orleans.

Paul, West earn first All-Star selections
Chris Paul and David West were picked for their first All-Star game Thursday night, giving the hometown Hornets a pair of players for the event New Orleans will host next month. Detroit, Phoenix and Washington also had multiple players chosen as reserves for the Feb. 17 game. Boston will only send two of its Big Three to the Big Easy. Paul Pierce was voted in by Eastern Conference head coaches to join starter Kevin Garnett, but Ray Allen fell short.

Warriors snap Hornets' 9-game win streak (AP)

Baron Davis heard boos every time he touched the ball, right up until he sent the crowd to the exits with a game-sealing 3-pointer. Stephen Jackson scored 26 points, Davis added 23, and the Golden State Warriors beat New Orleans 116-103 Wednesday night to snap the Hornets' nine-game winning streak. "Nobody likes to get booed," Davis said.

Paul lifts Hornets to ninth straight win (AP)

Chris Paul had 23 points, 17 assists, and nine rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets ran away with their ninth-straight win, 117-93 over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. A jubilant crowd broke into repeated chants of "M-V-P" in recognition of a masterful performance by the Hornets' guard, who is New Orleans' best shot at making the All-Star game here next month as a reserve.

Nuggets' Melo not expected to play vs. Hornets
All-Star Carmelo Anthony did not start and was not expected to play against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night.

Nuggets' Anthony sits against Hornets (AP)
All-Star Carmelo Anthony did not start and was not expected to play against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. Anthony tested his sprained left ankle, which has kept him out of action the previous three games, about an hour before the game at the New Orleans Arena. He showed little difficulty hitting a string of perimeter shots but appeared to be concerned about his mobility on drives to the...

Hornets' run now 8, rout Spurs 102-78 (AP)

David West scored 32 points and the New Orleans Hornets won their eighth straight, routing the defending champion San Antonio Spurs 102-78 on Saturday night. Peja Stojakovic added 22 points, including four 3-pointers, and Chris Paul had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio, which has now lost five games at home this season.

Hornets roll to seventh straight victory (AP)

Peja Stojakovic hit six 3-pointers and scored 26 points and the New Orleans Hornets won their seventh straight game, 111-92 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Stojakovic hit five of his 3-pointers during a four-minute span in the third quarter as New Orleans turned a single-point deficit into a 19-point lead.

Iverson surges late to earn All-Star start
With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt.

Iverson surges late to earn All-Star start
With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt.

Hornets win season-best sixth straight (AP)

Jannero Pargo scored a season-high 24 points in 24 minutes, and the New Orleans Hornets extended their season-best winning streak to six games with a 96-81 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Pargo's 10-of-18 shooting, five assists and energy coming off the bench helped the Hornets overcome an early 12-point deficit and surge into the lead for good in the second quarter.

Howard, Green, Gay, Moon in dunk contest
Dwight Howard has another chance to impress the slam dunk contest voters - which this year includes fans watching at home. The Orlando Magic center was one of four players chosen Monday to compete in the dunk contest at All-Star weekend, which debuts a new format in the final round. Defending champion Gerald Green, Toronto's Jamario Moon and Rudy Gay of Memphis round out the field for the event, which will be held Feb. 16 during All-Star Saturday night in New Orleans.

Celtics' Rivers to coach East All-Stars (AP)
Boston coach Doc Rivers clinched the right to coach in the All-Star game with the Celtics' 109-93 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday. That improved the NBA's best record to 33-6 and guaranteed the Celtics will have the best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference through games of Feb. 3. Rivers and his staff will lead the East team in New Orleans two weeks later.

Nuggets extend Wolves' road skid to 16 (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 35 points, including a fade-away jumper and two free throws in the final 30 seconds, and Carmelo Anthony added 26 as the Denver Nuggets held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-108 on Saturday night. The Timberwolves fell to 1-20 on the road this season and have lost 16 straight since a win at New Orleans on Nov.

West's 28 help Hornets beat Bobcats (AP)

The Hornets are playing unrelenting, merciless basketball since getting embarrassed by the Los Angeles Lakers on their home court last week. David West scored 28 points in 32 minutes and New Orleans won its fourth straight game, 112-84 over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night. Three of their last four victories have come at home by an average margin of 28.3 points.

