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 David West, returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for three games, had 29 points and 10 rebounds as New Orleans pulled within a half-game of the division lead behind the Spurs and Houston Rockets.
The Hornets shot a stunning 59 percent against the normally defensive-minded Spurs, who had held 26 of their previous 30 opponents under 100 points.
When West hit a 3-pointer with 5 minutes remaining, the Hornets led 91-71, and both teams subbed all of their starters out soon after.
San Antonio shot 43 percent, going only 2-of-18 from 3-point range and a dreadful 7-of-17 on free throws. Tony Parker had a particularly rough night at the foul line, going 2-for-8.
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Parker finished with 26 points, hitting the Spurs' only two 3-pointers. Manu Ginobili added 11 points for San Antonio.
Paul had his double-double when he set up West's jumper with 10:44 left in the third quarter, at which point Paul had played only 20 minutes. It ended up being the eighth time this season he's had at least 20 points and 15 assists in a game.
The Hornets began to pull away in the third quarter when Paul made consecutive jumpers, then scored inside on a feed from Tyson Chandler. West then hit a pair of jump hooks and a driving floater off the glass. Peja Stojakovic followed with a tough fadeaway and rookie Julian Wright hit a pull up after spinning into the lane, capping a 16-6 run that put New Orleans up 68-54.
Duncan's free throws pulled the Spurs to 76-67 at the end of three quarters, but New Orleans scored the first three baskets of the fourth quarter and pulled away from there.
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Duncan and Parker combined for all of San Antonio's first 18 points, with Parker scoring 10, during the opening 10 minutes. That was enough to keep it close early. Parker had 13 points in the first quarter, after which the Hornets led only 25-23.
Parker and Paul each scored 18 in the first half, when Paul also had eight of his assists. Paul and West each scored twice during an 8-2 run to close out the second quarter, giving New Orleans a 48-41 halftime lead.
Notes: Bruce Bowen's start was his 500th in a row, the longest streak in the NBA. His run began on Feb. 28, 2002. ... Paul had two steals in the first quarter, giving him at least one in all 61 games in which he has played this season, a franchise record and the longest streak in the NBA. ... Hornets reserve Bonzi Wells returned from a four-game absence (bruised Achilles') and scored eight points in 16 minutes. ... Chandler had 10 rebounds.
[Associated Press; By BRETT MARTEL]
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