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Hornets battle for first place vs. Kings

Apr 12, 2008 - 2:07 PM New Orleans (55-24) at Sacramento (37-42) 10:00 pm EDT

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) - Despite suffering a crucial loss during their last game, the New Orleans Hornets still have the inside track at gaining the top seed in the Western Conference.

The Hornets continue their pursuit for the top spot in the West on Saturday when they visit the Sacramento Kings.

New Orleans dropped a 107-104 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday in a matchup of MVP candidates. While Kobe Bryant fell just short of a triple-double, Hornets point guard Chris Paul finished with 15 points and 17 assists.

"It was a tough game out there tonight," Paul said. "They did a great job defending me and putting the pressure on. I knew coming in that they were going to be ready for us, and it showed from the tip-off."

Despite the loss, the Hornets (55-24) remain one-half game ahead of the Lakers (55-25) for first place in the tightly contested West.

The Kings snapped a two-game losing streak with a 103-86 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. John Salmons scored 16 points to lead seven player in double figures for Sacramento.