The New Orleans Hornets are experiencing just how physical the NBA playoffs are and will continue to be. The shot to David West by Robert Horry is something Coach Byron Scott said was to be expected. West has a sore back and that would be the target of SOMEONE in the Spurs defensive scheme. Horry, he of the table slam administered to Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash in last years' play, was the prime candidate for this dirty work. Mind you I didn't say dirty play, I said dirty work. The Hornets have yet displayed who their "enforcer" is. When that person unveils himself, whether this season or next, the league had better prepare itself for the next dynasty. Returning to New Orleans with an obviously hampered David West does not bode well for the home team. Last night, when West left the game, the Spurs began trapping guard Chris Paul immediately, virtually neutralizing his effectiveness. The Hornets seemd to be caught totally off guard by this tactic and the Spurs proceeded to blow the game wide open. The 7th and final game of this series is Monday night in New Orleans. This game will be physical and the refs will determine the extent of that physicality early in the game. The Hornets would be wise to attack the basket early and often. Expecting the hard and even flagrant foul from the Spurs should be anticipated. Keeping their cool under all circumstances is paramount. Remember last year when the play-off saavy Spurs lured the Suns into a suspension riddled deciding game? Expect the same Monday night. If the Hornets have a relatively healthy David West and can keep their heads straight, attack the basket and play a full 48 minutes..."The New Kids on the Block" can move onto the Western Conference Championship Game. Otherwise look for the San Antonio Spurs to meet the Detroit Pistons in the 2008 NBA Finals. Yes, I am predicting the winner of Monday nights game between the Spurs and Hornets to represent the Western Conference in the finals. The Detroit Pistons are by far the best team in the East and maybe the best this season, PERIOD. That conversation will continue in a couple of weeks.