Can San Antonio Spurs Buck the "Home Sweet Home" Trend?

After the Celtics' win over the Cavaliers Sunday, it seems as though the home-court advantage is firmly established.  In remarkable fashion, home teams have won 21 out of 22 games in the conference semifinals this postseason. 

The defending champion San Antonio Spurs, however, hope to have something to say about that.  Led by the "Big Three" of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, the Spurs have knotted up the series at 3-3, after winning three of the last four contests.  In any case, Game 7 will be a game of firsts.  No Hornets team has ever advanced to the conference finals in the squad's 20-year history.  By the same token, though, the Spurs have never won a Game 7 after trailing the series 3-2.

I personally believe the pressure is on the shoulders of the Hornets players. 

Although the Spurs are the defending world champions, they have been in this position before, and have an amazing amount of experience, the Hornets are back where they are most comfortable. 

Moreover, the Hornets have yet to feel the pressure of elimination.  They disposed of the Dallas Mavericks in five games, and won the first two against the Spurs.  The Spurs, however, have held their own on their home court, and now the series has shifted back to New Orleans with the Hornets one game from being done.

It sure is awfully tough to bet against either one of these teams, with the high-caliber basketball we have been seen throughout these playoffs from both clubs. 

And although my bias may shine through a little, I truly believe that the Spurs will overcome the home-court advantage to advance to the Western Conference Finals.  I'm fully aware of the capabilities of CP3, alongside Tyson Chandler and All-Star David West, but Tim Duncan already has four rings on his fingers, and Parker and Ginobili both have a couple as well.

There is simply too much will and determination coming from the Spurs sidelines.  You must remember, the contributions of role players such as Brent Barry and Robert Horry go much further than their on-court duties, but also keeping the team motivated in the locker room.  These two, along with the wily veteran Duncan, can easily get a talented Spurs team hyped, but more importantly, focused for what is now a one-game series.

My prediction, however, is that the difference will be made by someone who will not see any playing time tonight.  The X-Factor, in my opinion, is Spurs coach Gregg Poppovich.  No disrespect to his counterpart, Coach of the Year Byron Scott, but "Pop" has a multitude of playoff coaching experience, and knows exactly what he needs to do to get his team ready to win the biggest game of their season.

As Manu Ginobili said in a Game 6 halftime interview, "We are only focused about right now."  Pops has clearly gotten the point across to his players: focus is the key.  Now the Spurs must go out and execute in an incredibly hostile environment.  Can they do it?  I believe so. 

One thing is for certain: They have no interest in the Lakers.  At least not quite yet.