A convincing 121-90 Game 7 victory by the Phoenix Suns capped an impressive comeback from a 3-1 series deficit and allowed the Suns to escape into the next round.  The win also capped an exciting NBA first round and gave hope that the second round will bring more of the same.

Objects in the mirror are much closer than they appear.

The objects in said mirror are the Los Angeles Lakers. 

While the Lakers' players are probably kicking themselves right now for giving up a commanding lead and not closing out the series at home in Game 6, the 'ballers in purple and gold can take solace in the fact that they're not far off from once again competing for an NBA title.  Yes, you did read that statement correctly.

Kobe Bryant piled up as many points as criticisms in the season's first half (including from yours truly - scroll down a bit in my blog to see what I mean).  But along the way, his scoring and leadership helped instill confidence into the minds of his teammates.  The result - a 45 win season, a trip back to the playoffs, and a near first round upset of a Western Conference powerhouse.

Expect the Lakers to recover from this sports "tragedy" and be a big player in the off-season free agent market.  Perhaps a trade or two wouldn't be out of the question either.  They'll need to add a true point guard that can set up Kobe and Lamar Odom in the half-court game, as well as open up opportunities for others on the break.  L.A. will also need to acquire another scorer or two to come off the bench and provide a spark for the team when Kobe is a little off his game.

Another season under the zen master, Phil Jackson, combined with a few additions and further development of players like Luke Walton and Kwame Brown and the L.A. Lakers will once again return to glory.

Beware Western Conference foes ... the objects are getting close.

No time for celebration - the other L.A. team is waiting.

For the Phoenix Suns, last night's win was the culmination of an emotional, collective effort.  With their backs against the proverbial wall and experts and fans everywhere counting them out, the Suns answered the challenge with a thrilling overtime road triumph sandwiched between two impressive victories at home.  But now, a new challenge arises - same city, different name.

It seems like weeks have gone by since the Los Angeles Clippers dismantled the Denver Nuggets in five games to advance to the second round for the first time in 30 years.  And while their potential opponents have slugged out in the interim, the confident Clippers have had the chance to do some advanced scouting.  What they've likely discovered is that, much like other teams, they dwarf the undersized Suns along the front line.

Look for the Clippers to utilize PF Elton Brand early and often during the best-of-seven series with Phoenix.  Brand and C Chris Kaman will make for extremely difficult matchups for the Suns' bigs.  While Kaman and Brand stand 7'0" and 6'8" respectively and combine for well over 500 lbs, the Suns power forward/center combination of Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw average 6'7 1/2" and 220.  Needless to say, Phoenix will have to make their living in the open floor if they want to have a chance.  But that's nothing to new to Mike D'Antoni's crew.

Unfortunately for Phoenix, the Clippers wingmen can match the athleticism and speed of their counterparts.  Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston can run the floor as well as anybody.  And if playoff veterans Sam Cassell and Cutino Mobley can offset the play of Steve Nash, the Suns will be in serious trouble in the next round.

A wise man once said that things in the universe have a way of evening out.  If that is indeed the case, the Phoenix Suns' current high spirits will come plummeting toward the Earth at warp speeds when they clash with their second round opponents.

A mano-y-mano battle for the ages ends on a sour note.

LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas each carried their respective franchises on their burgeoning shoulders as they made their way through a competitive and exciting series.

James poured in 36 ppg during the series while Arenas countered with 32.7.  In almost every contest, it was literally a case of "anything you can do I can do better." 

In Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2, Arenas hit a couple of big shots down the stretch of regulation to bring the Wizards back from a seven point deficit with just over a minute to play.  In overtime, his aggressive drive to the basket forced the Cavs into fouling him with 3.9 seconds remaining and the Cavs holding on to a one point lead.  Gilbert calmly drained both free throws to put Washington in front.  So what did LeBron do to answer?  Nothing much.  He simply took the in-bounds pass amidst a double team and blew by both defenders along the baseline for a game-winning layup.

