21.   Checketts had to apologize for lying to the media about his clandestine meeting with Jackson while the Knicks were mounting their surprisingly successful playoff run.

22.   Chicago assistant Jim Cleamons is unavailable until the Bulls end their playoff run.

23.   Conceivably, the shortstop may be gone for the playoff run.

24.   Cuban might have stubbed his toe by signing Dennis Rodman in February, when the Mavericks appeared ready to make playoff run.

25.   Despite an improving record and an impressive playoff run, Wilson was told to leave Anaheim after many disagreements with the team president, Tony Tavares.

26.   Did Riley put the pedal to the metal too much during the regular seasons, leaving too little fuel in the tank for any long and prosperous playoff runs?

27.   Despite finishing the regular season with the third-best road record in the East, Boston has yet to win away from the FleetCenter in its playoff run.

28.   During a routine examination in late June, doctors discovered another stress fracture, the product of some minor pain Fisher felt during the playoff run.

29.   Even after a dazzling playoff run, point guard Kevin Johnson must prove he can keep his brittle hamstrings healthy for a full season.

30.   For Green, the victory over Houston was just an extension of what has been a sensational playoff run.