Spurs Play Like Champions, Force Game 7

In their Western Conference semifinal series, the New Orleans Hornets would do well to heed the paraphrased words of wrestling legend and long-time team supporter Ric Flair: To be the champs, you've got to beat the champs.

That didn't happen Thursday, as the San Antonio Spurs made sure their reign will last at least one more game with a terrific all-around effort in a 99-80 dismantling of the Hornets in Game 6.

Looking to dethrone the champs and reach the conference finals for the first time in franchise history, the Hornets fell behind for good midway through the opening quarter and unraveled in the third period, when they managed just 12 points as All-Stars Chris Paul and David West encountered foul trouble.

The Spurs - who have won four titles in nine years but never have repeated as champions - made 11-of-21 3-pointers and limited the Hornets to 29 second-half points as they turned a competitive contest into another blowout. All six games in the series have been decided by double digits, and the team that has won the third quarter has won every game.

Manu Ginobili made six 3-pointers and scored 25 points, Tim Duncan added 20, 15 rebounds and six assists for the Spurs, who improved to 6-0 at home in the postseason. Tony Parker contributed 15 points and reserve Ime Udoka added 13, draining three 3-pointers.

Paul had 21 points and eight assists for the Hornets, who may have lost more than a game. Early in the fourth quarter, West took a hard back pick from Robert Horry and crumpled to the floor. He left with an aggravated pinched nerve in his back and did not return.

Game 7 is Monday night in New Orleans at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT. During their dynasty, the Spurs are 1-1 in Game 7s, both at home. The Hornets are 0-2 all-time in Game 7s, both on the road.

this is really a terrific series, best show on earth as the spurs are struggling to enter the western conference finals. chris paul meets the challenge of tony and manu as well.

with the help of the veteran casts peja stojakovic, mo pete and tyson chandler. they gave san antonio a very very nice series.

Its gonna be a hell in the orleans for this coming game 7