The Mavericks closed the quarter on a 16-8 run over the final 5:41. Dallas held the Hornets to 9-of-28 shooting (32.1 percent). Hornets All-Star David West had only two points on 1-of-7 shooting. The Mavericks made 10 of 21 (47.6 percent) field-goal attempts. Chris Paul ended the quarter with a last-second jumper, trimming the Mavericks' margin.

TOP SCORERS

Mavs: Nowitzki 11

Hornets: Paul 7

The Mavericks looked comfortable at the conclusion of the first half, and offensive rebounds have been key in their success. The team had seven for the quarter, including two in the final minute, resulting in six points. Josh Howard ended the second quarter with a 25-foot 3-pointer. The Mavericks continued to play solid defense.

TOP SCORERS

Mavs: Howard 7

Hornets: West 6

Chris Paul heard chants of "MVP" after leading the Hornets' rally. New Orleans erased the Mavericks' 12-point lead, and Paul gave the Hornets the lead with a fast-break layup at the 2-minute mark. The Mavericks made 23.5 percent (4 of 17) of their shots. A potential momentum-changing, last-second basket by Jason Kidd was ruled after the third-quarter buzzer.

TOP SCORERS

Mavs: Nowitzki 10

Hornets: Paul 15

Peja Stojakovic's 3-pointer with 1:17 left to play put an exclamation point on a victory for the Hornets. The Mavericks' shooting woes continued in the fourth quarter, as the team made only five field goals. New Orleans outscored Dallas, 15-4, in the first eight minutes of the fourth.

TOP SCORERS

Mavs: Stackhouse 9

Hornets: Paul 9

Jason Kidd nearly got his second consecutive triple-double against the Hornets, but those numbers were hollow. Chris Paul was outstanding and wore out the Mavericks in pick-and-roll situations. He constantly got into the paint for short jumpers. And it seemed like he never missed a layup – or anything else.

Duh. Paul was the best player on the court, and if the Mavericks can't stop him, they can start planning vacations.

Eddie Sefko

11 points, 4 turnovers, 5 FG attempts

35 points, 1 turnover, 23 FG attempts

Some eye-catching plays Saturday. If you didn't catch them, here's what you missed:

Hail Mary: David West threw a one-handed inbound pass the length of the court. Chris Paul caught it in stride, turned and shot over Jason Terry to end the first period with a spectacular field goal.

Wasted Hail Mary: Jason Kidd raced downcourt, spun away from Paul and banked in an 18-footer to end the third quarter – until further review. Kidd released the ball after the shot clock expired.

Give and go: Paul's pass to West cutting to the basket led to a three-point play with 7:01 left to give the Hornets a 12-point lead. The rout was on.

David Moore

7: Consecutive playoff losses on the road for the Mavericks.

15-4: Rebounding difference between Tyson Chandler and Erick Dampier.

4: Players in double-figures in scoring for the Hornets.