21.   The diminished depth gave the Sonics little chance, and that now describes their hopes of stealing the final playoff spot.

22.   The final three-game series were also critical for teams fighting for the final playoff spots.

23.   The Galaxy still has the upper hand in its battle with San Jose for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

24.   The Indiana Pacers are trying to stay ahead of the Boston Celtics for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, despite a losing record.

25.   The Kings are battling to hold off Denver for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

26.   The loss pulled the Clash within two points of the Galaxy for fourth place and the final playoff spot in the West with eight games remaining.

27.   The loss dropped the Rockets three and a half games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference with eight games left.

28.   The Knicks want the mind-set of a desperate team fighting for a final playoff spot, of one striving for redemption from a tumultuous regular season.

29.   The Rangers, despite a spirited effort, lost ground in their race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

30.   The Rangers, who lost for the fifth time in the last six games, failed to pick up ground on the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot.