1.   A victory would have enabled the Lakers to return to Los Angeles after the game and await the outcome of the Seattle-Minnesota series.

2.   GOP victories that November enabled Republicans to take control of Capitol Hill.

3.   The dramatic victory enabled the Dodgers to leap-frog the Rockies and reclaim first place in the West.

4.   The victory enabled New York to remain a half-game behind the Atlantic Division-leading Miami Heat, which beat Golden State.

5.   The victory enabled the Devils to move into sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

6.   The victory enabled the Dodgers to remain within three games of San Francisco in the West.

7.   The victory enabled the Kings to remain within seven points of San Jose, which holds the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

8.   The victory enabled Boston to pull to within one game of Indiana, which was idle.

9.   The victory enabled them to maintain their lead over San Francisco in the National League West at two games.

10.   The victory enabled the Braves to avoid being swept in a three-game series for the second time this season.