Spurs-Hornets: Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker Overwhelm New Orleans

The defending NBA champions finally showed why they will be a tough out in this year's playoffs.  The Spurs beat Chris Paul and the Hornets 110-99 and avoided being down three games to none, which in effect would have ended the series.

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili each had 31 points, and San Antonio played with an energy and passion that was missing in the first two games. Tim Duncan chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Parker and Ginobili were finally able to attack the rim off the dribble and they kept New Orleans off balance for most of the game.  This was the big difference from the previous two games.

New Orleans looked a little confused at times as to their defensive assignments, as the Spurs eclipsed the 100-point mark for the first time in the series.

Chris Paul did a lot of damage (35 points and nine assists) as well as David West, (23 points and 12 rebounds), but this game belonged to San Antonio.  The Spurs stirred the pot a little and started Ginobili instead of bringing him off the bench. 

He gave the Spurs the spark they needed to hold off New Orleans in the fourth quarter with a couple of early threes.  Another key to winning this game was their ability to prevent Peja Stojakovic from being a major contributor.  They held him to seven points on 2-of-7 shooting.

Peja burned them in the first two games, but San Antonio was more focused defensively and didn't give him many looks.

San Antonio showed the resolve and determination of a champion with their backs to the wall.  The big question is, how will New Orleans respond?  The Spurs are hoping the Hornets start doubting themselves and lose some of their confidence.

I can see that happening if San Antonio plays with the same resolve in Game Four.  Byron Scott will have to figure out a way to keep Parker and Ginobili in check if the Hornets want to take back the momentum. 

San Antonio still needs to hold serve and even the series up.  One good effort will not get them to the next round.  We will find out which one of these teams wants to get to the next level more.  We know the Spurs are champions, but just how badly does New Orleans want it? 

San Antonio can't do much with Chris Paul, but they can limit the damage the rest of the Hornets inflict.  That is their recipe for success.  The first game Peja doesn't go for at least 20, the Hornets lost.  Defense, not offense, will be the key to the Spurs getting to the next round. 

The Hornets believe they are the next big thing, but as the saying goes, to be the champs, you have to beat the champs.