NBA ROUNDUP Monday’s games

Hornets 117, Nuggets 93

NEW ORLEANS — Chris Paul had 23 points, 17 assists, and nine rebounds, and New Orleans won its ninth straight. Even in a game featuring recently elected All-Star starter Allen Iverson, Paul was the best player on the floor. Iverson also scored 23, but had only three assists and got little help other than from Kenyon Martin, who scored 18. Tyson Chandler of New Orleans finished with 10 points and 16 rebounds. Hornets reserve Melvin Ely had 16 points and nine rebounds in only 23 minutes. Peja Stojakovic hit four 3-pointers and finished with 19 points for New Orleans, and Jannero Pargo and David West each scored 13 points.

Mavericks 103, Grizzlies 84

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Josh Howard hit his first eight shots on the way to 26 points and Dallas shot 54 percent. Howard ended the night 10-of-17 for Dallas, which won its fourth straight and 12 in the last 14. It also was the Mavericks 13th straight win over the Grizzlies, including a sweep of Memphis in the opening round of the 2006 playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki added 20 points and 11 rebounds and Jason Terry finished with 14 points for the Mavericks. Erick Dampier contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds. Rudy Gay led Memphis with 18 points, Kyle Lowry scored 17 and Juan Carlos Navarro had 16 points. Pau Gasol, finished with 13 points for Memphis, which lost its third game in the last four.

Associated Press