The victory enabled San Antonio (54-28) to take the No. 3 playoff seed in the Western Conference. The Spurs open against No. 6 Dallas Saturday or Sunday in San Antonio.

Duncan, who turns 33 on April 25, missed seven games this season with a sore right knee, some of them because coach Gregg Popovich ordered him to the bench.

But Duncan was there for the Spurs in overtime with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a blocked shot to ensure the team's seventh divisional title in his 12 seasons.

The 6-foot-11-inch Duncan finished with 20 points, a season-best 19 rebounds and 6 assists.

"That was the old Timmy," said guard Tony Parker, who led the Spurs with 29 points. "Just controlling the game on defense and on offense, making shots and good passes from the double team. He was great tonight."

Duncan was presented the opportunity to excel in overtime when Michael Finley hit a three-point shot as time expired in regulation.

Finley made a trey to beat Sacramento on Sunday, but it should not have counted. He released it after the 24-second shot clock expired.

The Spurs, huddled in front of their bench during a timeout with 7.6 seconds left against New Orleans, called a play for Roger Mason Jr., the guard who has 17 three-point baskets in the last six games.

Mason was well guarded along the right sideline.

"The counter to it was for me to find Fin," Mason said.

Mason passed to Finley, who used a screen from Duncan to get open and launch his shot from the left side.

In overtime, Duncan made a driving bank shot, a 13-foot jumper, and a 14-footer from the baseline.

Twice during that period Duncan found Ime Udoka cutting to the basket, assisting on a layup and a reverse dunk.

Duncan also blocked a layup attempt by point guard Chris Paul.

Paul was superb overall, though, producing 26 points and 14 assists. He had 6 points and 6 assists in the fourth quarter.

Tyson Chandler, the Hornets' 7-1 center, returned after missing 15 games with an inflamed left ankle.

He scored 10 points in 20 minutes in the first half. Chandler sat out the second half.

"This is what I hoped for going into the playoffs," Chandler said. "I wanted to get out there and get up and down the court and get some contact. I felt all right."

The Spurs felt better, having won their fourth straight game. They were not assured of the No. 3 seed, and the home-court edge, until Dallas beat Houston on Wednesday.

Duncan said he found out about the Dallas victory while Parker shot free throws with 12 seconds left in overtime.

"Somebody told me," Duncan said. "My wife."