OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 23 (Ticker) -- The Hornets dug themselves a 23-point halftime deficit and didn't recover, falling 97-93 to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

First-round pick Chris Paul was impressive with 26 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals. However, the Hornets are getting off to bad starts with their starters. In Thursday's loss to San Antonio, they fell behind by 26 points.

On Sunday, the Hornets made just 10-of-43 shots in the first half and trailed, 55-32. Starters Bostjan Nachbar and J.R. Smith both were 0-of-6.

The Hornets fought back within a bucket before the Nuggets rebuilt the lead to eight points. They had a chance to tie in the waning seconds, but Smith's 3-pointer was blocked by Eduardo Najera.

Speedy Claxton scored 14 points and Smith added 10 for the Hornets, who shot 38 percent (29-of-82). They played without forward Chris Andersen (ankle).

Miller did not miss a shot, sinking 8-of-8 from the field and 3-of-3 from the line. The point guard had 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Backup point guard Earl Boykins had 16 points and seven assists for the Nuggets, who had six scorers in double figures. Denver played without center Marcus Camby (foot), forward Francisco Elson and first-round picks Julius Hodge and Linas Kleiza.