In Game 6, Arenas nailed a three-pointer from North Baltimore with 1.8 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime and temporarily stave off elimination.  However, with just seconds left in overtime and the Wizards clinging to a one point lead, LeBron whispered some words of "encouragement" into the ear of Arenas as he stood on the free throw line with a chance to lock up the victory and force Game 7.

"I just told him, if you don't make these free throws the series is over," proclaimed James after the game.  Unfortunately for Gilbert, LeBron's exploits in fortune telling turned out to be quite prophetic.  Arenas missed both shots and seldom used Damon Jones buried the game-winner at the opposing end.

For LeBron James, it was an incredible ending to an unbelievable first-time performance in the playoffs.  Now, an even greater challenge awaits as the two-time defending Eastern Conference Champions lick their chops at a chance to stymy all this "next Michael Jordan" talk.  Obviously, James will need much more help from his teammates if he's going to have an opportunity to move on.

As for Gilbert Arenas, it was a painful climax and a disappointing finish to another breakout year.  Most assuredly, Arenas will think about that fateful trip to the foul line all summer long.  But what he should never forget are the many enormous shots he made during the series.  He should also never forget the fact that without him, the Wizards would've never made the postseason to begin with, let alone win one game in the Cleveland series.

Are you ready for the best second round matchup in recent memory?

All season long, the defending World Champion San Antonio Spurs and the up-and-coming Dallas Mavericks have battled for supremacy in the Western Conference.  These two juggernauts traded the top spot in the Midwest Division (and the top spot in the conference overall) from early November all the way until mid-March when the Spurs managed to "separate" themselves from the Mavs by a game or two the rest of the way.  But through all the jockeying for playoff positioning, one thing has been crystal clear from start to finish, the Spurs and Mavericks are the class of the West.

Much to no one's surprise, S.A. and Dallas split the regular season series, 2-2.  And no one should be surprised if their postseason series is tied at 2-2 after four games.  In fact, I'd be shocked if this series didn't go at least six games, if not seven.

The Mavericks have been resting up and catching up on all the NBA playoff action since their impressive four-game disposal of the Memphis Grizzlies.  Meanwhile, the defending champs had to sweat it out in six games against the hungry and battle-ready Sacramento Kings.  Who has the advantage as a result of their first round feat is anybody's guess.  But Game 1 is already underway and perhaps the answer will be clarified later today.

Playoff Predictions:

Detroit vs. Cleveland

LeBron James is a phenomenal talent but not even Superman himself could beat a team like the Detroit Pistons by himself.  LeBron will have his moments.  But in the end, too much balance on both ends by Detroit for Cleveland to overcome.

Prediction:  Detroit -- 4-1

Miami vs. New Jersey

The New Jersey Nets provide a similar challenge to Shaq and the Heat that the Chicago Bulls did.  They're younger, quicker, more athletic, and love to run.  The big difference, though, is that the Nets also possess plenty of postseason experience.  If the Heat win this series, it will be because of home-court advantage and the ability of Shaq to dominate the paint and stay out of foul trouble.  Neither will happen this time.

Prediction:  New Jersey -- 4-2

San Antonio vs. Dallas

Barring a complete meltdown by one of the two teams, this series should go the full seven.  Tim Duncan's foot seems to be feeling better these days, which makes the front line matchups as close to a push as possible.  That means the team whose backcourt plays the best, and most consistent, will ultimately come out on top.  I'll take the battle-tested combination of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili over Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse.

Prediction:  San Antonio -- 4-3

Phoenix vs. L.A. Clippers

I've already somewhat broken this series down (see above) and I just don't think this is a good matchup for Steve Nash and company - especially without Amare Stoudamire.  The size and athleticism of the Clippers will overwhelm the tired and undersized Suns when it's all said and done.

Prediction:  L.A. Clippers -- 4-2

If you're a bettin' man, take the opposite of all my picks (except Detroit) and you should be good to go.