Hornets Improve Playoff Hopes, Kings Do Not

Tuesday, March 20th 2007, 8:40 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) _ Just two games were on Monday night's NBA schedule, with both contests involving teams trying to stay in the Western Conference race. The New Orleans Hornets moved closer to the playoff picture while the Sacramento Kings faded further out of contention.

The Hornets ripped the Boston Celtics 106-88 to get within a game and a-half of Golden State for the final Western Conference postseason berth. New Orleans put together runs of 21-4 and 20-5 after the game was tied at 34.

Tyson Chandler had 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Rasual Butler finished with a team-high 18 points for the Hornets.

Josh Childress scored 16 of his game-high 25 points in the 3rd quarter of Atlanta's 99-76 blowout win over Sacramento. Childress helped the Hawks outscore the Kings 25-8 in the 3rd quarter to take a 28-point lead.

Zaza Pachulia added 23 points as Atlanta dropped the Kings two and a-half games behind the Warriors.