By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Thursday 5-11 This week marks the acknowledgement of mother's around the world. Everyone feels that his or her mother is the best (and rightfully so) mom around. In the sports world athletes are able to show their love towards their mothers with large purchases such as: houses, cars, furs, vacations, etc. Regardless of your financial situation be sure to express to your mom how great she is in any shape or form...Because on Sunday the NBA playoffs tip-off at 3:30 p.m. and you can't afford to leave your television to pick-up a last minute gift. Happy Mother's Day to all! 2006 NBA Playoffs and On The first round of the NBA playoffs was highlighted by a great seven game series between the Suns and Lakers. After L.A. went up 3-1 and Phil Jackson proved his argument of being the best coach in NBA history, the Lakers then proved why they were simply a #7 seed dropping three straight to the Amare-less Suns, including a 31 point defeat in game 7. The second round hasn't been as interesting thus far. The Pistons are manhandling the Cavs'... and in every other series "he who blew out their opponent in game 1 was then blown out in game 2." Western Conference First Round Losers: Grizzles, Nuggets, Lakers and Kings. Round 2 (1) Spurs vs. (4) Mavericks- (Series 1-1) After a hard fought six game series with the Kings, the Spurs had 36 hours to prepare for the well-rested Mavs. Maybe Dallas sat for too long being edged out by the Spurs 89-87 in game 1. But the Mavs responded with a 22-point victory in game 2. It seems as if the Mavs strength is to spread the floor and attack the basket. With the Spurs being nagged by injuries to Duncan and Ginobli their run-n-gun tactics will be the key to Dallas' success. : Prediction: Dallas 4-3 (2) Suns vs. (6) Clippers- (Series 1-1) The Suns entered the second round as the "hottest" team in the West after reeling off three straight victories over the Lakers to overcome a 3-1 deficit. Surprisingly the Clippers shot 60% from the field and scored 123 points and still fell short to the Suns 130-123. But playoffs are all about adjustments and as a result the Clippers slowed the tempo in game 2 and shot out to an early 20 point lead, leaving Phoenix with a 122-97 victory. As the series turns to the Staples Center it will be interesting to see if the Suns can overcome yet another L.A. team in the City of Angels. Prediction: Clippers 4-2 Eastern Conference First Round Losers: Wizards, Pacers, Bulls and Bucks Round 2 (1) Pistons vs. (4) Cavaliers- Does anyone want to challenge the Pistons? Sure, the Bucks won one game but it didn't phase Detroit. Now they have the opportunity of harassing a certain number 23, as did the Bad Boys in the late '80's. Although watching #23 brake-down the Pistons defense is somewhat exciting it tends to get old. One may argue that the Cavs' showed a competitive edge by creeping back in game 2 being down by 20 but in the words of Rasheed Wallace "Either way you look at it they are still down 2-0." The "Kid" will get his chance, just not this year. Prediction: Pistons 4-0 (2) Heat vs. (3) Nets- The Heat's "old-age" and "poor" perimeter defense was exposed in game 1 as the Nets jumped out to a 28-point lead midway through the third quarter. New Jersey forced 17 turnovers and converted it into 24 points. After a day to adjust the tables turned as the Heat, lead by Dwayne Wade 17 first quarter points, jumped out to a early 20 point lead and never looked back. Now that the Heat has tied the series their spirits have been renewed. But with one day of rest can the Heat pull off a repeat performance in Jerzey! Prediction: Nets 4-2 Just A Thought... • Bonds Away: As Barry Bonds (713 HR) sits one "dinger" away from Babe Ruth (714 HR) it seemed as if pitchers around the National League would begin to walk the slugger instead of facing him like a man, but thanks to Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano he stood up to Barry on Wednesday and Bonds went 0-3. Don't get me wrong I can't wait until Bonds surpasses the Babe (the most glorified runner-up in sports history), but a memo needs to be sent out to NL pitchers to stop being afraid of a 21-year MLB veteran with elbow and knee injuries. You're all professionals for crying out loud! • "Brand" New: During the course of the regular season many NBA analyst made a case that Elton Brand was worthy of being named the MVP. I must admit I was not on Brand's bandwagon but after scoring a combined 67 points against the Phoenix Suns in the second round, his game seems to speak much louder than any analyst around the league. I must say that without the strong play of Brand, the Clippers would still be the "other" L.A. team. • NHL Playoffs: Has anyone in America been following the NHL playoffs? Me neither! "I'm out like the Lakers, Bulls, Pacers, Kings...you get the point!"