NBA - No Billups, no problem as Hamilton leads Pistons (+ video)

DETROIT (NBA) – The Detroit Pistons are in the Eastern Conference finals after beating Orlando while the New Orleans Hornets are just one victory away from playing for the title in the West after thrashing San Antonio.

The Pistons won 91-86 on Tuesday to clinch a 4-1 triumph over the Magic in their semi-final showdown.

With Team USA hopeful Chauncey Billups having to sit out a second straight game with a strained right hamstring, the Pistons got a huge performance from Richard Hamilton who scored 31 points. He was a perfect 16 of 16 at the free throw line.

Detroit await the winner of the series between Boston and Cleveland, which is knotted at 2-2.

New Orleans, hammered twice in San Antonio, returned to the Big Easy and made it look very easy by beating the Spurs 101-79 behind a phenomenal 38-point, 14-rebound effort from all-star David West.

Team USA guard Chris Paul, the Hornets’ other all-star, had 22 points and 14 assists. 


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