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Paul, Green lead Hornets over Grizzlies

Mar 5, 2011 - 7:32 AM Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - Chris Paul ended with 23 points and 14 assists, and Willie Green provided a late spark in the New Orleans Hornets' 98-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The game was tied after the first quarter, at halftime, and heading into the fourth. Green came alive in the final quarter, scoring 13 of his 15 points to help the Hornets snap a three-game slide.

Zach Randolph had 20 points and 11 boards for the Grizzlies, who have dropped two of three.

"I don't think we came out with a lot of energy from the start and that's why we lost the game," said Randolph.

Shortly into the fourth quarter, Green scored five consecutive points to give the Hornets a 79-74 edge. He continued to make shots over the next several minutes to keep New Orleans in front, and Jarrett Jack's three-pointer with 2:51 remaining pushed its lead to 93-85.

The Hornets didn't score for the next two-plus minutes, allowing Memphis to get within 93-91 on Randolph's three-point play with 57 seconds to go.

Paul missed a jumper at the other end, and Marc Gasol got to the line with a chance to tie, but missed both free throw attempts. That was the pivotal moment, as New Orleans secured the victory by making 5-of-6 foul shots in the final 32.1 seconds.

"We realize that we can't win any other way unless we play with tenacity and aggressiveness on defense, making sure we try to attack the basket," said Green.

The game featured 10 lead changes and 10 ties, but both teams held a double- digit lead.

The Grizzlies built theirs in the second quarter, when back-to-back threes from O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley made it a 43-31 contest with 4:15 remaining.

However, the Hornets closed the half on a 14-2 run to force a 45-45 tie at the break.

New Orleans led by as many as 10 in the third quarter, including when Carl Landry's jumper provided a 70-60 cushion with 3:44 to go. But Memphis followed with the next 10 points, and it was a 72-72 contest moving to the fourth.

Game Notes

Jack finished with 19 points off the bench for the Hornets...New Orleans has won both matchups so far this season...The Hornets shot 50 percent and made 20-of-24 free throws...Mayo had 13 points and six assists for the Grizzlies.