NBA: New Orleans 100, San Antonio 75

NEW ORLEANS, March 12 (UPI) -- David West led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds Wednesday, sending New Orleans coasting to a 100-75 win over San Antonio.

The Hornets moved within a half game of San Antonio and Houston, who are tied for the lead in the Southwest Division. Dallas is 2 1/2 games back.

After missing three games with a sprained left ankle, West hit 14 of 22 shots. Chris Paul contributed 26 points and 17 assists.

San Antonio was limited to eight points in the fourth quarter and the Spurs suffered their most one-sided loss this season.

Tim Duncan scored 24 points for the Spurs, who have lost three out of four.

San Antonio trailed by nine going into the final period and watched the Hornets score the first six points of the quarter.

The Spurs' Bruce Bowen made his 500th consecutive NBA start, the longest current streak in the league.