Paul leads Hornets past Pacers, 108-96

Chris Paul had 21 points and 11 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets beat the Indiana Pacers 108-96 on Saturday night for their second preseason victory.

Paul scored 11 of his points in the fourth quarter. His 3-pointer with 1:41 left made it 101-94.

Rookie Marcus Thornton scored 19 for New Orleans (2-4). Peja Stojakovic made four 3-pointers and finished with 16 points.

Danny Granger scored 23 for the Pacers (2-3) in his return to his hometown. T.J. Ford added 22 points, Dahntay Jones 16 points and Troy Murphy had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pacers were plagued by turnovers, committing 22, which led to 22 Hornets points. Still, the game had 14 lead changes and 14 ties, and the Pacers led 88-85 after Ford scored consecutive baskets on a driving layup and a mid-range jumper.

Thornton tied it by hitting a double-pump floater over 7-foot-2 Roy Hibbert while drawing a foul. Thornton then was credited with layup on Hibbert's goal tend to put the Hornets ahead 90-88.

David West, who scored 14 points, then converted an inside pass from Hilton Armstrong to make it 94-90 and the Hornets never trailed again.

Emeka Okafor, who is expected to start at center for New Orleans this season, sat out with a sprained toe on his right foot and has yet to play in the preseason. Ike Diogu, acquired in the offseason to back up West, also has yet to play because of a left knee sprain.

Indiana rookie Tyler Hansbrough, bothered by a sore right shin, was held out again. Jeff Foster (sore back) and Travis Diener (toe on left foot), who were listed as day to day, also did not play.