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Paul, Hornets seeks fifth consecutive win

Nov 17, 2007 - 2:36 PM New Orleans (8-2) at Minnesota (1-6) 8:00 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - The surging New Orleans Hornets try to extend their winning streak to five games when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

David West poured in a career-high 40 points and Chris Paul added 28 and 13 assists as New Orleans held on for a 120-118 overtime triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

Coach Byron Scott and the Hornets have excelled away from the Big Easy this season, posting an impressive 5-1 record with their lone setback coming in the form of a three-point loss to Portland.

New Orleans big men Tyson Chandler could be challenged in the paint by Minnesota's Al Jefferson, who has registered seven double doubles this season.

The Timberwolves failed to capitalize off their first win of the season, dropping a 105-89 decision to the Washington Wizards here on Friday. Rashad McCants led the way with 19 points and eight boards.

A third-year swingman, McCants has been one of the bright spot for Minnesota, averaging 18.6 points while shooting 53 percent from the floor. The 6-4 former first-round pick had microfracture surgery on his knee last season.

New Orleans won three of the four meetings between the teams last season.