The Toronto Raptors were determined to keep Chris Paul out of the paint.
They limited Paul's penetration, but couldn't stop the New Orleans Hornets point guard from finding open shooters on the perimeter.
David West scored 29 points, James Posey added a season-high 20 points, including six three-pointers and 10 rebounds for the visiting Hornets, who beat the Raptors, 99-91, yesterday for their eighth win in 10 games.
Rasual Butler scored 16 points and Paul added 12 points and 12 assists for the Hornets.
Paul didn't take long to pick up on Toronto's strategy and made the Raptors pay, feeding Posey for five three-pointers in the first half.
"We noticed early in the game that when I was getting in the lane they were collapsing and wouldn't let me get to the basket," Paul said. "That's why our team is built for that. We have some great shooters. Pose shot the lights out in the first half."
Butler had four three-pointers for the Hornets, who went 12-for-33 from beyond three-point range. New Orleans leads the NBA in three-point shooting.
"When those guys start knocking down shots, then when we get in the lane they don't know whether to help," Paul said. "You've got to give up a layup to me, or a three to those shooters. That's what makes our team so dangerous."
Toronto coach Jay Triano said Paul "controlled the game."
"If he didn't get the pass that led to the three, they made one more," Triano said. "You have to be aware of where he is all the time. He's got nice pieces to throw the ball to and he can pick you apart."
Paul extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one steal to 104, and can match Alvin Robertson's NBA record when the Hornets visit Memphis tomorrow.
Paul's streak was in jeopardy until he swiped the ball from Jermaine O'Neal with 5:48 left.
"This will probably be the one I remember the most because I guess I didn't expect to get one," Paul said. "Over the course of the game there's so much going on that when it's close like that you're just thinking about getting a win."
Chris Bosh had 25 points, and Jose Calderon scored 22 for Toronto on 8-for-8 shooting. Calderon also made his only free throw and has hit 59 straight dating to last season.
"We had a chance to win against a pretty good team," Calderon said. "It's tough to guard Chris Paul and everybody has to be involved."
