New Orleans — Chris Kaman scored 20 points as the Hornets rallied for a 97-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, spoiling Chris Paul’s return to New Orleans.
The Clippers were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter as they shot 4 for 23 from the field. Los Angeles also missed its last 19 3-point attempts.
After trailing throughout the first three quarters, the Hornets went ahead with an 11-2 run at the start of the fourth and led the rest of the way.
Jarrett Jack and Jason Smith each scored 17 as New Orleans snapped a five-game home losing streak.
Blake Griffin had 21 points for Los Angeles, and Paul, who forced a trade from New Orleans before the season, added 16 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
Celtics 100,
Bucks 91
At Milwaukee, Paul Pierce scored 25 points to help Boston snap Milwaukee’s six-game winning streak.
Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Mickael Pietrus scored 13 points for the Celtics, who were playing their seventh game on an eight-game road trip. With Thursday’s win, the Celtics improved to 4-3 on the trip.
Brandon Jennings had 19 points for Milwaukee.
It was the Bucks home debut for Monta Ellis, who was acquired along with forward Ekpe Udoh in a trade with the Golden State Warriors last week. Ellis went first in pregame introductions and received a loud ovation.
Ellis scored 13 points on 6-for-18 shooting.
Rockets 109,
Warriors 83
At Houston, Goran Dragic had 17 points and nine assists, and rookie Chandler Parsons had 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds to lead Houston.
Luis Scola scored 18 and Samuel Dalembert added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who dominated the Warriors inside, outrebounding Golden State 48-31 and scoring 58 points in the paint.
Richard Jefferson scored 14 points and David Lee added 12 for the Warriors, who’ve lost five of their last six games. OTHER RESULTS: Pacers 85, Wizards 83; Trail Blazers 97, Grizzlies 93; Jazz 103, Kings 102. /ap