New Orleans Hornets 80, San Antonio Spurs 100: I know there’s home court, I know home court generally gives a team an advantage. But as I watch these NBA Playoffs, I’ve gotta put hte question out there: Is it a guaranteed win once you’re at home?

Of the second round series, the home team is 14-1 (the lone loss was Orlando’s one-point defeat at the hands of the Pistons), and the games aren’t super close. San Antonio will lose by 15 on the road, then come home and win by 20, which makes me wonder what the difference is — like I said, I know there’s a difference, but a 35 point differential because you’re playing in front of your fans?

My rant aside, the Big Three for San Antonio were solid. Tim Duncan had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Tony Parker had 21 points and 8 assists, and Manu Ginobli had 15 points, 8 assists, but also had 4 turnovers.

Chris Paul managed to score 23, but had an un-Chris Paul night, handing out 5 assists over the course of the game. the series shifts back to New Orleans where, if history thus far proves right, they’ll win.

Los Angeles Lakers 115, Utah Jazz 123: Again: A home team that wins after struggling mightily in LA. Kobe had a bad back, but it was still almost enough to do in Utah. The Jazz were up by double digits with less than four minutes to play, but LA — and Derek Fischer, parituclarly — caught fire, eventually tying the game with less than 10 seconds to play.

Deron Williams had 29 points and 13 assists, and though his numbers were down, Carlos Boozer had a nice game with 14 points and 12 rebounds, with 12 of his 14 points coming in the second half. The series is tied 2-2 and shifts back to LA, where you’d think the Jazz have the momentum, but, I caution you — they don’t. This year’s NBA playoffs will be known as the playoffs where the top seed won every time, all the way ‘ti the end, when Boston hoists the Trophy.