I'd be lying if I said it was just another day in the NBA Playoffs.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver handed down the verdict on Clippers' owner Donald Sterling, and that is that Sterling is banned for life.
I am pleased as punch. A problem arose and Silver met the challenge accordingly.
Of course, the action on the court was noteworthy as well. So let's get to that, shall we?
First up, Washington vs. Chicago.
Finally, this series is over.
But wait, it only went five games. What's the problem? Well, the problem is that Chicago basically had no offense, despite their only win. They were just outmanned from the start and Washington was on their way to a sweep. Then Nene got a bit chesty and then a bit suspended.
So the sweep went by the wayside, but with Nene back in the fold, Washington clinched its first series win in nearly 10 years.
What's even more interesting is that they have a really solid chance of getting to the Conference Finals. Let's face it, neither the corpse of the Indiana Pacers nor the plucky but ultimately toothless Atlanta Hawks should give Washington much of a problem.
Who know that Washington could be a playoff juggernaut? Certainly not me.
Washington wins the series 4-1. They advance to the second round to play Indiana/Atlanta.
Next, Memphis vs. Oklahoma City.
Once again the Thunder managed to look bad for the better part of three quarters. And then in the fourth, they pulled even. Thanks to a timely steal from Russell Westbrook and a made lay-up, they went to overtime for a fourth straight game...where they promptly lost.
Well, maybe not promptly. There were a number of reviews and even a scolding from veteran referee Joe Crawford to someone at the scorer's table.
That scolding may well have broken Kevin Durant's rhythm and allowed Memphis to win the damn thing.
At any rate, despite having a triple-double (30-10-13, to be exact; points-rebounds-assists), and taking the game to OT to begin with, Russell Westbrook put up a typically inefficient shooting performance. He was 10-for-31 on the night and as usual did nothing in OT.
So not only does this remain a problem, it appears to be growing larger.
I have to wonder what Scott Brooks' remedy for this is. Or if he even possesses one. Durant was no great shakes either, but geez...there's no way the point guard should be taking 31 shots.
The solution may be as easy as posting up Durant, if you believe Charles Barkley. He points out that LeBron did the same thing and improved his game. Not only that, but since LeBron posts up, it makes the other players on the floor better too. All I know is that LeBron is the best and if he's posting up, it couldn't hurt Kevin Durant to try it. Especially since he's being guarded by a little pest.
Memphis leads 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday.
Finally, Golden State vs. Los Angeles.
That just might do it for the Warriors. In a battle of the most overrated teams coming into the season, the Clippers took a series lead and can win it in Oakland.
Let's face it, Golden State got steamrolled by Griffin and Jordan.
Not only that, but Stephen Curry didn't do much. If that's not a recipe for failure, I'm not sure what is.
So it looks like the Clippers will move on, proving that they can rise above the noise and keep their eyes on the prize. Good for them.
Let's imagine, for a moment, that they advance and play Memphis. Do you see the problem? Because I certainly do.
Los Angeles leads 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday.
Later today, Game 5 in San Antonio, Toronto, and Houston. Portland can move on with a win in Houston.
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