61.   The Mets now feel they have the budding nucleus of a playoff contender.

62.   The Mavs, while far from being a playoff contender, have been much better of late.

63.   The new coach pushed defense, the stuff of playoff contenders.

64.   The Panthers picked up Bure in a big swap with the Canucks Sunday night, which means an also-ran in the Eastern Conference suddenly becomes a playoff contender.

65.   The Sonics would likely be the more attractive team for Ewing, considering that Seattle has the potential to be a playoff contender.

66.   Their remaining schedule is so laden with playoff contenders, they might not win another game.

67.   They acquired Jason Christiansen, considered a left-handed specialist, from the St. Louis Cardinals, who may or may not consider themselves playoff contenders.

68.   They are a playoff contender.

69.   They are all poised to make a mad dash and stake claims to those who could help them build a playoff contender.

70.   They headed back to Los Angeles after the game for the three-day Christmas break knowing they once again are playoff contenders, but still it hurt.