NEW ORLEANS — Chris Paul had 24 points and 15 assists to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 104-91 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Peja Stojakovic also scored 24 points, highlighted by his five 3-pointers, and David West added 23 points and 14 rebounds for New Orleans, which has won five of its last six games.

Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 26 points, while Leandro Barbosa added 19 and Grant Hill 17. However, the Suns were unable to keep pace with guard Steve Nash sidelined because of an illness. Shaquille O'Neal also sat out for Phoenix, hoping to be fresh when the Suns play Thursday night at Dallas.