Chris Paul, who won a gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Beijing Olympics in August, leads the New Orleans Hornets against the Washington Wizards in an NBA preseason game Tuesday in the German capital.

Paul had a breakout season in 2007-2008, averaging 21 points and four rebounds a game. He helped lead the Hornets to a 56-26 finish, and the team is considered a contender for the NBA title this season.

Hornets coach Bryon Scott said he would use the game at Berlin's new O2 World arena to evaluate players and strategy ahead of the regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 29

Washington coach Eddie Jordan said the matchup was the continuation of a friendly rivalry dating back to when he and Scott spent time together coaching the New Jersey Nets.

The Wizards and Hornets will play again Friday in Barcelona, Spain.

In other NBA preseason games in Europe, the New Jersey Nets beat the Miami Heat 100-98 in overtime in Paris last week. The Nets beat the Heat 94-92 in London on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2008)