06 March,2009 10:18 AM IST | | AFP
The New Orleans Hornets exploded in the third quarter to roll to a 104-88 victory over Dallas in a key National Basketball Association Western Conference clash yesterday.
Dallas had erased a five-point deficit in the second quarter to go into the interval tied. The Mavericks started hot in the third quarter, opening up a five-point lead on a three-pointer from Dirk Nowitzki.
After that, however, it was all Hornets.
New Orleans took command with a 27-10 scoring run, connecting on 12 consecutive field goals over a seven-minute span.
Chris Paul, who endured an up and down first half, rode roughshod over Jason Kidd and the rest of the Mavericks.
Paul finished the night with 27 points and 15 assists, with 12 points and seven assists coming in the third quarter alone.
Paul put the Hornets ahead for good at the 5:28 mark, scoring on a layup and following with a pair of jumpers.
Later in the period, Rasual Butler drained a three-pointer and Paul added a 15-footer to extend the lead to 73-61.
The Mavericks pulled within eight points early in the fourth quarter, but the Hornets answered with an 8-0 run.
The game was key for the Western Conference playoff picture for both the Hornets and Mavericks.
They came into the contest occupying the sixth and eighth spots in the standings, respectively.
With the win, New Orleans pulled even with Houston and Portland for fifth place.
