The playoffs are very aggressive and passionate this year... The NY vs Miami match-up is out of reach to the everyday fan, but I think Game Three the Knicks can make a stand… The Lakers are not going to get comfortable because of one win.  The Nuggets are more than capable…OKC vs Mavs might be the most exciting series to watch…Dirk is very clutch and can easily change the series… The Indiana series is very quiet... no one is really paying attention… stay tuned in to those guys. Popovich is doing a good job adjusting to his team... at the same time still give maximum effort on defense. Andrew Bynum is the most dominate player in the playoffs... his offense and more than that - his defense - can lead him to the playoff MVP alongside Kobe and Pau. Those three players are very tough… stay updated on the Metta Blog for Metta's thoughts.

Read more]]> There is a fine line between these two subjects. However you can be both... The key is control the emotion and focus just on the main goal. This is true with anything in life... Some competitors grow up with the will to win. Just simply focused on the task at hand or the challenge. This can be instilled by a father or former coach, or even by an individual just wanting to be the best.

Some competitors are shaped from environment, dysfunctional family structure, their surroundings, etc. These type of competitors have to be the best. When you get a bout or a match or a game between competitors that want to be the best and that have to be the best, you call it entertainment - it's more or less a battle, fight, life or death in that moment... Win or go home. You can, however, have someone who has a competitive nature swap with the emotionally competitive competitor when it's down to the wire.  This is where mental toughness takes over or mental weakness takes over:  some call it focus over quitting or focus over emotion.  In more cases, focus always beats emotion.......UNLESS .......Unless you can Control It. If you can turn that emotion into focus, you win.  It's called hunger...

Read more]]> When two power houses collide... you get emotion, focus, discipline, determination, passion and more. When playing on a team, somehow you have to get everyone's mind frame on the same page. The referees' jobs are hard because they have to control the game and emotions. The refs have to be aware of the two teams and if there are any bad feelings between the teams... They also have to be aware of the players on the floor, and the aggressive nature of players and player tendencies.

When two power houses collide there will be player confrontation... At this point it's most important to stay on the floor and not do anything to get ejected. When you get players that are capable of being ejected, that player has to be aware of the opponent trying to get under his skin.... This type of competition makes for great entertainment.

When two powerhouses collide you get a group of individuals from different backgrounds and demographics that must compete as one... Some individuals have more hunger than others due to attitudes and circumstances. Some individuals have a layed-back demeanor and some are just simply different...

When two powerhouses collide you generally will have one main leader.... That leader has to have some type of smarts and determination about him or her to lead a group, or even him or herself... You have to expect one of the asteroids or shooting stars to be more powerful or more strategic at the point of impact... You most definitely have to be passionate, first and foremost.

When two power houses collide you will be enthralled by its art form.

"I apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder fans and the OKC organization. I look forward to getting back on the floor with my teammates and competing for the Lakers fans.''

[BLEACHER REPORT]