David West has a career night and leads the Hornets to a 101-79 victory and a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semis.

Coming off two straight losses, New Orleans knew it would have to show up and show up early to keep home court advantage against the defending champions San Antonio Spurs. David West, with 22 of his career-high 38 points came in the first half, made sure that happened. He also came through with 10 boards and five blocks to lead the charge.

“Back in the locker room, right before we break huddle and come out to the game, we said, ‘No excuses,”’ said West.

The 101-79 win put the Hornets within one game of the Western Conference finals, a first for the franchise. The Spurs’ Manu Ginobli had a team-high 20 points in their loss.

In the Eastern Conference semis, Tayshaun Prince’s clutch block at the end of regulation gave the Detroit the 91-86 win, and more importantly, clinched the series. They will now face the winner of the Cleveland-Boston series. Prince, who had the game-winning shot in Game 4, is no stranger to high-profile blocks, preferring that to taking the game-winning shot.

“The satisfaction to get a defensive stop to win the game, that’s what’s more gratifying than hitting the game-winning shot in my eyes,” said Prince. “If you get a huge defensive stop to ice the game, that makes you feel a lot better.”