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West, Paul help Hornets rout Heat, remain perfect in preseason

Oct 24, 2008 - 3:33 AM MOBILE, Alabama (Ticker) -- David West had 22 points and eight rebounds and Chris Paul added 13 assists as the New Orleans Hornets routed the Miami Heat, 100-80, in a preseason contest at the Mobile Civic Center on Thursday.

Peja Stojakovic scored 14 points and Tyson Chandler added nine and 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who won all seven of their preseason games.

After a surprising appearance in the Western Conference semifinals last season, New Orleans looks poised for an even deeper run if its play during the exhibition season is any indication. It will open the campaign at the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

James Posey, the team's biggest offseason acquisition and the reason many think the Hornets can take that next step, did not play. An NBA champion with the Boston Celtics last season, Posey was not injured but was a held out by coach's decision.

Michael Beasley scored 14 points and Mario Chalmers added 10 for the Heat, who selected the duo in the first and second rounds, respectively, in last June's draft. It was the first game the rookies had been together in the starting lineup.

Shawn Marion scored 12 points and Dwyane Wade added 11 for Miami, which plays its final preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday before Wednesday's season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.