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 79 It was a familiar story for San Antonio, as another poor second half resulted in another loss. Also familiar for this series: the home team winning in a blowout. The third quarter was the difference in this one. The Hornets outscored the Spurs 28-11, turning a three point halftime deficit into a 14 point cushion. Tim Duncan was dominant on the boards, grabbing 23 of them, but was hounded by Tyson Chandler all night and finished with just 10 points. The Hornets also got a big game from David West in the form of 38 points and 14 rebounds. However, both ended the game in pain: Chandler, his foot and West, his back. Still, the Hornets lead the series 3-2, directly conflicting those who assumed the Spurs would romp the rest of the way. Spurs fans, meanwhile, who went from woe-is-me to extreme arrogance after Games 3 and 4, have presumably gone back to woe-is-me.

Detroit 91, Orlando 86 With this win, the Pistons advanced to the conference finals for the sixth straight year. Only three teams have had longer streaks: Bill Russell's Celtics, the Showtime Lakers, and the George Mikan Minneapolis Lakers. Whatever you think of these Pistons, it's impressive. They won this one without Chauncey Billups, although Rodney Stuckey performed ably in his place. An NBA playoff record three turnovers helped. Orlando, in contrast, turned it over 21 times. The Pistons also shot 28-32 from the foul line. Not surprisingly, not turning the ball over and making free throws results in winning basketball games. Despite this, the Magic were as close as 85-84 down. However, six late free throws and a big block from Tayshaun Prince late sealed the deal.

Best Lines

• David West, NO: 38 pts, 16-25 FG, 14 rebs, 5 ast, 2 stl, 5 blk
• Rip Hamilton, Det: 31 pts, 16-16 FG, 2 rebs, 3 ast, 4 stl
• Antonio McDyess, Det: 17 pts, 6-9 FG, 11 rebs (6 off), 2 ast, 1 stl

On Tap

Game 5: Cleveland at Boston (8:00, TNT)
Game 5: Utah at LA Lakers (10:30, TNT)

Now it's your turn. Discuss tonight's games and preview Wednesday's games. Has your perception of the Hornets-Spurs series changed? How will the Celtics and Lakers play with the return of home cooking?