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Paul sparks run to help Hornets defeat Rockets in OT

Jan 15, 2011 - 5:30 AM Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Chris Paul scored two baskets to spark a 10-3 game-ending run the Hornets used to claim a 110-105 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets.

Paul finished with 11 points, but scored six of them in overtime and added eight assists. David West had 29 points and nine rebounds to pace New Orleans, which was coming off Wednesday's overtime win against Orlando.

Emeka Okafor ended with 17 points and 15 boards to help the Hornets take their third consecutive victory overall. Jarrett Jack scored 23 points off the bench.

Kyle Lowry posted 28 points, seven assists, and six rebounds for the Rockets, who have dropped two in a row and seven of eight. Kevin Martin added 26 points in the loss.

Houston dominated the third quarter, limiting New Orleans to four field goals and outscoring the Hornets by a 29-14 margin. The Rockets led by as many as 16 in the frame and held a 76-64 advantage heading to the final quarter.

But New Orleans scored the first 10 points of the fourth to all but erase its deficit.

The Rockets continued to play in front, but the Hornets stayed close and pulled even when Okafor made two foul shots with 1:16 left.

Lowry sank a pair from the line at the other end, but the Hornets went to West on their next possession. Isolated outside the paint, West drove in, reached forward, and threw down a one-handed dunk.

Martin drained a smooth pullup jumper on the Rockets' next touch, but West delivered once more, drawing a foul with 17.4 seconds to play. He made both attempts to tie the contest at 95, and Lowry missed a jumper as time ran out.

Luis Scola scored the first two buckets of overtime to give the Rockets an edge, and they were still up when Shane Battier's three made it a 102-100 game with 2:47 left.

However, two Paul buckets put the Hornets in front with 41.1 seconds on the clock.

The Rockets missed their next two shots, fouling Ariza after each, though the forward made just two of his four attempts. The misses provided a glimmer of hope for Houston, and when Lowry drilled a three with 4.4 on the clock, the Rockets were within 106-105.

Houston had a chance to tie after Jack made two free throws, but Battier threw the inbound pass directly to Paul, who drove for the game-clinching layup.

Game Notes

The game featured 12 lead changes and nine times tied. The Rockets held a 28-21 advantage after the first quarter, while the Hornets carried a 50-47 edge into halftime...Ariza ended with 14 points and 10 rebounds...Scola finished with 14 points and 11 boards. Battier had 13 points for Houston.