--C Greg Oden had his best performance in three NBA games, making all three field-goal attempts while collecting 11 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots in 24 minutes off the bench.
"It felt good that I finally got my wind back somewhat," said the 7-foot rookie, who missed seven games with a sprained ankle. "I'm getting there. I'm still working on it and still trying to improve." --Portland's defensive plan was simple: Don't let Chris Paul beat you. The Blazers did a decent job on the Hornets' All-Star point guard, who made only 4-of-12 shots from the field. But Paul finished with 17 points --including three free throws with two seconds left to clinch the win -- nine assists, six rebounds and four steals.
QUOTE TO NOTE: --"They picked up the pressure, and we stopped being aggressive and started running around. We almost looked timid sometimes. We have to work on that." -- Brandon Roy, after the Blazers' 87-82 loss to New Orleans.