Hornets roll past Sonics 123-92 (AP)

Peja Stojakovic scored 23 points, leading six Hornets in double figures, and New Orleans easily defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 123-92 on Wednesday night. Tyson Chandler had 14 points and 21 rebounds and Chris Paul had 12 points and 11 assists. It was the 12th time they've had double-doubles in the same game this season, and New Orleans has won all of those games.

Shaq, Saints' Bush to host All-Star fundraiser
Shaquille O'Neal and Reggie Bush have teamed up to host a party on the weekend of the NBA All-Star game to raise money for various charities in New Orleans. "This whole weekend is about people being in New Orleans for New Orleans," O'Neal said in a statement Tuesday. "We wanted to show people coming together, celebrating what has been done and remembering that there's still a lot to do.

Shaq party to benefit New Orleans (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal and Reggie Bush have teamed up to host a party on the weekend of the NBA All-Star game to raise money for various charities in New Orleans. "This whole weekend is about people being in New Orleans for New Orleans," O'Neal said in a statement Tuesday. "We wanted to show people coming together, celebrating what has been done and remembering that there's still a lot to do." A...

Paul leads Hornets past Rockets 87-82 (AP)

Chris Paul had 19 points and 11 assists and made four free throws in the final 15 seconds to lift the New Orleans Hornets to an 87-82 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday. David West scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Hornets, who snapped the Rockets' five-game winning streak. The Hornets have won seven consecutive road games and seven of their last nine meetings with Houston, a...

Jackson perfect in Hornets' rout of Heat (AP)

Bobby Jackson and Peja Stojakovic laughed together on the sideline, reminiscing about their days with high-scoring Sacramento Kings squads earlier this decade. Nice memories, conjured up by the way they shot the ball for the New Orleans Hornets before a frenzied home crowd on Friday night. Jackson hit a career-high seven 3-pointers and finished with 25 points, helping the Hornets roll to a 114-88...

Bryant helps Lakers rout Hornets 109-80 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 19 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth straight game, 109-80 over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. With balanced scoring and stifling defense, the Lakers turned what was supposed to be a marquee matchup between two of the NBA's hottest teams into a lopsided affair that left the home crowd groaning.

Hornets likely staying put through 2014 (AP)
The Hornets and the state of Louisiana agreed to changes in the team's arena lease that could allow the NBA team to leave New Orleans early, but also would keep the team in the city longer if fan support improves. The new lease runs through 2014, an extension of two seasons. "The extension essentially makes up for the time the team spent when it relocated to Oklahoma City following Hurricane...

Arena pact to keep Hornets in place through 2014
The management of the New Orleans Arena said the Hornets have reached an agreement with the state on a two-year lease extension to keep them in the state-owned arena through 2014. A news release Wednesday from the arena said the extension essentially makes up for the time the team spent when it relocated to Oklahoma City following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The extended lease agreement includes specific benchmarks.

Hornets, state extend arena lease through 2014
The management of the New Orleans Arena says the New Orleans Hornets have reached an agreement with the state on a two-year lease extension.

Chandler's 22-22 effort lifts Hornets (AP)

Tyson Chandler had a season-high 22 points and matched a season best with 22 rebounds to lead the New Orleans Hornets to their fifth straight road win, 116-104 over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Chris Paul scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and added 13 assists to help the Hornets extend their longest road winning streak since also winning five straight in 2003.

Paul rallies Hornets past Suns 118-113 (AP)

Chris Paul had a simple request for coach Byron Scott. "I said, 'Coach, let me play the whole game,"' Paul said after going all 48 minutes and sparking the New Orleans Hornets to a comeback 118-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Paul had 28 points -- including 14 in the fourth quarter -- and 10 assists, helping to end the Suns' four-game winning streak.

Hornets F West sidelined with hip injury (AP)
New Orleans Hornets forward David West, the team's second-leading scorer, missed a game for the first time this season Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns because of a bruised left hip. West, averaging 19.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in 33 games, was injured Friday night during the Hornets' 116-104 victory at Golden State, when he collided with the Warriors' Stephen Jackson.

Raptors rally, end Hornets' win streak (AP)

Chris Bosh scored 29 points and the Toronto Raptors rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the New Orleans Hornets 97-92 on Monday night. The Hornets' winning streak ended at five after Chris Paul, perhaps exhausted from a 44-minute effort, committed a turnover with just over a minute to go and then missed a pair of crucial free throws that could have given New Orleans the lead...

