The Clippers lost to the Hornets, 97-90, because they didn't play defense.
New Orleans shot 57.6% from the field.
But in the fourth quarter, the Hornets ripped the Clippers defense for 63.6% (seven for 11) shooting.
The Clippers were outscored, 21-11, in the fourth and made just 17.4% (four for 23, 0 for 10 from three-point range) in the fourth.
Blake Griffin had 21 points, but he was just seven for 19 from the field.
Chris Paul had 16 points, but he was just five for 14 from the field.
Randy Foye missed 13 of his 14 shots, seven of his eight three-pointer attempts, including a three with 26.9 seconds left that could have tied the score at 93-93.
"We need to get a win to see what if feels like," Paul said after the Clippers lost their third straight game on the back-to-back-to-back trip.
Former Clipper Chris Kaman, who was part of the trade that also sent Eric Gordon and Al-Farouq Aminu to the Hornets for Paul, had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
But that wasn't all. The Hornets were more physical.
Hornets forward Jason Smith chased Griffin down on a fastbreak and threw a shoulder into Griffin's head, knocking him down to the court in the fourth.
Smith was issued a flagrant-two foul and was ejected from game, but not before he walked back onto the court and waved his arms in the air at the fans.
But that wasn't all for the Clippers.
Mo Williams injured his left big toe early in the fourth quarter and was helped off the court and into the locker room. He got an X-ray that was negative and will get an MRI exam when the Clippers return to Los Angeles on Friday.
Williams left the arena in a walking boot after the game.
"I just planted," he said. "I felt pain after that."
Hornets honor Paul with video
Between the first and second quarter, the Hornets showed a video tribute of Paul, celebrating his six years playing here.
The video showed Paul making shots, plays and of him working in the community.
At the end of the video, Paul, playing in his first game back in New Orleans since the December trade, was given a standing ovation.
He finished with 16 points, nine assists and a stinging loss.
"It was good to see everybody," Paul said. "But for our team, it was a business trip."
Etc.
Gordon (right knee contusion) didn't play against the Clippers, but he did have a parting shot.
"I understand there is the business part, but all business ain't good business," Gordon said about the trade. "The way they are playing now, they shouldn't have made the change. It's on them."
broderick.turner@latimes.com
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