New Orleans' forward David West was pleased with his career-high 40 points but prouder that the Hornets fought through overtime to record the best start in franchise history.

"I am more happy with the fact that we were able to gut this one out,'' West said after his 15-footer with 8.3 seconds left in the extra period gave the Hornets a 120-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.

"They closed in on us down the stretch hitting some big 3s, and we were able to muster a good five minutes to close them out.''