Clippers guard Chris Paul makes his way to the bench in front of Coach Vinny Del Negro during the first half of the Clippers' 97-90 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday. (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press / March 22, 2012)
Associated PressMarch 22, 2012, 8:19 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS — Chris Kaman scored 20 points and the Hornets rallied for a 97-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, 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, which has lost three in a row for the first time this season. Paul, who forced a trade from New Orleans before the season, added 16 points on 5-for-14 shooting.