SAN ANTONIO — Michael Finley hit a buzzer-beater, Tim Duncan was nearly unstoppable and the San Antonio Spurs claimed another Southwest Division title.

The playoffs are here, and things are looking familiar in San Antonio.

Down by five with 48.7 seconds left, the Spurs clawed to a thrilling comeback against New Orleans that began with Finley sinking a 3-pointer as time expired in the fourth quarter and Duncan dominating in overtime to stun the fading Hornets in a 105-98 victory last night.

Coupled with a Houston loss to Dallas, the Spurs clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and will play the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. The Hornets fell to the seventh seed after letting this one slip away.

"Just enough time," Finley said of releasing his 3-pointer that forced overtime. "Everything lined up for us."

Did it ever.

Even with a win, the Spurs weren't assured of starting the playoffs at home. But San Antonio didn't have to sweat the NBA scoreboard after the game, since the Rockets fell in Dallas before the Spurs and Hornets finished regulation.

The Spurs haven't opened the playoffs on the road since Duncan was a rookie in 1998. Back then, David Robinson was their leading scorer, they played in the Alamodome, and Duncan's first postseason lasted just four games when they were ousted by Phoenix.