1.   But the Lakers still needed a victory to earn the homecourt edge over San Antonio should they meet in the second round.

2.   But the Lakers won a game they should have lost, and have the homecourt edge on a team they know they can beat.

3.   The Brits, playing in Birmingham, England, have the homecourt edge. . . .

4.   The Sixers were left crying about respect, the homecourt edge they had taken from the Lakers in the opener, taken back again.

5.   Gymnasiums turned into dens of whistling, cheering, slapping, stomping fans that gave Argentina a distinct homecourt edge.