I hope the Sonics enjoyed going to the basket without issue in Game 4 because the free pass has been revoked for now. The Spurs have their 14 feet back in the paint, and that forest doesn't take kindly to strangers who'd take advantage of their world without their permission.

I've said it once and I'll say it a million times: Payback is the only way back!

THE SACK

Jason, I heard you on "Mike and Mike in the Morning" last week sometime. Everyone was so quick to count out the Sixers, but look at it now. Who would you rather have in a Game 5? Allen Iverson and Larry Brown, or Paul Pierce and Jim O'Brien? My how the tables have changed. Win or lose, Game 5 should be something special. Brian from parts unknown Brian, If I had to pick, and apparently you are making me, I'd go with experience every time. Iverson and Brown would be my pick. They are NOT my pick for this game, though. Iverson made up my mind for me after Game 2 when he talked about all the energy the Celtics fed off of at the FleetCenter. I might not be intimidated by the atmosphere, but he recognizes an edge. However, if Walker and Pierce don't get the "I'm the go-to-guy" stuff straight, in a tight moment the Sixers might slip by with a turnover or a missed shot due to poor decision making. The Sixers and the Celtics have a long way to match Thursday's Game 5 in New Jersey. Hey Jason, I have been unpleasantly surprised to see that no one has reported on the class of the Hornets team, most notably that of coach Paul Silas and Baron Davis. This team has played with poise and confidence throughout the season, despite massive distractions and adversity, and has staunchly refused to take a stand on the upcoming move to the Big Easy. Recently Davis had his winning shot waived off, and both he and Silas remarked that "referees are only human." Then, when Tracy McGrady attempted to bait Davis into a war of words by saying he was the best player on the court, Baron said "T-Mac is a great player and an All-Star. He deserves to feel that way." With all the negativity in the NBA, I was very disappointed that no one picked up on this story. Do you have any insight? Rebecca Chicago, Ill. Rebecca, Very insightful thoughts. I think my ears were burning because we discussed this very issue with Hornets head coach Paul Silas on Thursday's edition of ESPN Radio's "GameDay." Silas mentioned that Baron is a very mature guy, who has grown so much. Silas noted that Davis' off-court growth is probably ahead of his on-court improvements -- that's saying something about the fabric of Baron Davis. As for the move, they didn't want that to be their issue. They will move if the team is called to go or stay if the recommendation to move to New Orleans is denied. Coach Silas said he and the team can't wait until next Friday when this issue comes to a close just so they don't have to answer questions about it any longer. Yeah, right! I'd love for the Finals to end up in Charlotte. I think the media ticket allotment would be on the rise. Jason, I'm sorry man, but I can't allow your unwarranted attack on Antoine Walker as the "Goat" in Wednesday's JaxLine. Did you even bother to watch the game? Paul Pierce is the man, no doubt, but he definitely didn't have it last night. He looked very frustrated on offense, forcing his offense on numerous plays (without success) and was being very well defended by Aaron McKie during the second half (especially when facing the basket). Antoine on the other hand was the only consistent offensive presence on the Celtics. He had 11 points in the third quarter to help solidify a lead going into the fourth. Why is it that any shot at the end of a game people revert to calling him selfish and immature? He has the ability to hit the big shot. Not to mention, on the last play, they were looking to post Paul up on the block, and if you watch it, he is all the way out near the 3-point line. In turn, that would mean he has to turn and try to take Aaron McKie off the dribble, again something he did not have success with. Antoine made a decision to put up a 3 and give them an opportunity for a second chance basket. So come on Jason, let's put an end to the biased view of Antoine. It's getting ridiculous. He wants to win, bottom line! Wes (diehard Celts fan) Massachusetts Wes, Way to stick behind your man. Here's the deal though. I'm not biased. I like Walker, and his desires to be great. The Goat designation doesn't mean I hate a player's game. It just designates a game or moment that created displeasure. As I wrote in the original edition of the JaxLine about the Gamer/Goat: "I will provide a look at the best and worst performance of the night. The numbers won't always be the guide." Walker is a shot maker. Sure, he could do more things with his back to the basket, but he is the player he wants to be. That comes with the heat. The reason why Pierce, who should have been on the low block, was right in Walker's face was his knowledge that Walker was sizing up a 3 when they needed a 2. Look, even when you have a great 1-2 punch like Walker and Pierce, you have to have structure. If Paul, bad or good that night, is that guy, then he has to be that guy on 30-percent shooting nights and on 60-percent nights.

The JaxLine will return on Monday, May 6, 2002 as I travel to the West Coast. Enjoy the conference semifinal games.

Jason Jackson is the host of ESPN's "NBA Matchup," ESPN2's "NBA 2Night" and ESPN Radio's "GameDay with Jason Jackson." You can e-mail him at Jason.Jackson@espn.com. Please type JaxLine into the subject line of your e-mail.