Philadelphia ? Known mostly for his defense, George Lynch kept New Orleans alive with impressive shooting, clutch rebounding and quick hands.

Lynch scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and had two key steals and offensive rebounds, helping the Hornets avoid elimination Wednesday night with a 93-91 victory over Philadelphia.

The Sixers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Game 6 is Friday night in New Orleans.

“I was due,” said Lynch, who was traded from the Sixers to the Hornets prior to last season in a deal for Derrick Coleman. “In the first four games, I couldn’t throw it in the ocean.”

Jamal Mashburn returned after missing two games because of a broken right middle finger to score 21, and Jamaal Magloire had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

“It’s still hurting, but I told the guys I didn’t want to go home. It’s too early,” Mashburn said. “I knew my presence would make a difference.”

Allen Iverson led Philadelphia with 30 and Keith Van Horn added 21.

A three-pointer by Iverson tied it at 83-all with 2:41 left, but Mashburn answered with a long jumper.

After a miss by Mashburn, Lynch got the rebound and laid it in to put the Hornets ahead, 87-85. After Coleman drilled a long jumper, Lynch again got a rebound off a miss by Mashburn and put it in for an 89-87 lead with 1:02 left.

Lynch then stripped Iverson, and Mashburn made a free throw for a 90-87 lead with 23 seconds left. Iverson’s layup cut it to 90-89, and Mashburn made a free throw for a 91-89 lead with 13.6 seconds left.

Lynch then stripped Van Horn, and Baron Davis iced it with two free throws.

“We’re still down 3-2,” Davis said. “You don’t see me celebrating. We’re still down. We can’t lose.”

Lynch averaged just 4.5 points in the regular season, but had a career-best 28 three-pointers in 79 attempts (35.4 percent).

“I’ve been able to shoot about 50 percent on three-pointers in practice,” he said. “I spent a lot of time in summers developing my shot.”