Tim Duncan is heating up. And so, suddenly, is the Spurs-Hornets playoff series.

The question in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday is: What's more powerful, Duncan or the Hornets' home-court advantage?

Both have flexed their muscles in a best-of-seven series that's now become a best-of-three.

Duncan blamed a fever and was pretty much a nonfactor in the two series-opening losses in New Orleans, totaling 23 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 7-for-20 along the way. He wasn't much of a passer (two assists) or defender (two blocks), either.

But a new man -- or rather, the Duncan of old -- performed Thursday and Sunday in San Antonio. The former MVP combined for 38 points and 28 rebounds, shooting 16-for-26 and recording consecutive double-doubles. He also had six assists and eight blocks.

The Tony Parker-Chris Paul matchup has been fabulous for four games. But make no mistake about it: The winner of this series will be decided by Duncan's ability to deal with the New Orleans court and fans.

Game 7, if necessary, also is scheduled for New Orleans.

SPURS 100, HORNETS 80: The Spurs were unable to beat the Hornets from the perimeter in the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals, so when the series shifted to San Antonio, the visitors' defensive game plan remained the same.

After having decent success from the outside in their Game 3 win, the defending champs reverted to their hard-driving selves Sunday.

Tim Duncan dominated the inside and guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were able to penetrate the New Orleans defense like never before. The result was a championship-type performance in a must-win situation.

The Spurs took the lead for good in the first quarter, took command in the second period and made it a benches-clearing blowout by the end of the third, sending the best-of-seven series back to New Orleans all square at 2-2.

Duncan had his best game of the series, hitting 10 of his 13 shots en route to 22 points in just 35 minutes. The Spurs shot 51.3 percent as a team.

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