They did just enough to win fourth quarters and beat the Spurs. They started fast enough to begin their series with the Kings with a win and renewed hope that last season's form would return. Lakers coach Phil Jackson even questioned his team's resolve and saw that ploy fail, too.

Then Robert Horry calmly canned his 3-pointer to send the Western Conference finals to Sacramento tied 2-2 and perhaps save the Lakers' title defense. And while much was made about what the shock would do to the Kings, the Lakers' renewal might be just as important to the rest of the series, starting tonight in Game 5.

"A win like that can build momentum," Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said. "It builds character and camaraderie for your team. It builds togetherness. We need something like that. We haven't been playing our best basketball. To have a win like that really brings everybody together. There's not a better time for that shot to go in than now.