The Houston Rockets made a valiant comeback only to have David West send them home losers again.

West scored 15 points, including a jumper with 1.8 seconds left, as the New Orleans Hornets escaped with a 92-90 victory over the Rockets, who have lost four in a row.

The Hornets responded when West got the ball at the top of the key from rookie Chris Paul, who collected 11 points and a season-high 15 assists. West faked a pass to get Houston's David Wesley off his feet before drilling the shot over the outstretched arms of forward Juwan Howard.

"I knew I was going to get the ball," West said. "I knew they weren't going to allow Chris (Paul) to beat them. I got open and froze Wesley with a pass fake, and hit the shot. I won't pass that shot up."

Stromile Swift, who had his best game as a Rocket by collecting season highs of 26 points and 13 rebounds, had a chance to tie the game, but his jump hook bounced harmlessly off the rim as time expired.

"It wasn't good enough, we didn't get the win," Swift said. "I try to come in and bring energy. The effort was there, but we just didn't pull it off."