West leads Hornets to fifth straight win (AP)
A visit from LeBron James produced the first sellout in New Orleans Arena this season. The 17,623 fans who showed up perhaps noticed there was something else worth watching. Namely, their own team. David West had 27 points and 15 rebounds, leading the New Orleans Hornets to their fifth straight victory, 86-76 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Surging Hornets roll past Bobcats 99-85 (AP)

David West had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets turned in another dominating performance in a 99-85 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night. Quietly coming into the game with the third-best record in the Western Conference, the Hornets posted their fourth straight blowout win by quickly putting away the sleepwalking Bobcats with alley-oop dunks, uncontested shots...

Paul's 40 lift Hornets over Grizzlies (AP)
Chris Paul had 40 points and nine assists, and the New Orleans Hornets used a third-quarter spurt to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-98 on Wednesday night. Paul shot 17-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, as the Hornets won their third straight. It marked the second-highest point total in Paul's career.

Paul leads Hornets to rout of Wolves (AP)

Chris Paul suspected Minnesota would be tired, and did what he could to make the Timberwolves wish they'd stayed in bed. Paul had 19 points, 15 assists and five steals in only 30 minutes, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 110-76 victory Saturday night. The downtrodden Timberwolves had played in Minnesota a night earlier, putting forth an exhaustive effort to overcome a 21-point deficit and beat...

Roy leads Blazers to eighth straight win (AP)

Brandon Roy had 24 points and eight assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to their eighth straight victory, 88-76 over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. David West had 21 points and Tyson Chandler had 16 points and 19 rebounds for the Hornets, who lost for the fourth straight time at the Rose Garden.

Paul outplays Nash as Hornets edge Suns (AP)

Chris Paul had 21 points and 10 assists, outplaying the point guard he admires most in Steve Nash and lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 101-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Accurate perimeter shooting was the difference for the Hornets, who made 12 3-pointers. Paul made three, the last of which put New Orleans ahead for good midway through the fourth quarter after the Suns had...

Nuggets' Martin suspended for flagrant foul
Denver forward Kenyon Martin was suspended Saturday by the NBA for one game without pay for a flagrant foul and will sit out the game against San Antonio. Martin was assessed a flagrant foul against Melvin Ely, striking him in the head with an elbow in the second period of the Nuggets' 105-99 win Wednesday over New Orleans. Ely has a fractured left eye socket and missed the Hornets' 89-80 loss at Dallas on Friday night. Martin, who is averaging 9.0 points and 5.

Terry picks up struggling Dirk for Mavs (AP)

Dallas coach Avery Johnson let his players know they needed to improve defensively after a rugged stretch last week. The Mavericks showed they received the message loud and clear. Jason Terry scored 25 points and the Mavericks held the New Orleans Hornets to just 36 percent shooting in an 89-80 victory Friday night.

Ely to miss Hornets game at Dallas
New Orleans center Melvin Ely has a fractured left eye socket that will keep him out of the lineup when the Hornets play at Dallas on Friday night. Ely was hurt when he was elbowed by the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin during the second quarter of the Hornets' 105-99 loss in Denver on Wednesday night. A Hornets spokesman said Thursday that a timetable for Ely's return will be set following further examination.

Hornets C Ely has fractured eye socket (AP)
New Orleans center Melvin Ely has a fractured left eye socket that will keep him out of the lineup when the Hornets play at Dallas on Friday night. Ely was hurt when he was elbowed by the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin during the second quarter of the Hornets' 105-99 loss in Denver on Wednesday night. A Hornets spokesman said Thursday that a timetable for Ely's return will be set following further...

Anthony lifts Nuggets by Hornets 105-99 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony found his rhythm just in time for the Denver Nuggets. Anthony scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-point play with 38.4 seconds left, to lift the Nuggets to a 105-99 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Allen Iverson had 22 points and 11 assists and Marcus Camby had 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks for the Nuggets, who won their...

Paul leads undermanned Hornets by Sonics (AP)

Chris Paul had 29 points and 10 assists to carry the undermanned New Orleans Hornets past the Seattle SuperSonics 91-88 on Sunday night. David West hit a crucial jump shot and driving one-handed floater in the final minutes, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who won their second straight while snapping Seattle's two-game winning streak.

Paul's layup gives Hornets OT victory (AP)

Chris Paul hit a driving layup through a crowd of defenders with 1.8 seconds left in overtime, capping a game of career highs and lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 118-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Paul hit five 3-pointers on his way to 43 points, both career highs, to go with nine assists and four steals.

