NBA: New Orleans 95, Denver 93

NEW ORLEANS, April 25 (UPI) -- Chris Paul scored a team-high 32 points Saturday to lead New Orleans to a 95-93 win over Denver in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal.

The all-star point guard added 12 assists, but his only points in the fourth period came on free throws.

David West scored 19 points with nine rebounds.

Rasual Butler scored 17 points, including 3-of-4 3-pointers, while James Posey scored 13 points with nine rebounds, and sank a key free throw in the final seconds.

New Orleans closed its deficit to two games to one with its first victory in the best-of-seven series.

Carmelo Anthony led Denver with 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Chauncey Billups had 16 points, six assists and seven rebounds.

J.R. Smith scored 14 with five rebounds, while reserve Linas Kleiza added 13 points with three rebounds for the Nuggets, who won the first two games by a combined 44 points on their home court.