The Pacific was the only Western Conference division to send just two teams to the postseason, but it may also be the only division to send multiple teams to the West's second round. The Clippers and Lakers have both taken commanding 3-1 leads in their series, and look poised to join the Spurs and Thunder in what should be an outstanding second round.
While we wait to see if the Clips and Lakers can finish off their respective opponents, here's the latest out of the Pacific:
- Clippers GM Neil Olshey tells Ken Berger of CBSSports.com that Chris Paul's arrival has turned the Clippers into a franchise that players "want to" join rather than "have to" join.
- Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times wonders if Devin Ebanks' increased role with the Lakers in recent weeks bodes well for his return next year. Ebanks' agent said earlier this season that the restricted free agent probably would seek a situation where he could play more rather than re-signing with Los Angeles.
- Canada Basketball is holding a press conference at Air Canada Centre today, and the announcement is expected to involve Suns guard Steve Nash taking on a major role with Team Canada, according to FAN590's Eric Smith.
- Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer hopes there's real, mutual interest between Warriors assistant Michael Malone and the Bobcats.