The New Orleans Hornets have won the first game played on their home court since Hurricane Katrina more than a year ago, beating the Houston Rockets, 96-90.
David West led the Hornets with 22 points and Peja Stojakovic hit five three-point shots to the loud approval of a sellout crowd of 18,200 fans. Chris Paul matched a career-high 16 assists for New Orleans. The Hornets are undefeated in the new NBA season after three games. They had hosted games 1,150 kilometers from New Orleans in Oklahoma City since Hurricane Katrina struck in August, 2005.
Philadelphia's Allen Iverson had 31 points and 13 assists as his undefeated 76ers surprised the defending champion Miami Heat, 107-98. Visiting Miami was without star Shaquille O'Neal, who has a bruised knee.
The Seattle Supersonics routed the Los Angeles Lakers 117-101 for their first win of the season. The Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 95-82 and the San Antonio Spurs overpowered the Toronto Raptors 103-94.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.