ATLANTA, USA — The Boston Celtics’ backups outplayed the Atlanta Hawks starters in the fourth quarter to claim a 99-89 win and keep the Hawks waiting to secure a playoff spot.

Atlanta would have ended its nine-year playoff drought — the NBA’s longest — with a victory. It remains two games ahead of Indiana with two to play in the race for the last Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Warriors 122, Clippers 116

In Oakland, California, Golden State beat Los Angeles to keep its waning playoff hopes alive.

Baron Davis had 25 points and nine assists for the Warriors, while Stephen Jackson added 28 points.

The Warriors are tied with Denver for eighth in the Western Conference standings, but the Nuggets have the tiebreaker edge because they have the superior head-to-head record this season.

The Clippers lost their fifth straight game, and are closing out their worst season in eight years.

Bobcats 107, Pacers 103

In Indianapolis, Charlotte won to deal a severe blow to Indiana’s playoff hopes.

Jason Richardson scored 26 points to lead the Bobcats.

The Pacers must now win their final two games and rely on Atlanta losing its two if it is to make the playoffs.

Jazz 124, Nuggets 97

In Salt Lake City, Utah beat Denver to strengthen its hopes of home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Mehmet Okur had 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Deron Williams added 19 points and 11 assists for the Jazz.

Denver remained tied with Golden State for the eighth and last Western Conference playoff spot.

Kings 94, Hornets 91

In Sacramento, California, the home side dealt a big blow to New Orleans’ hopes for the top seed in the Western Conference.

Ron Artest returned from a thumb injury to hit four clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to clinch the game for Sacramento.

The loss dropped the Hornets into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the top spot in the West with only two games remaining. The Lakers control the tiebreaker with New Orleans based on a better conference record.

By losing back-to-back games, the Hornets are also in trouble in the Southwest Division.

They lead San Antonio and Houston by only a half-game, meaning they could go from fighting for home-court throughout the playoffs to opening on the road when the postseason begins next weekend. /AP

Other Results Blazers 108, Mavs 105; Nets 111 vs. Bucks 98; Wolves 114 vs. Grizzlies 105; Wizards 109 vs. 76ers 93