Chris Paul has put the Hornets on his back and got them back into this game.

The New Orleans superstar scored 14 of his 19 points in the third quarter as New Orleans slashed Boston's nine point halftime lead all the way down to three (72-69).

Paul Pierce scored 20 of his game-high 22 points in the first half, while Ray Allen (15 points), Kevin Garnett (10 points, 6 rebounds) Kendrick Perkins (10 points, 5 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (4 points, 9 assists) are also playing well for the Celtics.

Peja Stojakovic has 15 points for New Orleans.