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Hornets get critical victory against Clippers

Apr 11, 2007 - 4:53 AM OKLAHOMA CITY (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets have moved into the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

David West scored a season-high 33 points and Devin Brown added 25 as the Hornets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 103-100 in overtime.

With the win, the Hornets (37-41) moved within one game of the idle Golden State Warriors (38-40) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Los Angeles (37-40), which began the day as the eighth seed in the West, fell one-half game behind the Warriors.

"It was a playoff-type game," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "I thought both teams played extremely hard. For us to get it into overtime and get another victory out of it was great. Our guys continue to hang in there."

Elton Brand, who poured in 37 points and had 10 rebounds for the Clippers, forced overtime with a baseline jumper to tie the game, 89-89, with a second remaining in the fourth quarter.

West scored seven points in overtime including a key follow shot with 1:11 remaining in the extra session that put the Hornets ahead, 100-93.

"I was trying to be a threat tonight. We are pretty confident when we get into overtime," West said. "Bobby (Jackson) came out and hit a big three to start it off and we were able to attack them on the offensive end. A team like the Clippers, who are so talented, you know you are going to have your hands full and we were able to respond."

Poor free-throw shooting by the Hornets in the closing seconds of overtime allowed the Clippers to stay in the game. With the Hornets leading 102-98 with 11 seconds left, Chris Paul missed two free throws.

A driving layup by Jason Hart with three seconds left cut the lead to 102-100. West was fouled with two seconds remaining, but made one of two free throws for a 103-100 lead.

The Clippers hopes for a last-second three-pointer ended when Corey Maggette's full-court inbounds pass was intercepted by Brown.

"We don't make anything easy, we make it exciting." Scott said. "We had our best free throw shooters up there and they went 1-for-4. We keep it pretty exciting for everybody, even though it drives me crazy. Other than that, it's still a good win."

Paul had 17 points and 10 assists for the Hornets, who improved to 7-0 in overtime games this season.

Maggette scored 24 for the Clippers, who have lost three consecutive games.

"We're up against the world right now," Brand said. "Two days ago, it was like 'OK, you guys are in, now who are you gonna play?' Now it's, 'How are you guys gonna get in?' We just got to dig deep. Play harder in the third and fourth quarters."