NBA: New Orleans 109, Washington 95

WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- A triple-double from Chris Paul and a big run in each half Wednesday carried New Orleans to a 109-98 victory over Washington.

Paul scored 30 points, handed out 13 assists and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Rasual Butler added 21 points for the Hornets.

Washington took a 40-28 lead near the midway point of the second quarter, but New Orleans scored 12 in a row to tie the contest. Paul scored 10 points in the run.

The Hornets then closed the third quarter by outscoring the Wizards 30-18 to take command. Washington lost for the sixth time in seven games and has dropped eight out of 10.

The Wizards were led by Antawn Jamison with 25 points and Caron Butler with 23. New Orleans had lost in its four previous trips to Washington.