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NBA playoffs: Hamilton-led Pistons eliminate Magic in Game 5
The Associated Press
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. | The Detroit Pistons made just enough shots and stops to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for a sixth straight year.
Richard Hamilton scored 19 of his 31 points in the first half, making victory-sealing free throws late in the game. Tayshaun Prince had a key block, helping Detroit hold off the Orlando Magic for a 91-86 win Tuesday night in game five of the second-round series.
“Playing in six straight is awesome, but now we expect to do this,” Hamilton said. “We’re supposed to be here.”
The Pistons will have a break before facing the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals.
Detroit made just 36 percent of its shots and allowed the Magic to make nearly half of its attempts. But the Pistons made up for the disparity at the line and by taking care of the ball.
They were 28 of 32 at the line and had just three turnovers — setting an NBA playoff record for the fewest giveaways in a game — while Orlando was 16 of 28 and had a playoff-high 21 turnovers, which turned into 34 points for Detroit.
Playing without All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups for the second straight game because of a strained hamstring, Detroit turned to rookie Rodney Stuckey, who filled the void with 15 points, six assists and no turnovers.
Antonio McDyess had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Rasheed Wallace had 14 points, and Prince added 10.
“It’s good to get this over with,” Detroit coach Flip Saunders said. “Now we get a chance to rest, especially Chauncey, and we get a chance to prepare.”
Hornets 101 Spurs 79
New Orleans leads series 3-2
NEW ORLEANS | David West and the Hornets sure looked happy to be at home.
West had career playoff highs of 38 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots, lifting New Orleans over the San Antonio Spurs.
New Orleans looked impressive in winning the first two games at home but stumbled in San Antonio. Back in the Big Easy, the Hornets cruised again.
Chris Paul had 16 of his 22 points in the second half and added 14 assists for New Orleans, which has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.
Manu Ginobili led San Antonio with 20 points, and Tony Parker had 18.
The Hornets held Tim Duncan to 10 points, though Duncan was a force on the defensive end with 23 rebounds.