Also in the East the Miami Heat turned up the pressure against the New York Knicks, the Knicks have a great roster but it may be just a little too late in the season to create a cohesive unit against the big three of Lebron, James and Bosh.
Over in the West the defending champions suffered a hiccup in their opening game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunders youth and enthusiasm has been threatening to explode over the past two seasons and this may just be their time. Captain Dirk will have to pull out some of his best of old, to see the Mavericks advance.
In the least exciting series of the playoffs the Magic got off to a solid start against the lowly under achieving Indiana Pacers. The side story to this is the future of Orlando Power Centre: Dwight "Superman" Howard. For such a great competitor on the court, it's hard to believe just how poorly he has handled his future negotiations. Perhaps he feels a little disrespected for all of his hard work for the franchise. Although on the other side of the coin you must say he has been paid well and supported well by a very professional franchise.
Know that the sideshow of "Metta World Peace" is beginning to die away, we wait with anticipation to see how the ageing legs of Kobe Bryant go in a playoff series dominated by youth and exuberance.
This finals series has a lot to offer for all viewers and the NBA organiser must be chomping at the bit to see one of the greatest playoff seasons of all time.