"After losing consecutive road games that led to forward David West questioning his teammates' commitment to play as a unit, the Hornets were back in rhythm Friday night with Peja Stojakovic and Chris Paul returning to the starting lineup against Minnesota.

Although it took until the third quarter for the Hornets to take control after trailing by 11 points, they came away with a 98-89 victory at the New Orleans Arena. Stojakovic had missed the previous two games due to an illness involving a family member, and Paul had missed eight with a severely sprained left ankle.

"On this last trip, for instance, we had different people in different roles, particularly the last two games with Peja and Chris being out," Hornets General Manager/Coach Jeff Bower said. "I don't think we were probably in the type of roles that we will be in over the course of the season.

"Role definition and clarity is an important thing on any team or business. But that's something that comes with a little bit of time. We're a work in progress."

With a shortened rotation, the Hornets lost to the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers totheir road record to 1-9.

Wanting to create a turnaround, Paul had increased his workload the past week and practiced Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury on Nov. 13 against the Portland Trail Blazers."