Paul Scores 37 as Hornets Rally Past Bulls

Paul said he wasn't ready for those credentials, but his teammate Tyson Chandler was quick to put him in the race for MVP.

Paul had game highs of 37 points and 13 assists in New Orleans' 108-97 win over the Chicago Bulls.

He made an open 3-pointer with 2:47 left in the fourth quarter to tie it 96-all. After a steal by Jannero Pargo on the next possession, Paul found Chandler for a thundering alley-oop dunk to give the Hornets their first lead since halftime.

"It was all Chris Paul,'' said Chandler, who finished with eight points. "The little man was all over the floor. It was incredible. It's one of the best performances I've seen from him yet. He, at least to me, made his bid (Monday night) to consider him the MVP.''

Paul's shooting touch kept the Hornets in the game as they trailed throughout almost the entire second half. He finished the game 15-for-21 from the floor. Paul also had three steals and only two turnovers.