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Parker, Ginobili both score 31; Spurs beat Hornets in Game 3

By ELIZABETH WHITE

Associated Press Writer

There was no third-quarter breakdown for the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, just the desperate play of a team whose quest for a second straight NBA title was on the line. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili both scored 31 points to lead the Spurs to a 110-99 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (MAN'-oo jih-NOH'-blee) says they saw the game as a must win, to keep from going down three-games-to-none.

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• Expanded NBA playoffs coverage

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Hornets playing for respect

By ELIZABETH WHITE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chris Paul turned 23 on Tuesday. The New Orleans Hornets' talented point guard said he had a low-key birthday, just hanging out with his teammates.

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Old Spurs disappear

By ELIZABETH WHITE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Consecutive third-quarter breakdowns. Tough nights for their top players. And now, an 0-2 deficit to a young and athletic team.

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Paul leads Hornets to another easy win over Spurs in Game 2

By BRETT MARTEL

AP Sports Writer

Shutting down David West only gave the San Antonio Spurs front-row seats for the Chris Paul show. With razzle-dazzle dribbles and a driving floater that couldn't miss, Paul had 30 points and 12 assists, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 102-84 victory Monday night and a 2-0 lead over the Spurs in their second-round series.

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Hornets frustrate Duncan

By BRETT MARTEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tim Duncan was annoyed, muttering after losing a ball out of bounds, and later staring at the floor with his hands on his hips after missing a foul shot.

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West scores 30 and Hornets take Game 1 from Spurs, 101-82

By BRETT MARTEL

AP Sports Writer

David West scored a career playoff-high 30 points to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 101-82 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Saturday night.

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Paul's triple-double helps Hornets oust Mavs with 99-94 win

By BRETT MARTEL

AP Sports Writer

Byron Scott accepted his NBA coach of the year award, then guided his team to the second round of the playoffs. Chris Paul had 24 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets held on for a 99-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night to win their first-round series in five games.

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HORNET HURRAH

By BRETT MARTEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

David West stumbled toward the sideline after hitting a fadeaway as he was fouled, then turned toward the bench and slapped the extended hand of Hornets coach Byron Scott.

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David West powers Hornets to 97-84 win over Mavericks

By JAIME ARON

AP Sports Writer

David West hardly said a word the last two days. That meant trouble for the Dallas Mavericks. West let out his pent-up frustration over a poor Game 3 with a determined effort in Game 4, scoring 10 of his 24 points in a quick stretch early in the second half to help the New Orleans Hornets pull away for a 97-84 victory Sunday and a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.

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Hornets throttle Mavs to build a 3-1 lead

By JAIME ARON

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DALLAS - David West hardly said a word the last two days. That meant trouble for the Dallas Mavericks.

West powers Hornets past Mavs, take 3-1 lead to Big Easy

The Associated Press

David West let out his pent-up frustration over a poor Game 3 with a determined effort in Game 4, scoring 10 of his 24 points in a quick stretch early in the second half to help the New Orleans Hornets pull away for a 97-84 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday and a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.

Nowitzki tries to toughen up his game

By DAVID JIMENEZ

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dirk Nowitzki heard plenty of criticism after he struggled in the first round of the playoffs last season.

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Nowitzki, Terry pull Mavericks back into series vs. Hornets

By JAIME ARON

AP Sports Writer

Chris Paul raced down the court, beating most of the Dallas Mavericks. He put on the brakes with a jump stop in the lane and floated up a jumper that was supposed to get the New Orleans Hornets within a few baskets of the lead. The ball went in all right. And then it came out. Things sure were different now that he and the Hornets were on the road - and the Mavs were at home.

Raptors forward Jamario Moon says he wanted to set the tone for his team.

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Paul having star turn vs. Mavs

By JAIME ARON

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dwyane Wade turned himself into a superstar by dominating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 NBA finals. Then Baron Davis made one terrific play after another while blistering the Mavs in the first round of last year's playoffs.

Hornets plan their attack

By BRETT MARTEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Byron Scott found himself awake at 5 a.m. last week, wondering if he should make defensive changes to deal with a dynamic Dallas attack that gave the Hornets fits in both teams' regular season finale.

Paul's wizardry too much for Mavs

By BRETT MARTEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

With a quick behind-the-back dribble, Chris Paul darted left.

Hornets ready for Mavericks

By BRETT MARTEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A little smirk crept across Tyson Chandler's face.

Hornets fall to Mavs on final night of NBA regular season, but seven-game rematch is coming as New Orleans builds

By JAIME ARON

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jason Kidd had the 100th triple-double of his career and sparked a 30-8 stretch that sent the Dallas Mavericks past the New Orleans Hornets 111-98 Wednesday night and set up a first-round showdown between these teams.

La.'s payments to Saints, Hornets fall short

By MELINDA DESLATTE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shortfall projected in Saints, Hornets payments; likely to grow

Lakers clinch division with win over Hornets

By JOHN NADEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kobe Bryant flashed a big smile after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to victory in their most important game of the season.

Hornets' Chris Paul may be MVP

By BRETT MARTEL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chris Paul snatched a rebound under the Hornets' basket, raced the length of the court and crashed at full-speed over photographers on the baseline after converting the thrilling end-to-end layup.