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Howard, Harris lead Mavericks over Hornets

Oct 22, 2007 - 3:19 AM DALLAS (Ticker) -- Josh Howard scored 22 points and Devin Harris added 19 as the Dallas Mavericks posted a 103-97 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in a preseason contest on Sunday night.

Reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki scored 14 points for the Mavericks, who shot a sizzling 51 percent (39-of-77) from the field and outscored the Hornets, 33-14, in the third quarter to secure the victory.

Dallas played without starters Jason Terry and Erick Dampier, who has a right shoulder injury. Pivotal reserve Devean George also sat out with a stress reaction in his right foot.

But the Mavericks had more than enough offense thanks to Howard, who was suspended for the first two games of the regular season on Friday after an altercation with Sacramento Kings center Brad Miller on Tuesday night.

The incident started when Miller shoved Harris from behind as the two were running back up court, sparking a heated confrontation between the two.

As players from both gathered at mid-court, Howard retaliated for his teammate by throwing a forearm from behind at Miller - getting him booted from the contest.

In his one, Howard shot 9-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-4 on 3-pointers, and Harris was 7-of-11 from the floor, including 2-of-4 from the arc, for Dallas, which was outscored by 13 points in the final period.

Chris Paul had 16 points and 11 assists and Rasual Butler added 13 points for the Hornets, who had seven players score in double figures.