CLIPPERS 97, HORNETS 85: Chris Paul turned in a stronger effort against his former team this time with 25 points and 10 assists as host Los Angeles moved into sole possession of fourth place in the Western Conference.

Blake Griffin added 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting and chipped in seven rebounds and five assists for the Clippers, who lost at the Hornets last week.

Paul struggled to 16 points on 5-of-14 shooting in his return trip to New Orleans but seemed much more comfortable at the Staples Center, going 9 for 17 from the floor and committing only one turnover.

Turnovers were hard to avoid for the Hornets on Monday as the Western Conference's worst team coughed the ball up 27 times en route to their third loss in four games.

The Clippers shot 57 percent from the floor in the first half to grab a 49-38 lead and put the game away in the third quarter. Paul scored 10 points during a 17-5 run to close the frame, giving Los Angeles a 74-55 edge heading into the final period.

Al-Farouq Aminu scored 15 points off the bench for New Orleans, which did not have a starter reach double figures.

GAME NOTEBOOK: One area where the Hornets had the advantage was on the glass, with a 38-23 rebounding margin. … Both teams shot 50 percent for the game (Los Angeles 37 for 74, New Orleans 31 for 62). … Nick Young scored 17 points for the Clippers, his highest total since joining the team.