The Western Conference Final Four

Well, well, well. An already-awesome Western conference playoffs got even more interesting yesterday. The Lakers' win in Game 3 totally changed the dynamic of that entire series. I've always felt that Game 3 is the key to any seven-game series in any sport. It represents a big turning point in terms of momentum and I feel like whoever wins Game 3 becomes the team to beat. Even though the Spurs still have home-court advantage I think Game 4 is a must-win for both teams. Whoever wins Sunday will win the series.

The loss of Chris Webber is obviously terrible for the Kings. Webber has been the closest thing they have to a go-to guy this year, and so far Mike Bibby hasn't resembled his Johnny Clutch act of last year's playoffs. Even though Sacramento has more offensive weapons than any other team in the NBA, each one of their players is succeptible to vanishing in any given game. The door is open for a Dallas upset, but I don't see it happening. I don't put much stock in the Mavs 132-point performance on Thursday, since you can't expect that every game. While Dirk Nowitzki has played like a superstar he's not getting nearly enough support from the other starters. If Nash doesn't improve his offense soon, they should start Van Exel, who's had the hot hand lately.