The Spurs got all they wanted in the first round from Sacramento. The Heat looked as if they were coming unglued after the Bulls punched them in the mouth in the opening round. But Miami survived and has since thrived.

I think Phoenix vs. Lakers’ first round with Kobe Bryant making those wonder shots in Game 4 giving Lakers a three game lead followed by Raja Bell’s suspension for running into Bryant and Barboza’s excellent performance in filling in for Bell in Game 6, opening way for Game 7.

Miami beat New Jersey in five games, the last three of which were undecided with two minutes to go in each game. And then there are the Clippers, who are unbelievable. To see the Clippers take over the city of Los Angeles is simply fulfilling. They have been the worst team in NBA for the past 25 years, and yet there they are.

All this makes this season compelling for most members of the family and makes the NBA playoffs create the stars that make people watch in following years.