Spurs-Hornets: San Antonio Holds Serve in Game 7; David West Expected to Return

This series would not be complete without a Game Seven.  You just knew that would be the case. 

San Antonio's 99-80 demolition of the Hornets in Game Six followed a familiar storyline, in addition to providing some drama that will play itself out in the deciding game.

The team that has ruled the third quarter of every game has gone on to win.  The Spurs were leading in two games, but ending up losing because they came out of halftime flat.  New Orleans scored only twelve points in the pivotal third quarter in Game Six, and that cost them the game.

In addition, David West re-injured his back when he was caught unaware by a Robert Horry back screen, when the outcome of the game was pretty much decided in the fourth quarter.  If West was injured, he probably shouldn't have been in the game. 

A healthy West is key to the Hornets winning and advancing to the next round.  We will now see whether Byron Scott and the Hornets can keep their poise and eliminate the defending champs.

This is what the playoffs are about.  We have the drama of David West recovering from his injury, and the queston of how effective he will be.  Tony Parker versus Chris Paul.  Who will win that match-up?  

Is it out with the old Spurs, and in with the new kids on the block, the Hornets?  Will San Antonio beat the odds and win a game on the road?  One thing is for sure—the Hornets fans will be loud and try to "spur" their team on to victory. 

At first glance it would seem like the Spurs would have the advantage, because they are the defending champs, and have faces in Game Sevens before. But in this case I believe New Orleans has the advantage. 

San Antonio has not been able to figure them out at home, and at times have looked inept, and they must acknowledge that Paul has been unstoppable.  If West and Paul are dominating, the Spurs will have to completely shut everyone else down in order to win.  That may be asking too much from this group.

New Orleans, on the other hand, has shown that they can lose their poise and let their emotions get the best of them, which would play right into the Spurs' hands.  The Spurs can use chippy play to bait the young Hornets into losing their cool.

I wouldn't put that past them.  At this stage, it is win and advance by any means necessary—within the rules, of course—and the Spurs are experienced enough to do that.  The mental battle of professional basketball should never be removed from the game by overzealous referees.  We need to see how New Orleans reacts to that kind of play before we anoint them the next big thing.

I have a feeling that this is the Hornets' time.  It wouldn't be shocking to see the Spurs win, but this has the earmarks of a "passing of the torch" game.  Either way, it will be great to watch.