NBA Playoffs, Hornets Sting Again, Detroit Wins Series

Tuesday, May 13

Game 5, Detroit. The Detroit Pistons did the impossible in beating Orlando 91-86 and winning the series 4-1. They did it without their starting point guard Chauncey Billups too, who is sidelined with an injury. How they won game five was a miracle in itself. Orlando shot the ball better, got more rebounds and scored more points on the fast break. Detroit forced them to commit 21 turnovers, however, and stole the ball from them 11 more times. The Pistons also hit 28 free throws compared to 16 by Orlando. Despite their poor shooting from the floor (36%), the Pistons were able to make up for it in other ways. They only had three turnovers the whole game. Next: Detroit vs. either Boston or Cleveland. That series is currently tied at 2-2. Game 5 is tonight at Boston, 8p.m. ET (TNT).

Game 5, New Orleans. The Hornets rebounded from two losses in San Antonio to beat the Spurs 101-79 at home. David West did most of the damage to S.A. with 38 points. Chris Paul only made 6-18 shots but still scored 22 with 14 assists. New Orleans out played San Antonio in almost every category, especially defense. The Hornets allowed only 20 points to Manu Ginobili, 18 to Tony Parker and 10 to Tim Duncan. (Duncan had a game high 23 rebounds). It's amazing what the Hornets are doing to the defending NBA Champs. I still think this series will go seven games though. N.O. leads the series 3-2. Next: Game 6, Thursday, San Antonio, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN).