Tim Duncan had his best game of the series against New Orleans -- 22 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks -- to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 100-80 victory over the Hornets on Sunday.
"I'm just trying to do my part," Duncan said. "It's just that. You've got to step up at playoff time. It's win or go home. So you've got to step up and make plays."
Now the Spurs, the old guard and defending champions, and Hornets, this year's youthful surprise success story, are even at 2-2 in the Western Conference semifinals.
Tony Parker added 21 points for the Spurs, who are assured of a Game 6 back in San Antonio. Game 5 is Tuesday in New Orleans.
Chris Paul led the Hornets with 23 points.
"Our intensity was terrible. From Game 1 to Game 4, ours has gotten worse and theirs has gotten better," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "And that's been the difference. They're just kicking our butts right now. Is that simple enough?"
Manu Ginobili, who got to the rim at will in Game 3, wasn't as successful in Game 4. But he hit jumpers and two 3-pointers, finishing with 15 points. Parker and Ginobili each had eight of the Spurs' 27 assists. The Hornets had 12 assists -- five from Paul.
New Orleans' David West had three blocks but was held to 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting and was visibly frustrated. Reserve Jannero Pargo scored 11 for the Hornets.
Source: Xinhua/Agencies
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