NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- David West scored eight points over the final 5:34 Friday, pushing New Orleans to a 101-95 win over Denver and a 2-0 start to the season.
The Hornets had as much as a 16-point lead late in the second period only to have Denver battle back into a tie in the fourth quarter. New Orleans then dominated down the stretch thanks chiefly to West.
West put New Orleans in front for good at 86-84 on a jumper with 5:34 to go and his jump shot with 48 seconds remaining gave the Hornets a 96-90 cushion.
He converted two free throws with 28 seconds left that again opened a six-point lead and all but clinched the game.
Chris Paul led New Orleans in scoring with 18 points and West had 17.
Denver, which has split its opening two games, got 24 points and 10 rebounds from Carmelo Anthony and 20 points from Chauncey Billups.
