NBA Notes: Warriors, Stephen Curry, Hornets, LaMelo Ball, Magic

Warriors

Stephen Curry returned after a two-month absence and nearly carried the Warriors to a win, but Houston held on for a 117-116 victory.

Curry, playing for the first time since Jan. 30 due to a knee injury, finished with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting in 26 minutes. He scored in a variety of ways late, including a driving layup and a three-pointer in the final two minutes to keep Golden State within reach.

Curry missed a potential game-winning three in the closing seconds.

He entered to a standing ovation and came off the bench for the first time in a regular-season game since 2012. It also marked a rare moment alongside brother Seth Curry, with the two sharing the floor briefly in the second quarter.

Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who recorded 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Alperen Sengun delivered the game-winning layup with 11 seconds remaining.

Hornets

The Hornets continued their late-season surge with a 122-108 win over Minnesota.

LaMelo Ball scored 35 points, including seven three-pointers, while Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Charlotte has now won four straight and sits just a half-game out of sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Magic

The Magic rallied from a 15-point deficit to defeat New Orleans 112-108.

Desmond Bane led the way with 27 points, including a go-ahead three-pointer during a fourth-quarter surge. Paolo Banchero added 23 points.

Orlando closed the game on a 14-2 run to take control and extend its winning streak over New Orleans to nine games.