Grizzlies G Stoudamire out with flu (AP)
Memphis guard Damon Stoudamire missed Friday night's game between the Grizzlies and New Orleans Hornets because of what team officials said was the flu. Stoudamire had started all of Memphis' previous 18 games, averaging 8.2 points and 4.6 assists, while leading the Grizzlies in field goal percentage (57.1 percent).

Pistons win fifth straight, beat Hornets (AP)

By the time the toughest test in their five-game winning streak was winding down, the Detroit Pistons were making it look easy. Richard Hamilton scored 21 points, and the Pistons overcame an early 15-point hole before pulling away in a 91-76 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. "When you play four games in five nights in four different cities, we were a little sluggish, but we...

Hornets end 21-game skid to Mavericks (AP)

Chris Paul had 33 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 112-108 overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night Peja Stojakovic hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left in regulation to allow the Hornets to avoid losing their 22nd straight to the Mavericks, a streak that dated to November 1999.

Hornets beat turnover-plagued Hawks (AP)

The New Orleans Hornets like playing on the road this season. They like playing the Atlanta Hawks anywhere. David West had 22 points and 17 rebounds and the Hornets won for the eighth time in 10 road games this season, beating the turnover-plagued Hawks 92-86 on Friday night. The Hornets moved to 17-9 in their last 26 games against the Hawks.

NBA Tipoff: Games of the Week
When the Mavs play at New Orleans, Marques Johnson is looking forward to watching underrated David West face the reigning MVP.

Wolves get second victory, beat Hornets (AP)

Antoine Walker joked that Minnesota Timberwolves teammate Marko Jaric was "overachieving." The reference was not to the guard's recent hot shooting, but that the native of Serbia is dating Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima. The romance certainly hasn't hurt Jaric's play. He scored 21 points and the Timberwolves protected a big lead for a change to get their second victory of the season, 103-94 over...

Jazz cruise to sixth straight home win (AP)

All eyes usually focus on Deron Williams and Chris Paul when they meet. But breakout games from reserve guards Ronnie Price and Jason Hart made the difference in the latest matchup between young point guards. It started with the pair diving for a loose ball during the second-quarter rally where Utah took the lead for good, and the Jazz cruised past the New Orleans Hornets 99-71 Friday night.

Pacers F O'Neal out for Friday's game
Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal will sit out Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with swelling in his left knee and lower leg. The six-time All-Star missed Wednesday's 105-93 victory in New Orleans. The timetable for his return is uncertain. "If it takes shutting him down a couple days to get him right, we'll do that," coach Jim O'Brien told Pacers.com after practice Thursday. It will be the 85th regular-season game O'Neal has missed in just over three seasons.

Paul set to return to Hornets' lineup; Chandler out
Hornets point guard Chris Paul, who has missed two games with a sprained right ankle, was slated to play Wednesday night when New Orleans hosted the Indiana Pacers.

Hornets guard Paul to play against Pacers
Hornets point guard Chris Paul, who has missed two games with a sprained right ankle, should return Wednesday night when New Orleans plays the Indiana Pacers. A team spokesman said Paul, who had been listed as day to day, was inserted in the lineup after a team shootaround Wednesday morning. Paul is averaging 19.5 points and 10.8 assists through 10 games this season. The Hornets are 8-2 when he has played, 1-1 when he hasn't.

Hornets G Paul should return Wednesday (AP)
Hornets point guard Chris Paul, who has missed two games with a sprained right ankle, should return Wednesday night when New Orleans plays the Indiana Pacers. A team spokesman said Paul, who had been listed as day to day, was inserted in the lineup after a team shootaround Wednesday morning. Paul is averaging 19.5 points and 10.8 assists through 10 games this season.

Murphy leads O'Neal-less Pacers to win (AP)

Troy Murphy made up for the absence of Jermaine O'Neal with 23 points, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 105-93 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Jamaal Tinsley added 18 points and 13 assists, while Danny Granger scored 22 points and Mike Dunleavy had 18. Greg Foster grabbed 13 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won two of three after dropping seven of their previous eight...

Howard leading scorching Magic
Dwight Howard dominated in a win over New Orleans. Charley Rosen says he's starting to look like a former Magic big man.

Chandler helped off court in loss
Hornets starting center Tyson Chandler hyperextended his right knee during the second quarter of New Orleans' 95-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Chandler was on crutches after the game, but smiled and said X-rays showed no ligament tears or broken bones. He added he may even return for the Hornets' next game on Wednesday night at home against Indiana. "I'm feeling good," Chandler said. "I'm hoping not to miss anything.

