It helped that Antonio Davis poured in a playoff career high, and that Chris Childs saw the floor perfectly at times. Jerry Stackhouse's 2-for-10 performance just fueled the fan fire. Now that engine has to power up for two more victories before the Pistons get one.

	Divac

	Davis

Gamer/Goat
Gamer: If you slap a triple-double in the book, you might just be of gamer fabric. Baron Davis didn't let a bad call get him down. He took it out on the 3-point line. In overtime, Davis took three shots from the field -- all from downtown. He made two of them on way to nine of the Hornets' 18 overtime points.

Goat: For all the talking he did after slipping out of Game 1 with a victory over the Jazz, Vlade Divac was very quiet in the Kings' Game 3 victory. He missed all five of his field-goal attempts, but was kind enough to get disqualified with one more foul than shots that were off the mark Saturday.

Bobby Jones Award

	Magloire

Jamaal Magloire is picking up a lot of slack. With Charlotte's other Jamal on the mend, six Hornets scored 10 or more points. Magloire was one of those contributors. He posted career playoff highs in points and rebounds in the overtime victory. His 15 points off the folding chair was more than the Magic reserves combined (11).

In Case You Missed It
Saturday night marked the first time Hakeem Olajuwon was held scoreless in a playoff game. We are talking about nearly 150 postseason games. He missed both his shots in 15 minutes against the Pistons. Coming into this season his playoff career average was 27 points a game.

Next!
Celtics vs Sixers, Game 3 (Celtics up 2-nil)
The crowd in the First Union Center will be in true form. They will Love It Live, and they will have some evil things for the men in green to digest. Nevertheless, if Boston allows Allen Iverson to shoot and continues to keep the supporting cast out of the scoring picture, the Celtics will be the first team calling for the broom. Saying all that, I have learned never the underestimate the power of No. 3, and his impact on the Sixers (and the opposing defense) when he's on.

Mavericks vs Timberwolves, Game 3 (Mavs up 2-nil)
If the Mavs shoot 30 percent in this game, they will lose. If they keep ripping the rope at over 46 percent, the Target Center will be announcing season ticket specials for next season. The T-Wolves just don't have enough weapons to deal with the Dallas six-shooter, but I've seen Kevin Garnett -- who averages 22 points per game at home -- perform magic in the land of 10,000 lakes. He'd better go David Copperfield or Lance Burton on Sunday.

Lakers vs Blazers, Game 3 (Lakers up 2-nil)
This series is over. Game 3 or Game 4, but this things is done; the Blazers lost it in Game 2. I respect the 12-point gap closer at the end of the last meeting, but I was equally unimpressed and disappointed in the three technical fouls and the flagrant foul. For the most part, the control valve we saw during the 12-game win streak after the All-Star break has been ripped off and replaced with bitching and moaning to officials. The Lakers would love to sprint to the title without a loss. It is the only way they can top last year's run. L.A. will be focused.

THE SACK

Hi Jason, I strongly feel that the Celtics will make it to the Conference Finals on the shoulders of Paul Pierce. I think he is a very special player, a postseason player -- as Bird was, and not only because of his talent but because of his confidence in his own ability. What's your opinion on that? thanks from Vienna (Austria, Europe) Apostel Apostel, Thanks for the trans-Atlantic shout out. Let's slow down with the Bird reference, though. I have a rule about that type of comparison: If you haven't won a title or if you aren't in the Hall of Fame, you cannot be compared to such a player. Paul Pierce is showing us he is starting his walk down that road, but let's take it slow. He is a confident scorer. He must have made all of his coaches from the church league to Jim O'Brien fire off a few phrases such as, "No ... oh, good shot Paul!" He will fire from any spot, and from any position. I'm told to be a shooter -- a true shooter -- you have to be without fear and without a conscience. Pierce lacks both. Mr. Jackson, Why is it that the truly great coaches in the league get no respect? What Nellie has done in Dallas, Popovich in San Antonio, Rudy T in Houston, and especially Jackson in L.A. seems to get no respect from anyone when it comes time to chose coach of the year. Looking at Jackson, how can he have only one coach of the year honor and eight championships? Tushar, from parts unknown Tushar, Right or wrong, most NBA Coach of the Year honors are awarded to a coach that has led a turnaround. Coaches who have good players are expected to win, so most discount their greatness. Phil Jackson cannot shake that way of thinking because all people see are Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant on his rosters. I have been told it is tougher to coach a good team, due to the expectations. Right now, that is a mindset held by a few because the coaches you mentioned will get overlooked again. The success in New Jersey or Detroit will bring the Red Auerbach Trophy to Byron Scott or Rich Carlisle. Hey Jason, With the way that the Mavs are playing right now, I don't see the Wolves advancing this postseason ... once again. Tough question: What do you think the Wolves need to do to become a playoff contender? They were one for the first part of the season, but it didn't last. Is it their mentality? Do they need to change up some of their players (esp. the infamous Joe Smith)? A new coach even though Flip seems to being doing great with what he has? Anything?? Along these lines, is it possible to get a petition together or something to get the Wolves moved to the East? 'Cause we're a great team, but with all the great teams in the West we just can't seem to get any love. I know that's not realistic, but hey, if it helps the Wolves get past the first round I'll do it. Thanks. Loyal Timberwolves fan, Andy Minn. Andy, To get Minnesota moved to the East you need to cheer for the Hornets to move to New Orleans, and then you all could move to the Central Division, and the Hornets to the Midwest. Then when the NBA re-expands into Charlotte, and is an even 30 teams, you better pray for a realignment that moves Milwaukee to the Midwest Division and not the Timberwolves again. Now, I am way off course. Andy, there is nothing to be done until the next 7-foot, 350-pound center arrives. Oh yeah, he has to do all the things Shaq does, such as pass, pound and punish. Flip is a great coach. It would be silly to move him. Kevin McHale should keep looking for better players to put around KG, but he better go find Big Foot if you all want win now.

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 your subject line or your e-mail might not reach Mr. Jackson.