Fellow Hornets rookie Marcus Thornton led the Hornets with a career-high 20. David West was the only starter in double figures with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Paul was in the midst of what seemed destined to be his worst game of the season even before he hurt the same ankle he twisted in the Hornets' victory over the Clippers in Los Angeles last Monday.

Paul made no secret that Scott's firing bothered him personally and played below his normal standard. In his first 11 minutes on the floor, he did not score, missing four shots, and had one assist and one rebound. He did not score until hitting one of two free throws with 1:30 to go in the second quarter.

He said it was "obviously" strange for him to take the floor without Scott, the only NBA coach he's had, directing the team from the sideline.

"It was different, but it's something I'm going to have to get used to," Paul said. "At the end of the day, the game is basketball and we're going to play. I'm happy about our effort tonight."

He finished with three points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals in 30 minutes.

"Obviously our offense wasn't as in synch as we'd like but it's going to be a work in progress," Paul said. "The thing that kills me most is I want to be out there to help my teammates. Now I can't do that physically but I can be there for them mentally and emotionally."

Thornton scored 11 in the first half and West scored 10 to keep the game close through two quarters. Paul's assists on fast-break baskets by Emeka Okafor and West highlighted a 7-0 run that put the Hornets briefly ahead 32-30.

Portland closed the half on a 7-1 run that included Roy's jumper as he was fouled, then Travis Outlaw's tip-in gave the Blazers a 37-33 lead at halftime.

NOTES: Both teams shot under 24 percent in the first quarter. Portland was 4 of 20 and New Orleans was 6 of 26. ... Portland finished shooting 37.9 percent and New Orleans 36.7 percent. ... Portland outscored New Orleans inside 42-30.