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Pro Sports
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 10:53 AM
Inspired McDyess pushes Pistons into Eastern finals The Associated Press AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Antonio McDyess was inspired by a loss to help the Detroit Pistons win decisive playoff game. As McDyess was arriving at The Palace, he was told his grandmother died. Before the power forward left the arena, he scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons eliminated the Orlando Magic with a 91-86 victory Tuesday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinal. "I'll definitely dedicate this win to her because she never missed a game," McDyess said of Beatrice Harris, 84. "She always called me, always talking about the game. She loved the Pistons. "I'm just happy to have the opportunity to win this game on such an important day." The Pistons were impressed with McDyess' performance, especially given the unfortunate news he heard before the game. "He was the MVP of the game," said Richard Hamilton, who scored 31 points. "He did it all down the stretch." The Pistons collectively made just enough shots and stops to overcome 36-percent shooting and a rookie filling in for an All-Star point guard. Detroit broke its own NBA record by making just three turnovers even though rookie Rodney Stuckey replaced Chauncey Billups, who missed his second straight game with a strained right hamstring. HORNETS 101, SPURS 79 At New Orleans, David West had career playoff highs of 38 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots, lifting New Orleans to a 101-79 victory over San Antonio on Tuesday night and a 3-2 series lead. New Orleans looked impressive in winning the first two games at home but stumbled in San Antonio. Back in the Big Easy, the Hornets cruised again. "We've proved all season long we're one of the better teams in the NBA," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "We had every reason after Games 3 and 4 to fold, but again, being with these guys, they've showed this type of resilience all season, so I'm not surprised." Chris Paul had 16 of his 22 points in the second half and added 14 assists for the Hornets, who've never advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the franchise's 20-year history. Manu Ginobili led San Antonio with 20 points and Tony Parker had 18. The Hornets held Tim Duncan to 10 points, though Duncan was a force on the glass with 23 rebounds. "They did a great job of crowding the paint and also getting back to our shooters," Duncan said of the Hornets' defenders. "They were very physical on the post. I didn't shoot the ball very well and those opportunities kind of turned into them running it back at us."
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