Howard leads Magic to fifth straight win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 24 points and 15 rebounds and Rashard Lewis scored 19 to lift the Orlando Magic to a second straight impressive victory, 95-88 over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. Coming one night after Orlando handed the Boston Celtics their first loss of the season, the Magic's fifth-straight victory snapped the Hornets' five-game winning streak.

Hornets G Paul out with ankle injury (AP)
Chris Paul missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle when the New Orleans Hornets hosted the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Hornets coach Byron Scott said Paul was still sore and didn't put up much of a fight when told he was going to sit another game out. "If this was game seven of the playoffs he could play," Scott said.

Hornets' Paul out 2nd game in row with sore ankle
Chris Paul's sprained right ankle kept him out of a second-straight game on Monday night when the New Orleans Hornets hosted the Orlando Magic.

Paul sits out but Hornets top Wolves (AP)

If they continue to share the scoring load like this, the New Orleans Hornets will be one of the NBA's toughest teams to beat this year. Their leading scorer on the season had only two points after halftime and their starting point guard was out injured, but the Hornets still handily defeated Minnesota to build on their best start in franchise history.

Sprained ankle sidelines Hornets PG Paul (AP)
Chris Paul missed Saturday night's game at Minnesota with a sprained right ankle, and New Orleans coach Byron Scott said his star point guard would likely miss a couple more games as a precaution. Paul was hurt in Friday night's overtime victory at Memphis when he rolled his ankle on Pau Gasol's foot in the third quarter.

PG Paul sits with sore right ankle
Chris Paul missed Saturday night's game at Minnesota with a sprained right ankle, and New Orleans coach Byron Scott said his star point guard would likely miss a couple more games as a precaution. Paul was hurt in Friday night's overtime victory at Memphis when he rolled his ankle on Pau Gasol's foot in the third quarter. On Saturday, there was still some swelling and soreness in the ankle. "It's still tender, he has some pain.

West 's 40 lift Hornets to OT win (AP)

David West scored a career-high 40 points, including the go-ahead 15-footer with 8.3 seconds left in overtime, and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 on Friday night. Chris Paul added 28 points and 13 assists in the victory, which ran the Hornets' record to 8-2, the best start in franchise history.

Sharpshooter Korver out up to 10 days
Kyle Korver will be out seven to 10 days because of a strained groin, the same injury that sidelined the Philadelphia forward during the preseason. Korver had an MRI on Thursday that showed a strained adductor. Korver, averaging 9.1 points for the 76ers, first hurt his groin in Tuesday's loss at Dallas. He played only 5 1/2 minutes in a loss Wednesday night at New Orleans before he left with a right groin injury.

Paul's late layup lifts Hornets by Nets (AP)

The New Orleans Hornets still aren't quite sure how they won this one. Chris Paul made sure they couldn't lose it. Paul made the tiebreaking layup with 2.6 seconds left and finished with a season-high 27 points, leading the Hornets to an 84-82 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night. Paul added seven assists and six rebounds in his marquee point guard matchup with Jason Kidd.

Nets fall without Carter
Chris Paul made the tiebreaking layup with 2.6 seconds left and finished with a season-high 27 points, leading the New Orleans Hornets to an 84-82 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night. Paul added seven assists and six rebounds in his marquee point guard matchup with Jason Kidd. He had another huge play shortly before his basket, coming up with a steal after his own miss and finding Morris Peterson, who converted a four-point play to tie it with a minute left.

Carter out indefinitely with sprained ankle
Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained right ankle. An MRI on Monday revealed Carter sustained a Grade 1 sprain on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics, Nets president Rod Thorn said Monday. There is no timetable for Carter's return. The Nets played the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. The eight-time All-Star was hurt in the third quarter of a 112-101 loss to Boston. He landed on the foot of Celtics forward Paul Pierce after a dunk.

Hornets use balance to beat 76ers 93-72 (AP)

David West and Chris Paul each scored 16 points, and Bobby Jackson had 12 to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 93-72 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night. The Hornets snapped a two-game losing streak and played more like the team that won the first four games of the season. They used runs of 11-2 at end of the first half and 12-0 in the third quarter to dominate and blow out the Sixers.

