Less than a year after being whisked out of the Western Conference finals at the Staples Center, the Spurs return here once again having to listen to the Lakers' taunts, again forced to answer questions about their own confidence and composure. This season the Spurs have been competitive but not complete, and because of that they trail 3-1 when they just as easily could be leading 3-1.

"Last year was more frustrating because we could never get anything going at all," David Robinson said. "This year, we're playing decent basketball, good basketball.

"If I was a fan, I would say this is entertaining. But being in our position winning is the only thing acceptable."

It's the only option tonight, of course, assuming the Spurs want to extend their season. After watching film of their Mother's Day meltdown, they held a brief practice Monday and talked about keeping their poise.