Mailman and KG jockey for position in Friday's gallery.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images/NBAE

X-Factor: Mailman Delivers for L.A.

Malone
Though Kevin Garnett has been a model of consistency in the playoffs for the Timberwolves, Karl Malone showed the Big Ticket that he's not the only rock steady performer. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Mailman outscored and outrebounded KG, shot 8-of-13 from the field and added four assists and three steals for good measure as the Lakers took an important 97-88 road win in the series opener.

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May 21, 2004


VIRTUAL GM TOP EFFICIENCY
Shaquille O'Neal, L.A.
VGM value: 23.3
Friday: Shaquille O'Neal showed why he's the best center in basketball in Friday's 97-88 win in Game 1. Shaq tallied game-highs in points (27), rebounds (18) and blocks (4).
  • Shaq attack! 56k | 300k

    • VIRTUAL GM BEST BUY
    Derek Fisher, L.A.
    VGM value: 7.2
    Friday: Fisher once again showed why he's cool in the clutch, as he tallied 11 of his 14 points in the second half.

    TIME TO TUNE IN
    Saturday on ESPN
    Pistons at Pacers, 8 p.m. ET

    SPEAK IT, MAN
    "I'm also one of those players that probably won't be stopped."
    -- Shaquille O'Neal on being double-teamed in Game 1.