After leading the New Orleans Hornets to a game seven against the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, Byron Scott is going to be rewarded with a new contract extension. While he hasn’t officially signed the extension yet, that appears to be just a formality at this point.

Scott, who was named the 2007-08 NBA Coach of the Year, did a wonderful job with the Hornets. He gave Chris Paul room to grow and do whatever he wanted offensively. Paul responded by finishing second in the MVP voting behind Kobe Bryant. Other players on the team, such as David West, Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic, also seem to respond well to Scott’s coaching.

In fantasy basketball, this is good news for the starting lineup of the Hornets. Paul, West, Chandler, Stojakovic and Morris Peterson should continue to get substantial playing time going forward. Not only that, their production should at worst remain the same.

However, Scott has never been known to be especially kind to his bench players. This year was no different, as Scott often publicly complained about the lack of production from his bench. While bench players Julian Wright and Jannero Pargo seem to have good futures, it’s tough to tell how Scott will feel about his bench from day to day.

For Hornets fans in New Orleans, this is very good news. The Hornets now appear ready to become a legit championship contender for many years to come.

Photo: Newscom

Check out this video of Robert Horry’s hard foul on David West in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. With the San Antonio Spurs blowing out the New Orleans Hornets, Robert Horry hit David West with a hard yet seemingly clean back pick. David West fell to the ground holding his back — which was tender entering the game.

Although this was likely a deliberate move by Horry, don’t expect the NBA to take any action against Horry or the Spurs. It was a playoff foul that happens every game.

The good news for David West is he has three foul days to recover for Game 7. On Monday, the Spurs and Hornets will play in New Orleans in a win or go home situation.

Here is the Robert Horry and David West video:

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Los Angeles Lakers - 3
Utah Jazz - 2
Outlook: The Lakers beat the Jazz in the pivotal Game 5. Kobe Bryant’s injury seems to be limiting a bit so the Jazz aren’t done yet.

New Orleans Hornets - 3
San Antonio Spurs - 2
Outlook: The Hornets won Game 5 at home. Tyson Chandler and David West suffered injuries but they should be fine going forward.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston Celtics - 3
Cleveland Cavaliers - 2
Outlook: The Celtics got down early in Game 5 but then fought back and got the win. LeBron James will try to lead the Celtics to a Game 6 win.

Detroit Pistons - 4
Orlando Magic - 1
Outlook: The Pistons are the first team to stamp their ticket to the conference finals. The Pistons are hoping that Chauncey Billups’ injury will be healed by the time they have to play again.

Chauncey Billups’ injury forced him to miss the last two games.

Photo: Newscom

Tyson Chandler of the New Orleans Hornets left Game 5 in the fourth quarter and didn’t return. The Hornets had a big lead on the San Antonio Spurs and didn’t need the services of their up-and-coming center. Reports indicate that if needed, Chandler should have been able to return.

Chandler is dealing with a mildly sprained toe but will be able to play in Game 6. The Hornets, who lead the defending champion Spurs 3-2 in their best out of seven series, will look to eliminate the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Spurs, on the other hand, will be trying to force a seventh game.

David West also suffered a minor injury during Game 5. West suffered tightness in his back, but didn’t see limited on the court and was able to keep playing. West finished Game 5 with 38 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and five blocks. Despite his slight injury, West will also definitely play in Game 6.

Photo: Newscom