Deron Williams came out of the game to a standing ovation with 1:28 to play and the outcome clearly decided against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night at EnergySolutions Arena.

After the cheers died down a bit and Williams had taken a seat on the Utah Jazz bench, a nearby fan yelled, "You're an All-Star, Williams.' The third-year point guard acknowledged the fan's compliment by raising his left hand high in the air with a thumbs-up sign.

Technically, the fan was incorrect.

Williams, now in his third NBA season, has yet to be named to an NBA All-Star team.

But he certainly played like an All-Star in the 110-88 victory over the Hornets. Williams got the better of rival third-year playmaker and first-time All-Star Chris Paul.

"Deron took it upon himself tonight to show the league and the coaches that he deserved to be in the All-Star Game,' said Jazz All-Star forward Carlos Boozer. "He proved it again against a very good point guard in Chris Paul. He took it right at him and almost fouled him out of the game. He just wanted to send a message.' The message was sent loud and clear.

Williams finished with a game-high 29 points, making 11 of his 13 shots from the field. He also added 11 assists and didn't commit a single personal foul.

He scored inside with drives to the hoop, including one for a monster dunk over 7-1 Tyson Chandler that brought the house down.

And he scored outside, sinking three 3-point jumpers on four tries.

Paul, on the other hand, scored just six points on 3-of-11 shooting with six assists along with five fouls and five turnovers.

Williams downplays his rivalry with Paul. Still, the fact remains that the third and fourth overall picks in the 2005 draft will always be linked. So far Williams has generally gotten the best in the head-to-head match-ups both individually and for his team. The Jazz are now 7-2 against the Hornets since both players entered the league.

"Deron plays well all the time,' said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan when asked if his point guard gives an extra effort against Paul and the Hornets. "He's got to play basketball. Chris Paul has got to play basketball. People are going to compare them as long as they're in the league. There's nothing you can do about that. But we're looking for him to be Deron Williams and that's all.' There really was no comparison between the two young stars on Monday night, thanks largely to Paul getting two quick fouls in the first quarter and then three more in just more than five minutes in the third.