NBA: Washington 96, New Orleans 87

WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- John Wall helped break things open in the third quarter Friday and led Washington to its second straight win, 96-87 over New Orleans.

In a meeting of two of the NBA's weakest teams this season, Wall scored 29 points and dealt out nine assists. After playing the Hornets to a tie through the first two periods, Washington outscored them by 10 in the third period and held on to win for the fourth time in seven games.

The Wizards went into Friday's contest having lost twice as many games (42) as they had won.

Wall made 12-of-15 from the field and Martell Webster added 18 points for Washington.

Eric Gordon produced 20 points for New Orleans, loser of five out of six.