Hornets sting Knicks to earn playoff place

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, and Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier fight for a rebound during their game in Los Angeles on Friday. PHOTO: AP

The New Orleans Hornets became the first team to clinch a berth in the NBA’s Western Conference playoffs by beating the New York Knicks 118-110 on Friday.

Chris Paul had 33 points and 15 assists for New Orleans, which increased its lead on the top of the West to 1.5 games over San Antonio, who lost to Utah.

The Knicks have lost 17 of 19 but stayed competitive into the fourth quarter. The Hornets trailed 95-91 with 10:20 left before putting away the game with a 26-9 run.

The Hornets won their 10th in a row at home.

Lakers 112, Mavericks 108

In Los Angeles, the home side followed New Orleans into the West playoffs by beating Dallas.

Lamar Odom scored a season-high 31 points and Kobe Bryant added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who have qualified for the playoffs in 55 of their 60 seasons as a franchise.

Jazz 90, Spurs 64

In Salt Lake City, Utah ended San Antonio’s eight-game winning streak.

Mehmet Okur had 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Jazz, who held the defending NBA champions scoreless for the first four minutes of the final quarter.

San Antonio matched its lowest points total in franchise history, set in a loss to Cleveland in March 1997.

Suns 117, Timberwolves 88

In Phoenix, Steve Nash had 14 points and 11 assists before sitting out the final quarter as Phoenix routed Minnesota.

The Timberwolves fell to an NBA-worst 5-32 on the road.

Wizards 109, Heat 95

In Washington, the home side beat Miami to clinch a playoff spot for the fourth straight season.

Caron Butler scored 29 points for the Wizards, who were without Antawn Jamison for the first time this season due to an injured shoulder.

The Heat set a franchise record with 19 3-pointers and still couldn’t win.

Miami must win two of its final six games to avoid tying the worst record in its 20-year history, set in 1988-89.

76ers 109, Hawks 104

In Atlanta, Philadelphia wrapped up its first playoff spot in three years by beating Atlanta.

Andre Iguodala scored 30 points and Andre Miller had 23 as Philadelphia stopped the Hawks’ five-game winning streak.

Rockets 79, SuperSonics 66

In Seattle, Houston kept pace in the wild Western Conference playoff race by beating Seattle.

Tracy McGrady scored 18 points of his 25 points in the third quarter.

The Sonics lost for the 20th time in 22 games and will at least match the worst record in franchise history.

Bobcats 105, Raptors 100

In Toronto, Jason Richardson scored 27 points to lead Charlotte over Toronto.

Earl Boykins converted a three-point play after stealing the ball from T.J. Ford in the final minute.

Warriors 117, Grizzlies 86

In Memphis, Tennessee, Golden State climbed within a half-game of the playoff spots by downing Memphis.

The Warriors closed in on Denver which holds the last qualifying spot of eighth in the Western Conference. Andris Biedrins had 21 points and 17 rebounds for Golden State, which had six players in double figures.

Pistons 106, Nets 87

In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Detroit beat New Jersey for its fourth straight victory.

Pacers 105, Bucks 101

In Milwaukee, Indiana beat Milwaukee to pull within three games of Atlanta for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.