11.   It is typically with amusement when players discuss the Yankees obsession heard from fans and media because of two ousters in the past three playoffs.

12.   Not even the team that knocked them out of the past three playoffs.

13.   That dark cloud has hovered over him as he guided the Sonics to another Pacific Division title, as has the ghosts of past playoff flops.

14.   The Braves have made the past seven playoffs, showing a consistency that makes Dierker and other managers envious.

15.   The Hawks were oppressively double-teamed Tuesday, by a team of lesser talent as well as all the old ghosts of their playoff past.

16.   The Lakers won close games in playoffs past because their superior talent carried the day.

17.   The Stars have been without their stars plenty in playoffs past, winning without Joe Nieuwendyk and Derian Hatcher and Jere Lehtinen.

18.   Instead, the Kings showed a resilience and resourcefulness earned during the past three playoffs by rallying for two victories in Dallas.

19.   Like so many Knicks-Bulls games in past playoffs, this one was memorable.

20.   The past two playoffs have taught him to be more patient and not to try to do everything by himself.