Hornets enjoy their best start

One home opener after another, the New Orleans Hornets have built the best start in franchise history.

Two nights after winning their New Orleans opener, the Hornets won their first game in Oklahoma City, beating the Golden State Warriors, 97-93, on Tuesday night behind 22 points and 11 assists from Chris Paul to improve to 4-0 for the first time.

“I think every player on the team is getting more confident when we step on the floor that we can get the job done,” said Desmond Mason after all five Hornets starters scored in double figures. “Even in tight situations we’re getting it done.”

Baron Davis finished with 22 points to lead Golden State.

Atlanta 104, Cleveland 95 -- Joe Johnson scored 25 points -- six on consecutive possessions in overtime -- and the Hawks won their third straight in beating the free-throw challenged Cavaliers at Cleveland.

Tyronn Lue forced overtime for Atlanta with a buzzer-beating layup.

Atlanta improved to 3-1, one season after starting 2-16 and not getting its third victory until Dec. 10.

LeBron James scored 34 points for the Cavaliers, the NBA’s worst free-throw shooters who went 23 of 37 and missed several down the stretch.

Indiana 97, Philadelphia 86 -- Jermaine O’Neal had 16 points and 11 rebounds and the host Pacers scored 11 of the final 13 points of the first half to break open a close game in handing the 76ers their first loss. Allen Iverson finished with 20 points for the 76ers.

Miami 90, Seattle 87 -- James Posey’s three-pointer with 19 seconds left lifted the host Heat, playing again without Shaquille O’Neal (knee).

Dwyane Wade scored 31 points.

Rashard Lewis scored 23 points for Seattle.

Heat Coach Pat Riley said MRI results of O’Neal’s knee were negative.

Houston 86, Memphis 80 -- Yao Ming scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter for the Rockets, who never trailed at Memphis, Tenn. Stromile Swift scored 15 for Memphis.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a sprained ankle suffered in Monday’s loss to Golden State.