ORGANIZED PLAYGROUND

BiluThat’s how San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich described New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul. Tonight the Hornets struck first by beating the Spurs 101-82 to take a one game lead in the best of seven western conference semi-finals.

Paul was tough – 17 points and 13 assists. The guy hits the open man, and when he wants to, can drive by his defender and get into the lane for either the dish or the finish.

David West scored 30 points on 13 for 24 from the field and pulled down 9 rebounds. West showed it all; inside moves, mid-range jumpers and some very good defense.

Timmy Duncan scored only 5 points. SA needs more from the Big Fundamental if they expect to have any chance of winning.

Tony Parker scored 23 points for the Spurs.

Game 2 is Monday night.

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In the first game of the night on TNT, the Detroit Pistons took care of the Orlando Magic 91-72 to take a 1-0 lead in the eastern conference semi-finals.  Game 2 is Monday night.

Defense was the key in this one as the Pistons held the Magic 32 points under their average.

Jason Maxiell was a beast for the Pistons. He scored 12 points and was a presence on defense.

Chauncey Billups had 19 and 7 for Detroit.

PLAY THE RIGHT WAY!