12th
The Spurs even the series with the Hornets, 2-2, with a 100-80 homecourt win. The Spurs appear to reapply their game-winning formula from the 4th quarter of game 3. Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto played well defensively against David West. Peja Stojakovic failed to take up the offensive slack for the Hornets. And Tim Duncan far outplayed Tyson Chandler.
Spurs’ coach Popovich made an interesting bet, playing Parker-Ginobli-Duncan-Bowen big first half minutes with good results. At the same time, Hornets’ coach Byron Scott gave extended rest to Chris Paul, and permitted Julian Wright to struggle while spelling West and Stojakovic in the 2nd quarter. Mo Peterson, who impacted games 1 and 2 mightily for the Hornets, was hardly a force, especially compared to Spurs’ bench players Finley and Udoka, who were.
