71.   The Knicks have fashioned the most unlikely of playoff runs, one fraught with corporate intrigue, injuries to key personnel, and the emergence of postseason supernovae.

72.   The Lakers are in the midst of the best playoff run in NBA history.

73.   The Magic, having supposedly razed the roster to save up for a free-agent spending spree, instead has gone on a playoff run.

74.   The Lakers, in other words, refuse to allow their image to be sullied by a few delinquent ballplayers and a disappointing playoff run.

75.   The Miami Heat have shopped Billy Owens and Kevin Gamble, looking to make a deal for a playoff run.

76.   The left-to-right move of winger Jamie Langenbrunner has paid big benefits for the Stars during their playoff run.

77.   The NFC East title is on the line for the Cowboys, who are also motivated to play better because they want to make a playoff run.

78.   The Panthers, a fourth-year expansion team, are often overlooked, even by hockey buffs, despite their strong playoff run last spring.

79.   The Packers rested Brown for the final two regular-season games, leaving him fresh and frisky for the playoff run.

80.   The regular season is over, the playoff run has begun.