Sports

Warriors shake off slow start to beat Hornets 98-88, move closer to clinching playoff berth

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Golden State Warriors forward David Lee dunks against the New Orleans Hornets during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, April 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (The Associated Press)

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots against New Orleans Hornets forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, April 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (The Associated Press)

David Lee had 23 points and 16 rebounds, Stephen Curry added 20 points and nine assists, and the Golden State Warriors shook off a slow start to ease past the New Orleans Hornets 98-88 on Wednesday night.

Reserve Jarrett Jack finished with 19 points and eight assists against his former team to keep the Warriors in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff chase. Golden State (43-32) remains one game ahead of Houston (42-33), which won 112-102 at Sacramento.

The Rockets own the tiebreaker after going 3-1 against the Warriors this season.

Eric Gordon scored 21 points and Robin Lopez had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Hornets, who were swept 4-0 by the Warriors this season. New Orleans led by 11 points in the second quarter before the Warriors surged ahead for good.