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Hornets aim to extend winning streak

Mar 5, 2009 - 11:13 AM Dallas (37-24) at New Orleans (37-22) 8 p.m. EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets look to extend their longest winning streak of the season to six games Thursday when they face the Dallas Mavericks.

David West has been the catalyst to the Hornets' winning streak. The All-Star forward is averaging 30 points in his last four games.

West collected 30 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Hornets to their seventh win in nine games Monday, a 98-91 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers. All-Star point guard Chris Paul also rebounded from a rough first half to finish with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Dallas enters this contest trying to put an end to its recent road struggles, where it has lost four straight and is 14-16 this season. The Mavs are 23-8 at home.

The Mavs suffered their latest road loss Monday, dropping a 96-87 decision to the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder. Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points in the setback.

This marks Dallas' fourth game in five nights as they are coming off a win Wednesday over the San Antonio Spurs.

In the only other meeting between the teams this season, Paul notched a triple-double with 33 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Hornets to a 104-97 victory. Jason Terry paced the Mavs with 28 points.