Warriors keep pace with 140-132 victory

Baron Davis had 33 points and nine assists, Stephen Jackson added 20 points and the Golden State Warriors stayed in the frantic Western Conference playoff race with their highest-scoring game of the season, a 140-132 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night at Oakland.

Andris Biedrins had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Warriors (47-31), who are tied with the Denver Nuggets for the eighth postseason spot in the power-packed West, where one club is certain to end up with the best record in NBA history for a non-playoff team.

The Nuggets, who beat the Clippers, 117-99, visit Golden State on Thursday night for a meeting that could determine the fates of the NBA’s two highest-scoring teams.

Al Harrington scored 17 points and Monta Ellis had 16 as Golden State never trailed in its third win in four games against its Northern California rivals.

The Warriors warmed up for their showdown with Denver by putting on their usual offensive theatrics against Sacramento, including a 77-point first half. Davis had 20 points and eight assists as the Warriors racked up their highest-scoring 24 minutes of the season to take a lead they maintained throughout the second half.

Before the game, Sacramento shut down center Brad Miller for the rest of the season because of injuries in his left leg and right elbow.

Around the league

Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard needed six stitches after getting cut on the mouth in a collision at practice. Coach Stan Van Gundy says he doesn’t expect Howard to miss any games, including tonight’s contest against the Chicago Bulls.