David West & The Hornets Catch Fire In Win Over Spurs

Every day during the NBA playoffs, the Triple Threat will break down the latest action as we get closer to awarding the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

New Orleans 101 San Antonio 82 The Hornets caught fire in the 2nd half to pull away from the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. David West had a career playoff high 30 points as he dominated whoever the Spurs tried to cover him with. Chris Paul started slow but came on in the 4th where he did the majority of his damage. New Orleans used a constant, swarming double team on Tim Duncan to disrupt him into one of his worst playoff performance ever, 5 pts 1-9 FG and only 3 rbs. The Spurs hit 12 three pointers but they also missed 19 and were out rebounded 50-34 and out scored in the paint 46-26. Game 2 is on Monday on TNT, where the Hornets look to build on this blowout and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Detroit 91 Orlando 72 Detroit turned in a complete performance in Game 1 to take the lead in the series. The Pistons defended Dwight Howard in such a way that obviously bothered him all night while the Detroit back court had their way with the Orlando guards. Chauncey Billups led a balanced Detroit attack while Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell, and Antonio McDyess held Dwight Howard to 12 points and only 8 rebounds. Dwight Howard struggled all night, including injuring his  left thumb late in the 3rd quarter. Howard had an X-ray on the thumb after the game and it showed only a bruise and he will be fine and ready to go in Game 2. Not only did Howard struggle, but Orlando couldn't have hit water if they fell out of a boat in the ocean. Going 2-15 from the three point line is not going to get it done against a team as experienced as Detroit. Game 2 of this series is also on Monday night on TNT.


Best Lines

• David West: 30 pts, 9 rbs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 1 blk
• Chris Paul: 17 pts, 13 asts, 4 stls, 4 rbs
• Jason Maxiell: 12 pts, 9 rbs, 3 blks
• Manu Ginobili: 19 pts, 7 asts, 6 rbs, 1 stl

On Tap
Game 7: Atlanta at Boston (Series tied 3-3) on ABC at 1pm
Game 1 Western Conference Semifinals: Utah at LA Lakers on ABC at 3:30pm

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