Manu Ginobili, Spurs
99-80 win vs. Hornets
25 pts, 9-15 FG, 6-9 3-pt FG

Ime Udoka, Spurs
99-80 win vs. Hornets
13 pts, 5-5 FG, 3-3 3-pt FG

Tyson Chandler, Hornets
99-80 loss at Spurs
14 pts, 7-8 FG

San Antonio's quest to repeat remains alive thanks to a superb performance from Tim Duncan, who had 20 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in Thursday's win that forced Game 7. Here's bad news for the New Orleans Hornets: In his last five elimination games, Duncan has shot 47.6 percent from the field and averaged 29.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.2 blocks, losing just once.

Jannero Pargo, Hornets
99-80 loss at Spurs
2 pts, 1-6 FG, 0-2 3-pt FG

Morris Peterson, Hornets
99-80 loss at Spurs
3 pts, 1-5 FG

Michael Finley, Spurs
99-80 win vs. Hornets
2 pts, 1-6 FG

In its four championship seasons, San Antonio faced elimination only once - Game 7 of the 2005 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons. But that was where the Spurs found themselves entering Thursday's home game vs. the upstart New Orleans Hornets. Their response to the pressure was what has made them champions. In a thorough demolition of the Hornets, the Spurs quickly established their offense with crisp ball movement and unselfish play, shooting 56 percent in the first half en route to a 58-51 lead. In the second half, they shored up their defense and held the Hornets to 29 points on 33 shooting. It was one of their more complete efforts of the season.
The Hornets appear to have the edge on the Spurs in team speed, athleticism and depth. They also have home-court advantage, which should come in handy in Game 7. But one area where the Spurs are superior is mental toughness. Early in the third quarter, they baited Chris Paul and David West into their fourth fouls; West lost his cool and received a technical foul, and the Hornets - with their stars forced to play passively - unraveled as the Spurs maintained focus.
It will be a huge chore for the Spurs to win Monday in New Orleans. The road team has won Game 7 just 19 times in NBA history. Home teams are 20-1 in the conference semifinals. And the Hornets are 6-0 on their floor in the postseason, winning by an average of 18.3 points. But to dismiss the Spurs would be foolish. Just ask Rudy Tomjanovich.

Exactly two weeks ago, the opening round peaked with a Game Six tripleheader. The conference semifinals has a similar showcase Friday with a Game Six twinbill. Here's a brief rundown on both games:
Celtics at Cavaliers: Although they have yet to trail in a series, it would be nice if the top-seeded Celtics showed everyone that they can win a road game. Boston is 0-5 away from home in the postseason, including a pair at The Q. The Celtics will have a chance if they can get a better effort from erstwhile sharpshooter Ray Allen, who is clanging at a .340 clip this series. To keep their season alive, the Cavaliers need a resurgence from center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, whose scoring total has dropped each game, plummeting to six in Game 5. Instead of looking for early offense, LeBron James should try to get "Big Z" going.
Lakers at Jazz: After sweeping their first-round series, the Lakers are staring at the specter of a Game 7 against the Jazz, who were in Game 5 until the final minute and are 41-5 at home this season. Kobe Bryant took just 10 shots in Game 5 - perhaps due to his cranky back - which means he may need some help from Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar, who are a combined 7-of-33 in the last three games. Meanwhile, the Jazz need more than the home crowd to keep alive their season. They could really use a good game from Carlos Boozer, who is shooting just 42 percent from the field and getting thoroughly outplayed by Lamar Odom.