In the second period it was the Hornets who heated up — albeit to a lesser extent. Paul scored 10 points in the quarter, though Ginobili countered with three 3s.

The Spurs maintained a double-digit lead early in the second period before the Hornets started chipping away.

Chandler’s dunk off an alley-oop pass from Paul brought New Orleans within 46-41 with 5:35 to play. The Hornets got within 55-49 and the Spurs were up 58-51 at halftime.

In the third — the quarter that has been pivotal in just about every game in this series — the Hornets got into quick foul trouble. Paul picked up consecutive offensive fouls, his third and fourth, and West picked up his second and third, all in a span of 1:05.

Then West picked up his fourth foul and, visibly upset about it, also got a technical with 8:44 to play.

West did not score again in the quarter, but Paul kept his composure, hitting another layup and jumper and feeding Chandler for two more dunks.

After Chandler’s second slam, which brought the Hornets within 71-63, they didn’t score for the last 4:44 of the period and the Spurs pulled away.

Duncan sank a shot over Chandler, then hit a layup and pumped his fist after Ime Udoka blocked Paul’s layup attempt. Duncan was fouled but couldn’t convert the three-point play.

It didn’t matter. The Spurs were firmly in control and Ginobili’s back-to-back 3s to start the fourth quarter gave San Antonio an 84-63 lead and put away the game.

With 10:11 left in the game, West left the court after aggravating a back injury.

West, who played with back pain in Game 5, fell to the floor after being picked from behind by Spurs forward Robert Horry, who was called for an offensive foul. Laying face down on the floor, West put his left arm behind him and rested it on his lower back before going to the locker room.

Notes: Spurs C Fabricio Oberto started for the Spurs. Oberto started the first two playoff games before Spurs coach Gregg Popovich switched to Kurt Thomas for the next eight. ... Texas Gov. Rick Perry was at the game, sitting next to Spurs owner Peter Holt. ... Udoka scored 13 off the bench for San Antonio. Peja Stojakovic, who struggled in San Antonio in Games 3 and 4, scored 13 for New Orleans.

MORE FROM NBA

NBA Section Front

Ewing, Olajuwon linked again, this time in Hall Now, it's official: Riley a Hall of Famer Chalmers apologizes, denies reports of drug use Lakers' Bynum says he's ready to play Cavaliers sign big man Wright Ginobili has ankle surgery after Olympics injury NBA rumors: Gordon's agent made up Russia rumor LeBron enjoys Olympic gold while losing H-O-R-S-E Latest NBA videos 2008-09 regular-season schedule NBA Section Front   Add NBA headlines to your news reader: