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LeBron's World

Chauncey Billups has earned the nickname Mr. Big Shot.

In each of his five seasons with the Detroit Pistons, the sturdy point guard made a number of clutch shots late in games to help them at least reach the Eastern Conference finals.

The 2004 NBA finals MVP has a knack for making 3-pointers on the fastbreak or in halfcourt sets, dribbling and bumping his way into the lane for shots.

One Win Away

As much as the individual talents of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have frustrated the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference finals, the San Antonio Spurs have benefited from something else: their collective experience.

The Spurs are the oldest team in the league, featuring a roster full of players who've won championships or been part of long postseason runs.

Cavs Have Confidence

The throbbing pain in Larry Hughes' left foot matched the ache in the pit of his stomach. The thought of missing another NBA playoff game was tough on Cleveland's point guard.

Hughes, mired in a shooting slump during the postseason, will likely sit out Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against Detroit after he tore the plantar fascia in his left foot during the Cavaliers' 88-82 win in Game 3.

Tables Turned?

Before Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talked about how his team has learned over the years to be even-tempered in the playoffs, treating wins as a relief and losses as learning opportunities.

Then came a 26-point loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday night - and a confession Sunday afternoon.

``I lied,'' Popovich said, laughing.

LeBron Fired Up

Practice over, LeBron James palmed a basketball off the rack in his right hand, and with hardly any windup, fired it toward the hoop at the far end of Quicken Loans Arena.

Swish. Nothing but net from 92 feet.

Just like in his commercial.