Basketball: Chris Paul, Hornets whip Warriors

OAKLAND - The New Orleans Hornets have used their successful month to take hold of eighth place in the talented Western Conference, a key step for this improving franchise.

Chris Paul scored 38 points to lead five New Orleans starters in double figures and the Hornets beat the Golden State Warriors 123-110 on Wednesday night for their fourth win in five games.

"We know how difficult it will be, especially with our upcoming schedule," Hornets coach Jeff Bower said. "We're playing many of the same teams we're battling, so it's a situation where we've taken a step forward now with that and we want to remain there and take another step. But we're going to have to continue to improve in order to do that."

With Paul leading the way, things seem headed in the right direction.

Paul shot 14 for 19 from the field, made all nine of his free-throw tries, dished out nine assists, grabbed six rebounds and made three steals. Marcus Thornton added 18 points, David West 17 points and 12 rebounds and Emeka Okafor had 12 points and 12 boards for the Hornets, who are 11-4 in January and won three of four on this road trip.

They fell behind 11-0 against Golden State before getting back in the game.

"This was a big trip for us. We won in some tough venues," Paul said. "Everyone knows the road has been our Achilles' heel so far. " Monta Ellis returned for Golden State after missing the past two games with a sprained right ankle and had 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds - but also five turnovers. He had been averaging 30.7 points over his previous 16 outings.