Ladies and Gentlemen, We Have Series

I wasn't worried about it for a second. I knew this was still going to be one of the best playoffs in recent memory, maybe in the last decade. Too much energy, too much drama, too much talent. Yes, we'll have duds in Boston v. Atlanta and Lakers v. Denver, but across the board, after tonight, it's time to face the reality. These playoffs are more compelling than any we've seen in a while. Consider the following.

With the 36 point blowout win tonight, the Wizards not only look to be back into contention, but look like this is going to be a 12-round slobber-knocker, with each fighter taking a round wholly to assert themselves. The Cavs pounded the Wizards at home, the Wizards returned the favor, at least in the first game back in DC.

In the first two games, the Cavs were efficient, tonight they were anemic. In the first two games, DeShawn Stevenson was paper-bag material, tonight he and Roger Mason combined for 37 points. Even in a blowout, this series is compelling, if only to watch the vast momentum swings. For a series to truly be great, it has to have it's share of early blowouts. Suns-Spurs may be the only series that can survive seven grueling down to the wire games, and it may not get there if San Antonio delivers the death stroke tomorrow night. Washington-Cleveland, however, has both teams getting a feel for each other, delivering haymakers, and gearing up for the late games when things really get intense.

Everyone knew the Raptors would respond. The just didn't know they would respond with 12 3-pointers while doubling up the Magic in assists. Apparently those Canadians can dish the home cooking. With the injury to Jameer Nelson, and the severe fluctuation of guard play between the two clubs from one game to the next, this series is a vastly different one than it was earlier today. While the edge probably still rests with the Magic, all the Raptors have to do is stay alive and extend the series. Then, with the Magic's inexperience, anything goes. They took a big step towards that tonight.

And Houston. Oh, Houston. The Rockets managed to walk into the toughest place to play in the NBA this season based on wins and losses and stun the Jazz on their homecourt. With defense. With Rafer Alston. And with Tracy McGrady. The best part? T-Mac didn't silence his critics, even with two clutch shots in the fourth and two key defensive plays down the stretch. No,he had to miss the last shot badly, sending bone-chilling numbness down the spines of every Rockets fan watching at home. With unlikely heroes in Carl Landry and Rafer Alston battling through injuries, and Louis Scola somehow outscoring Carlos Boozer (no, seriously, it happened), this series, already as tense as can be, has hit a new high. Game 4 is always called pivotal. It just went Nova.

Just like these playoffs.

I wasn't worried for a second.