Pistons advance, beating Magic, 91-86

Richard Hamilton scored 19 of his 31 points in the first half and Tayshaun Prince had a key block Tuesday night to help Detroit hold off the Orlando Magic, 91-86, at Auburn Hills, Mich., sending the Pistons to the Eastern Conference finals for a sixth consecutive season.

“Playing in six straight is awesome, but now we expect to do this,” Hamilton said. “We’re supposed to be here.”

The Pistons, who played for the second straight game without All-Star guard Chauncey Billups (hamstring strain), will have a break before facing the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers in the East finals.

Detroit made only 36% of its shots, but made up for it by making 28 of 32 free throws and turning the ball over only three times, an NBA playoff record for fewest turnovers in a game. Orlando was 16 for 28 at the line and had a playoff-high 21 turnovers, which turned into 34 points for Detroit.

New Orleans 101, San Antonio 79 -- David West had career playoff highs of 38 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots at New Orleans, lifting the Hornets to a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series.

Chris Paul had 16 of his 22 points in the second half and added 14 assists for New Orleans, which has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs. Manu Ginobili led San Antonio with 20 points and Tony Parker had 18. Tim Duncan scored only 10 points, though he had 23 rebounds.