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Paul helps Hornets beat Thunder 88-79

Oct 10, 2009 - 9:03 PM NEW ORLEANS(AP) -- Chris Paul scored 23 points and the New Orleans Hornets closed the game with a 13-0 run to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 88-79 victory on Saturday.

Byron Mullens two free throws remaining with 5:05 left gave the Thunder (0-2) a 79-75 lead. But Paul, who came in with 3:45 remaining after sitting out much of the fourth quarter, scored five points down the stretch to give the Hornets their first win of the preseason.

Devin Brown added 13 points and was the only other Hornets player in double figures. Jeff Green scored 15 points and Nenad Krstic 14 for the Thunder. Serge Ibaka added 12 points.

Kevin Durant had 11 points but struggled from the field, making 2 of 11 attempts.