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 1/2 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. Five Suns reached double figures. The Timberwolves fell to an NBA-worst 5-32 on 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. Houston is equal fifth in the West, and 2 1/2 games off Southwest Division leader New Orleans. Elsewhere it was: Bobcats 105, Raptors 100; Warriors 117, Grizzlies 86; Pistons 106, Nets 87; Pacers 105, Bucks 101. __