Carter sprained ankle Saturday vs. Celtics
Vince Carter was listed as doubtful for the New Jersey Nets' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night because of a badly sprained right ankle. The eight-time All-Star was hurt on Saturday night in the third quarter of a 112-101 loss to Boston. He landed on the foot of Celtics forward Paul Pierce after a dunk. Carter, who left the IZOD Center wearing a walking cast, had treatment on Sunday, Nets spokesman Aaron Harris said.

Nets' Carter doubtful for Monday's game (AP)
Vince Carter was listed as doubtful for the New Jersey Nets' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night because of a badly sprained right ankle. The eight-time All-Star was hurt on Saturday night in the third quarter of a 112-101 loss to Boston. He landed on the foot of Celtics forward Paul Pierce after a dunk.

Parker scores 27, Spurs rip Hornets (AP)

Tim Duncan smirked at the notion that Tony Parker needed time to regain his form after sitting out much of the preseason. "His rhythm's been back. He hasn't lost it. He's been going 100 miles an hour since he's been back," Duncan said. "I don't know if he's been breathing hard here and there, but he's been looking good." It was hard to argue with that on Friday night, when Parker scored early, often...

Parker's 27 leads Spurs past Hornets
Tony Parker scored early, often and from all over the court, finishing with 27 points as the San Antonio Spurs beat the New Orleans Hornets 97-85 on Friday night. Tim Duncan had 24 points and 12 rebounds for San Antonio, while Manu Ginobili scored 14 and fellow Argentinean Fabricio Oberto added 13 points to help the Spurs maintain a double-digit lead through most of the second half.

Blazers earn first win, beat Hornets (AP)

Martell Webster and Jarrett Jack each scored 20 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers earned their first victory of the season by beating the previously undefeated New Orleans Hornets 93-90 on Wednesday night. David West had 34 points and 17 rebounds for the Hornets (4-1), who had matched last season's start for the best in franchise history with four straight wins.

Peja, Paul set records in Hornets' win (AP)

Peja Stojakovic made a franchise-record 10 3-pointers, and Chris Paul established another Hornets team mark with 21 assists Tuesday night in New Orleans' 118-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Stojakovic missed just three of 13 shots from behind the arc and finished with 36 points. He was just 2-of-8 shooting two-pointers.

Paul, West lead Hornets to win
David West overcame a slow start to score 17 points and lead the New Orleans Hornets past the Denver Nuggets, 93-88 on Sunday night. West missed his first eight shots before settling in. He made two crucial baskets in the fourth quarter to help quash the Nuggets' comeback as the Hornets improved to 3-0 and handed Denver its first loss. The Hornets started 4-0 last season. The Nuggets (2-1) haven't started a season with three straight wins since 1985-86.

Hornets beat Nuggets, improve to 3-0 (AP)

David West overcame a slow start to score 17 points and lead the New Orleans Hornets past the Denver Nuggets, 93-88 on Sunday night. West missed his first eight shots before settling in. He made two crucial baskets in the fourth quarter to help quash the Nuggets' comeback as the Hornets improved to 3-0 and handed Denver its first loss.

Hornets make 11 3s, beat Blazers 113-93 (AP)

More than a million residents have returned to the New Orleans metro area since Hurricane Katrina, and many of them are missing some high-powered, winning basketball being played by the NBA franchise that recently came back as well. Chris Paul scored 19 points and Peja Stojakovic added 18 as sharp-shooting New Orleans beat the Portland Trail Blazers 113-93 on Friday night for the Hornets' second...

Nets waive Wesley days after trade
The New Jersey Nets waived guard David Wesley on Thursday, less than a week after the team traded for the 14-year veteran. The Nets acquired Wesley on Monday from New Orleans for swingman Bernard Robinson, center Mile Ilic and cash considerations. At the time, the Nets said they told Wesley not to report to the team and that they would assume the guaranteed portion of his $1.75 million contract. New Jersey used the trade to get under the league's luxury tax level of $67.87 million.

Nets waive veteran G David Wesley (AP)
The New Jersey Nets waived guard David Wesley on Thursday, less than a week after the team traded for the 14-year veteran. The Nets acquired Wesley on Monday from New Orleans for swingman Bernard Robinson, center Mile Ilic and cash considerations. At the time, the Nets said they told Wesley not to report to the team and that they would assume the guaranteed portion of his $1.75 million contract.

