LAKERS IN TRANSITION

7 OF 8 "GAME ONES" WENT TO THE HOME TEAM: The only home loss went to New Jersey.  This came as surprise to me because I thought New Jersey would get it together and really take care of the Pacers in this series.  Guess the Pacers have other ideas.  Vince was cocky and paid the price for it getting taken down and landing awkwardly and shot a dismal 36% while taking 33 shots. 

UDONIS HASLEM SUSPENDED: Udonis Haslem, in what might be able to be called the most bone-headed move of these playoffs was suspended one game after throwing his mouthguard at referee Joey Crawford.  Joey Crawford?  Come on, even I'm smart enough not to mess with that guy.  His team was already short a big man with Mourning out.  And to top it off D Wade is banged up.  Congrats Udonis, you really showed him!! 

RON ARTEST ALSO SUSPENDED: Ron Artest was suspended for cracking Manu Ginobili in the head with his forearm.  Now, I haven't seen the footage so I can't really comment on whether or not the suspension was/is warranted, but could this the beginning of the return of the "real" Ron Artest? 

THE CLIPPERS ALMOST COUGH ONE UP: In their first playoff appearance since Cave Men roamed the Earth, the Clippers came out strong.  Then they nearly let the Nuggets leave with the victory.  They'd better protect their leads better because Carmelo isn't going to miss every shot in the 4th again. 

LAKERS ALMOST STUN SUNS WITH KOBE SCORING "ONLY" 22: Of course I have to mention my own team.  The Lakers had a great game plan and just about took it to the Suns in game won in Phoenix.  A few first quarter jitters out of the way and the Lakers are looking good.  Kobe didn't shoot great (he got some great looks, nothing forced) and the refs missed a call that the knot on Kobe's head didn't, otherwise the Lakers would have won easily.

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