David West on Saturday scored 25 points and former King Carl Landry added 20 for the Hornets, who have won four of five games and overtaken Portland for sixth place in the Western Conference.

Paul had missed two games after colliding with Cleveland's Ramon Sessions in the third quarter of a March 6 triumph over the Cavaliers.

Without him the Hornets went 1-1, dropping a close decision at Chicago and rallying for a victory over Dallas.

Paul wanted to play against Dallas, but coach Monty Williams said he thought the team was right to be cautious.

"To lose Chris for a few games, you don't like it but it's something that you know is necessary and you err on the side of caution in situations like that," Williams said.

"Athletes want to play no matter what. That's the reason why some of us are walking around limping, with fingers twisted, because you do stupid stuff, so sometimes somebody else has to be your brains.

"That's what the doctors and trainers are there for."