By Danny Abbes

With all series at 3-1, four teams now face single game elemination. So can Detroit, Charlotte, San Antonio or Dallas realistically string a trio of victories and prevail? Well, history says it's difficult. Only six teams have overcome the deficit

So what has led them here, and what, if anything, could be done to make the climb back?

Kings and Mavericks

Maverick shortcomings on the defensive blocks have hampered Dallas from slowing Webber. Next season Mark Cuban must remember to hire an on-ball, post defender. Nowitzki and LaFrentz simply don't bother Webber and Divac when they have position in the paint. Also, something needs to be done to contain Mike Bibby. Perhaps run Greg Buckner or Adrian Griffin at the man. But come on, Nellie, do something. You're not one to shy away from expirementing anyway.

But before moving on, I must mention Doug Christie's efforts. After a grotesque ankle twist, DC, fraught with valor and void of hesitancy, produced an inspiring performance that won a pivotal game three in Dallas. Then, a great game four supported a back-to-back victory and sent the Kings to a commanding advantage.

Plus, Sacramento did this despite egregiously inconsistent officiating. And if you subscribe to the NBA's conspiracy theory, you've got to believe this wasn't supposed to happen. Why would the league not want to prolong this tremendously high-rated series? I digress...

Lakers and Spurs

Kudos to San Antonio for winning game two and for keeping all contests close, but please don't lie down in the fourth quarter. It's brutal when you watch this series and have that feeling that a Laker comeback is inevitable. Well, as long as you're not a Laker fan I guess. And everyone who's not seems to loathe LA anyway.

As far as turnarounds, San Antonio would need to couple impeccable inside-outside offense with fourth quarter defense, or have their team bus run over Shaq.

Boston and Detroit

Boston tries to become the first lower seed to unseat a higher during these playoffs. Pierce and Walker are no secret, but Celtic roleplayers have made it tough for Detroit. Rodney Rogers, Eric Williams and a revitalized Kenny Anderson ruined Piston's plans.

Detroit must swing momentum, and just hope Celtic shooting slumps. Well, from past the arc anyway. I guess no one's exactly taking the roof off with sub-seventy point games. But if any of these teams were to come back, Detroit may have the best shot.

New Jersey and Charlotte

After nearly losing to Indiana, few thought New Jersey would continue much further. Admittedly, I was a skeptic. The will of Jason Kidd has propelled the Nets though. And sans Jamal Mashburn, Charlotte lacks a prolific scorer -- save Baron Davis.

To win the series, the Hornets must punch Jason Kidd in the eye. No, just kidding. But these playoffs have been touted as "anything could happen," and New Orleans, I mean Charlotte, has as decent a chance as Detroit. Keep tuned.