Blazers hand Hornets 1st loss with new coach

The lasting image from the head coaching debut of Hornets general manager Jeff Bower will be that of New Orleans' biggest star, Chris Paul, being helped off the court by teammates.

Given the way the New Orleans has struggled when Paul is not on the court, Bower could be in for a tough first few games in his new job.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping Portland to an 86-78 victory over a New Orleans team on Friday night that lost Paul to a sprained left ankle while trying to adjust to the firing of Byron Scott.

Paul left the arena on crutches, saying he would not play Saturday night in Atlanta and beyond that could not be sure about how serious the injury was.