This is the time to gain an edge, to get nasty, to whip the ball around the perimeter, to pursue loose balls with zeal and, yes, long rebounds, too. Peja Stojakovic, finding his stroke and sealing Shawn Marion off the boards. Doug Christie, Scot Pollard and Jackson, dictating with defense. Vlade Divac, dominating inside and initiating the offense with those pretty, one-bounce passes of his. And the cat-quick Williams, darting underneath for layups and hitting timely jumpers while being equally aggressive at the other end.
Tomorrow's too late.
But I don't think our confidence wavered in our coach, in our system, in our foundation. Some guys said stuff. I just think it's easy for some guys to point fingers instead of looking at themselves. We all have to do our jobs. Because this is it, folks, the Kings at the crossroads.