Clippers Are Stung by Hornet Rookie

Rookie J.R. Smith scored 22 points to lead the New Orleans Hornets past the Clippers, 105-95, in an exhibition game Saturday night.

The 19-year-old Smith, drafted 18th overall out of high school, started his third consecutive preseason game in place of injured guard David Wesley. He also led the Hornets with 19 points in their win over Dallas on Wednesday night.

Wesley has been sitting out because of a strained right hamstring.

Coach Byron Scott, however, is not prepared to declare Smith ready to start in the regular season.

“David Wesley is not going to lose his starting spot because of injury. He was playing great in training camp, so that’s still David’s spot,” said Scott, who added that he would be comfortable starting Smith if Wesley had to sit out.

Smith made four three-point baskets, and free-agent pickup Lee Nailon had his second double-digit performance of the preseason, scoring 17 points.

P.J. Brown had 15 points for New Orleans, and Baron Davis had 13.

Reserve center Chris Kaman led the Clippers with 12 points. Elton Brand, Bobby Simmons and reserve Rick Brunson each had 11.

Darrell Armstrong had 10 assists for New Orleans, which led, 31-19, after one quarter. The lead seldom fell below 10 after that.

The Hornets’ Jamaal Magloire was sidelined by a left ankle sprain, and New Orleans’ Rodney Rogers sat out because of a strained right hamstring.