NATION NEWS
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Published on: 5/21/08.

NEW ORLEANS – Manu Ginobili scored 26 points, hitting four free throws in the final minute, to send the San Antonio Spurs to the Western Conference finals with a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday in Game 7 of their second-round series.

Tony Parker added 17 points, including a crucial jumper in the final minute, as the Spurs held off a late rally to become the first team in this series to win on the road.

With a nucleus of Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler, the Hornets appear destined for greater things, but now is not their time.

Spurs' trio

It's the Spurs and their trio of Tim Duncan, Ginobili and Parker who will be travelling to Los Angeles to face the Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals tonight.

West led the Hornets with 20 points, while Paul and Jannero Pargo each added 18. Chandler had 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Hornets, who cut a deficit as large as 17 down to three inside the final two minutes.

Duncan had 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Spurs, seeking to win back-to-back titles for the first time. (AP)