NBA

at New Orleans 104, Dallas 88: Chris Paul had 27 points and 15 assists, and the Hornets increased their season-best winning streak to six games. David West scored 19 and Rasual Butler 18 for the Hornets, who haven’t lost since center Tyson Chandler returned to the lineup from a left ankle injury -- and rescinded trade -- last week. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 27 points and Jason Kidd had 13, but the Mavericks faded during the last 10 minutes as the game turned into a blowout.

at Denver 106, Portland 90: The Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony scored 38 points in his return from a one-game suspension for refusing to come out of a game last weekend. He logged 38 minutes as he helped the Nuggets avoid falling out of first place in their division for the first time since Dec. 8. Anthony’s point total was his second highest of the season and his 16 baskets tied his season high.