The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Hornets, 91-82, on Monday night to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Manu Ginobili posted 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the Spurs, who shot just 39% from the floor but outrebounded New Orleans by nine.

The Spurs outscored the Hornets in each of the first three quarters, taking a fifteen-point lead into the fourth quarter.

New Orleans stormed back to within three points with a little under two minutes left, but couldn't buy a basket on their next few possessions. The Spurs made their free throws, sealing the game at the line.

Tim Duncan had 16 points and 15 rebounds and Tony Parker added 17 points and 5 assists in the victory, which was the first road victory of the series and just the third of the twenty-five semifinal games played this spring.

Chris Paul tallied 18 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds for the Hornets, fouling out in the final moments as the Hornets repeatedly sent San Antonio to the foul line.

David West played well, despite a sore back, posting 20 points and 9 rebounds and Tyson Chandler added 13 points and 14 boards in the season-ending loss.

Paul was contained well by the defending-champion Spurs, as they kept him from taking over the game as he did in the previous three games in New Orleans.

San Antonio was red hot from behind the three-point line, going 12-for-28 in the win.

The Spurs will travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers in Game One of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night.