24 seconds to live

Buckle up because now the real drama begins.

For what seems like months, we have been forced to watch pretenders fall mercilessly to contenders, average teams grind out seven game series' and we have seemingly seen it all happen well past our bedtimes.

This, of course, is because the NBA playoffs -- like just about everything else these days -- is run by television.

No matter. All of the above happenings were to be expected. But now the playoffs get interesting. Real interesting.

By the time this story is published, we will know how Game 6 between Los Angeles and San Antonio turned out. Right now, though, it's still to be determined how the defending champion Spurs will react to Thursday's heart-breaking loss.

Who would have thought it would come to this after the Spurs man-handled the Lakers in games 1 and 2. Who would have thought Derek Fisher would make that improbable season-defining shot.

In the other Western Conference series, it looks as though Minnesota has a great chance to advance to the conference finals, likely to face the Lakers in what could easily become a classic.

The Timberwolves liked the second round so much, they're curious to find what else is out there.

As for Sacramento, oh how things have changed since winning that first game at the Target Center so many days ago. If indeed they do bow to the Wolves -- losing in the semis for a second straight year after that horrible series loss to L.A. in the 2002 conference finals -- what a downer it would be for the franchise. Not to mention the city.

Maybe the Kings will come back, though, and maybe the Pistons can win one in New Jersey to force a Game 7. After all, it's basketball in May and it's unpredictable.

Hey, that's the way it goes in the postseason. NBA playoff basketball -- 24 seconds to live. Love it live. Get to know it.

It's Jason Kidd, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, Kevin Garnett and Latrell Sprewell trying to finally win the affection of a sacred gold trophy.

It's former flames Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Sam Cassell trying to get it back. It's Warriors on a mission for the sport's ultimate accomplishment. On a mission for the one thing (okay, the second thing I suppose) that their money can't buy.

A world championship. A legacy written in stone. Respect. The ultimate prize is something that can't be taken away and when you taste it, it makes you only want it more.