The New Orleans Hornets cruised past the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night thanks to a huge third quarter run to take a 3-2 series lead.

David West dominated from the opening tip, posting career highs with 38 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks for the Hornets, who outrebounded the Spurs by nine and turned the ball over just six times.

San Antonio led by three at halftime, but New Orleans outscored the Spurs 28-11 in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

Chris Paul notched 22 points and 14 assists, with a majority of his scoring coming in the second half as the Hornets made their run.

Tyson Chandler missed the final minutes of the game with an injured toe.

Coach Byron Scott admitted after the win that he doesn't expect Chandler to miss the game in San Antonio, nor does he think West will miss time with a sore back.

Manu Ginobili had 20 points and 7 assists and Tony Parker added 18 points and 4 dimes for the Spurs, who shot just 37% from the floor and attempted fifteen fewer free throws than New Orleans.

Tim Duncan scored just 10 points on 5-for-18 shooting, while contributing 23 rebounds. Ginobili was just 5-for-15 on the night.

The Hornets waited to collapse on Duncan until he touched the ball in Game Five, which seemed to help contain him.

Each of the five games in the series has ended in a double-digit victory, with the third quarter often deciding the outcome.

New Orleans has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.

Game Six will be on Thursday night in San Antonio as the Hornets look to eliminate the defending champions.