24 seconds......

This past Wednesday, April 29th, I became the second most accomplished 24 year-old on the planet behind NBA MVP Lebron James. Okay, maybe that wasn't too funny but this is my rookie year in the blogging world and it will take me time to get adjusted to the speed of the game. Instead of blowing out 24 candles, I thought it would be fun to give you 24 random thoughts I've had over the past week about these crazy playoffs. I actually just got back from Game 1 of the Celtics-Magic series and was able to attend Game 2 and 5 of the Celtics-Bulls series last week. Start the shot clock:

24... Ron Artest and Yao Ming have a future in comedy together after their basketball careers are over, check out this hilarious post-game interview!! Oh yeah, Yao with the great exit ...

23 ... Reserved for MJ

22... Doc Rivers could get a lot more out of Stephon Marbury if he gave Starbury some regular minutes. In the first half of the game today, Steph was able to help out with a quick 8 point scoring burst that got the Celtics back in the game. After being able to take Orlando's guards off the dribble, he didn't see the court in the second half ...

21 ... Poor T-Mac. After being o-7 in his first seven post season appearances, T-Mac finally advances to the second round ... as he rides the pine after having season ending knee surgery.

20 ... The NBA followed up their great ad campaign from last year, There Can Only be One, with another great series of ads, Where Amazing Happens.

19 ... It's nice to see Chauncey Billups finally getting the press he deserves ... check out this piece on him.

18 ... When I listen to PJ Carlisemo talk, I begin to wonder if Sprewell did some permanent damage to his vocal cords.

17 ... The economy is definitely impacting the NBA ... I bought lower level tickets to Game 1 of the Celtics-Magic series for 50 dollars!

16 ... I'm not afraid to admit when I am wrong. I thought Atlanta would give the Cavs a hard fought series.

15 ... As I have stated many times, I am the biggest MJ fan. It hurts me to say this ... but when I watch Kobe talk and play I can't help but be reminded of Michael.

14 ... Rondo kind of reminds me of a young Gary Payton. An unconventional offensive player and a great defender. Let's hope he can develop a better jump shot.

13 ... "Birdman" may be the dumbest nickname ever and commentators need to stop using it.

12 ... I wonder what Lebron James and Dwight Howard would look like if they took HGH or steroids ...

11 ... Carmelo Anthony wasn't an all-star this year ... wow ... I know he missed some games but ... wow.

10 ... If Cleveland expects to win the title, their bench needs to pick up their play. In their numerous blowouts we've seen the Cavs bench struggle to execute.

9 ... You always hear coaches say to put a hand in the shooter's face. I've never seen a defender take that phrase as literally as Shane Battier as when he plays defense on Kobe Bryant.

8 ... ESPN really should license this song from NBC and use it as the intro to all games ...

7 ... The Boston Celtics are winning games simply because they are more hungry than the other teams. With how depleted that team is, there is no explanation for how they are succeeding other than the fact that they want it more. Heart of a champion.

6 ... I want Jeff Van Gundy to be the commencement speaker at the Boston College Law School graduation for the class of 2010. I can no longer switch off blow out games because it allows for JVG to have an open mic session.

5 ... I think a cool addition to All-Star weekend would be a 3-on-3 tournament where all the players on one team have the same alma mater. Representing Georgia Tech would be Chris Bosh, Thaddeus Young, and Jarrett Jack. Wake Forest looks pretty nasty too ... Tim Duncan, Josh Howard, and Chris Paul.

4 ... I hear so many people who say that college bball is so much better than the NBA. I've grown to appreciate the college game, but the NBA is unmatched in skill and entertainment. Ask a record 7.35 million viewers for ESPN's telecast of Game 6 of the Rockets-Lakers series, I'm sure they will agree with me.

3 ... The Lakers are getting away from the depth that made them so unstoppable all season long. Bynum, Farmar, Walton, Vujacic, and the rest of the Lakers bench need to step up and get more minutes so that they can attack the opponent relentlessly for 48 minutes.

2 ... I know everyone is high on Denver and Chauncey's revival of that team has been a great story but I still don't see them getting past the Lakers or Cavaliers for a title. It really doesn't have to do with any flaw I see in their lineup, I just don't get the vibe from them yet that they are out to kill their opponent and bring home a championship.

1 ... It is nice to see Phil Jackson, Rick Adleman, and George Karl leading new teams on deep playoff runs. I remember over 10 years ago these same coaches leading the Bulls, Kings, and Sonics to similar success. They do an amazing job preparing these talented players for the obstacles that you will face pursuing a championship and it they are often overlooked for their significant contribution.

Sorry it took me so many days to write this post, I keep getting interrupted by more playoff games. Two Game 7's tomorrow night! Watch out for a post talking about these games shortly!