NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Chris Paul hit a three with 38 seconds left to give the New Orleans Hornets a four-point lead Friday night and the Hornets held on to down Seattle, 98-97.
The Hornets appeared in New Orleans for the fifth time this season, having played a majority of their home games in Oklahoma City, Okla. There is one more game scheduled in New Orleans this season.
David West led the Hornets with 23 points as they inched into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Paul's three-pointer gave New Orleans a 98-94 lead, and Rashard Lewis followed with a three-pointer for the SuperSonics. After the Hornets failed to expand on their lead, Ray Allen misfired on a jumper at the buzzer.
Allen led Seattle with 32 points as the SuperSonics lost their third straight.
