In the NBA Playoffs, it’s tough to be a playoff team in the Western Conference, because 3 teams who won over 50 games this season have already been eliminated.  

Two of those three teams were bounced out last night.   Phoenix is out, after San Antonio ’s 92-87 win in Game 5 of their series.  Tony Parker had 31 points and 8 assists, and Tim Duncan had 29 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Spurs. 

Dallas is done, after New Orleans ’ 99-94 Game 5 victory.  New Orleans' Chris Paul is looking more like Magic Johnson every day.  He had another triple-double:  24 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds to help the Hornets bring a playoff series triumph to New Orleans for the first time.  

Houston stayed alive, with a 95-69 rout of Utah, led by Tracy McGrady's 29 points .   The Rockets are still down 3-2 in that series.  

And, Detroit now has the upper hand in its Eastern Conference series, after a 98-91 victory over Philadelphia .  Chauncey Billups had 21 points and 11 assists to lead the Pistons.

Tonight:  Cleveland can win its series with Washington if it gets a home victory in Game 5, and Boston hosts pesky Atlanta with that series tied at 2 games apiece,