DENVER, Oct. 13 (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets took the first step toward easing what may be a difficult season.

Rasual Butler scored 19 points and Bostjan Nachbar added 12 of his 16 in the third quarter as the Hornets opened their preseason with a 100-90 win over the Denver Nuggets.

The Hornets have been displaced by the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina this summer and will play 35 home games in Oklahoma City and six in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on the campus of Louisiana State University.

Coming off a franchise-worst 18-win season, the Hornets got back to action in fine fashion behind Butler, Nachbar, who is in the mix for the starting small forward spot, and rookie Chris Paul, the fourth overall selection in the 2005 draft.

A reserve with Miami last season, Butler was 7-of-12 from the floor and grabbed eight rebounds in 28 minutes.

Paul opened the game with the first of his two 3-pointers and finished with seven assists and three steals. Nachbar added another 3-pointer early in the third to cap a 6-0 burst and give the Hornets their largest lead, 63-41.

Carmelo Anthony scored 17 points and DerMarr Johnson added 15 for the Nuggets. Rookies Julius Hodge and Linas Kleiza chipped in a combined six points in limited action.