PHOENIX, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- J.R. Smith set the pace with 26 points and 10 rebounds Monday as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets defeated the Phoenix Suns, 91-87.
Desmond Mason added 22 points for the Hornets, who broke a five-game losing streak. Rookie Chris Paul had 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the winners.
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Raja Bell had 24 points to lead the Suns, who had an eight-game home court winning streak snapped. Steve Nash, the reigning MVP, struggled from the field, shooting just 5-of-13, but did have 16 assists to go with his 14 points.
Shawn Marion had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Kurt Thomas 12 points and eight rebounds for Phoenix.