Hornets mark return to Big Easy with win (AP)

When Chris Paul reported for training camp, he declared that the Hornets had all the tools in place to make their full-time return to New Orleans a special one. On opening night, at least, they were as good as advertised. Paul had 22 points and 12 assists, while Peja Stojakovic showed some of his All-Star form of old with 19 points to help the Hornets beat the Sacramento Kings 104-90 on Wednesday...

Hornets' return to New Orleans starts with blowout
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Stern, NBA committing to rebuilding New Orleans
NBA Commissioner David Stern stood before a crowd in an inner-city school gymnasium and offered his perspective on this city's ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Stern adding to All-Star weekend in NO (AP)
The NBA's All-Star weekend is going to be a working vacation. With the festivities heading to New Orleans this season, the league is planning an All-Star day of service on that Friday to kick off events. NBA commissioner David Stern will announce those plans at a news conference Wednesday before the Hornets host Sacramento that night.

Coming home: Nets pick up Wesley from Hornets
The New Jersey Nets reacquired guard David Wesley from the New Orleans Hornets for swingman Bernard Robinson, center Mile Ilic and cash considerations.

Nets acquire G Wesley from Hornets (AP)
The New Jersey Nets reacquired guard David Wesley from the New Orleans Hornets for swingman Bernard Robinson, center Mile Ilic and cash considerations. "This transaction provides the Nets with roster flexibility for the upcoming season," president Rod Thorn said. Wesley has averaged 12.5 points and 4.4 assists during 14 seasons in the NBA, including the 1993-94 campaign with the Nets.

Nuggets suspend J.R. Smith for three games
The Denver Nuggets have suspended guard J.R. Smith for the first three games of the regular season for conduct detrimental to the team. Smith will miss Denver’s games vs. Seattle on Oct. 31, at Minnesota on Nov. 2 and vs. New Orleans on Nov. 4. “I take full responsibility for my actions that led to this suspension,” [...]

Hornets rally from 21 down, edge Rockets (AP)

It was only fitting that the New Orleans Hornets' return to their temporary home will be remembered as a comeback. Chris Paul scored 14 points and Hilton Armstrong had 10 of his 12 in the second half as the Hornets rallied from a 21-point first-quarter deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 94-92 Tuesday night in the preseason opener for both teams.

Armstrong joins Nets for 15th NBA season
The New Jersey Nets signed veteran guard Darrell Armstrong on Friday. Armstrong, who was the third oldest player in the NBA at 39 last season, was cut by Indiana earlier this week. He averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 assists in 81 games with the Pacers. "He is a proven NBA veteran who has the potential to add depth to our backcourt," Nets president Rod Thorn said. Armstrong has played in 790 career games in 13 seasons with Orlando, New Orleans, Dallas, Indiana, averaging 9.6 points and 4.

Nuggets sign Stacey Augmon
The Denver Nuggets have signed F Stacey Augmon, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today. Augmon, 6-8, 213, has played 15 NBA seasons with Atlanta, Detroit, Portland, Charlotte/New Orleans and Orlando. Most recently, he averaged 2.0 ppg and 1.5 rpg in 36 games with Orlando during the 2005-06 season. He currently holds career [...]

Hornets add 3 free agents to camp roster (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free agents Ryan Bowen, Trey Johnson and Anthony Richardson, bringing their training camp roster to 16. Bowen, a 6-foot-9 forward, is a seven-year NBA veteran who has spent time with the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets. He has appeared in 432 career games with 78 starts in the NBA, averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.0 minutes.

Cavaliers trade David Wesley to Hornets for Cedric Simmons
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired forward Cedric Simmons from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for guard David Wesley, Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry announced today. Simmons, 21, was selected in the first round (15th overall pick) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Hornets. In 43 games (four starts) during the 2006-07 season, he [...]

Hornets re-acquire G Wesley from Cavs (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets traded forward Cedric Simmons, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday for David Wesley and undisclosed cash considerations. Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said the trade freed salary cap space. They plan to waive Wesley once Simmons passes a physical and the trade is final.

Cavs finally make move, sign Devin Brown (AP)
The Cleveland Cavaliers signed free agent guard Devin Brown to a contract Saturday in their first offseason roster move. Brown averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists -- all career-highs -- for the New Orleans Hornets last season. The 6-foot-5 Brown can play both guard positions as well as small forward.

State to pay $14.5M toward Hornets' practice gym
A new training facility for the New Orleans Hornets will receive $14.5 million in state financing, under a plan approved Thursday by the State Bond Commission.