Rockets Suffer Second Straight Loss

[March 20, 2008]  NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Former Houston swingman Bonzi Wells helped New Orleans hand the Rockets their second straight loss after a 22-game winning streak, scoring 20 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter in the Hornets' 90-69 victory Wednesday night.

David West, returning from a right ankle sprain that sidelined him for two games, had 23 points and 11 rebounds to help New Orleans (46-21) pull a half-game ahead of the Rockets for the Southwest Division lead and even with the Los Angeles Lakers atop the Western Conference.

Tracy McGrady, who scored only eight points in a 94-74 loss to Boston a night earlier, scored 15 against New Orleans, still well below his nearly 22-point-per-game average.

Chris Paul had 21 points and 10 assists for the Hornets, who extended their home winning streak to eight while ending the Rockets 12-game winning streak on the road.

Houston, which shot 41 percent against Boston, was even worse in New Orleans, finishing at 34 percent.

Luis Scola had 14 points and nine rebounds before fouling out with three minutes left. Shane Battier also scored 14, while Dikembe Mutombo and Rafer Alston each scored 10.

Tyson Chandler grabbed 15 rebounds for New Orleans, which overcame a 14-point first-half deficit.

Trailing 50-47, Houston countered with an 8-0 run, and Mutombo's dunk gave the Rockets a 55-50 lead in the third period. The Hornets suddenly couldn't make a basket, getting only one free throw from West during a six-minute span.

New Orleans did not let up on defense, however, and put together an 8-2 run during the last 2:30 of the third quarter to tie it at 59 heading into the fourth quarter.

That's when Wells, who was traded by Houston at the trading deadline along with Mike James for Bobby Jackson -- took over. He scored nine points on a fast-break dunk as he was fouled, a driving layup and a pair of jumpers during a 13-2 run that gave New Orleans a 72-61 lead. Wells was just warming up.

He hit six free throws during the quarter and added a 3-pointer while turning the game into a blowout.

Notes: Paul was called for a technical foul at the end of the first half for arguing with referees. ... Alston was called for a technical foul in the fourth quarter. ... Attendance was 17,956, the Hornets' seventh sellout in their last 12 home games. ... The Rockets are 20-12 on the road.

[Associated Press; By BRETT MARTEL]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.