Down 15 in the first half, they came back to beat the Heat.  Whose big 3 is better?   And what about the Lakers vs Thunder?  NBA playoffs look very interesting!  Both games were a helluva lot better than the Oscars last night.

Yes, I realize for elite teams in the NBA (i.e. Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Spurs), the regular season is virtually pointless. Its impossible for these teams to get up for all 82 games. They know they will be in the playoffs, they know they can win on the road, so how they finish in the regular season is not as important. What is important to them is that they are healthy and rested as the playoffs begin.

However, for teams like the Knicks, who are trying to take that next step, games like last nights are really important. It was a MUCH bigger game for the Knicks than the Heat. The Knicks are trying to establish themselves as a soild playoff contender. Beating the Heat on the road is a step in the right direction. Are the Knicks winning an NBA title this year? Prob. not. But I think with their revamped roster, depending on the match-up, they could win a first round series. Whether they have what it takes to beat one of the elite teams in the East remains to be seen. Remember they have only been together for three games; building chemistry takes time (The Heat had the benefit of an entire training camp for and they still struggled during the early part of the season). But irrespective of how they finish this year, they are heading in the right direction. Adding another high level player next year would make the Knicks legitimate championship contenders.

As far as the Western conference goes, its just so hard to bet against the Lakers. They have the best closer in the game (and the best since Jordan) in Kobe. With the game on the line, I trust him to make a play. The Spurs are playing great and with their experience are a legitimate threat. Dallas has never gotten that second star to play alongside Dirk. (They needed Jason Kidd a decade ago). Same goes with New Orleans and Chris Paul...they don't have the second star. The Thunder are exciting, and Durant can win a game or two by himself, but they still lack toughness inside which you need to compete in the playoffs. With Utah (Sloan residing and trading Derron Williams) and Denver (trading Melo) taking a step or two back, it should be a great race in the West for the final two or three spots...

You are right, the NBA playoffs should be a great watch.