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Spurs Focused

Sunday might be the first time the San Antonio Spurs will see how good the Denver Nuggets really are.

The season series, which San Antonio won 2-1, didn't offer much insight into how their first-round playoff series will go once it starts Sunday at the AT&T Center.

Suns Take on Lakers Again

The Suns and Lakers go at it again beginning Sunday, and championship-hungry Phoenix wants no repeat of last season's first-round drama.

``We won Game 1 last year and were feeling good about ourselves,'' Steve Nash said, ``and the next thing you know, we're down 3-1. Hopefully we won't be in that position. That should be good lesson for us.''

LeBron Returns to Playoffs

Nervous is not a feeling LeBron James has very often. But before stepping onto basketball's biggest stage last spring, he was a little shaky not knowing what to expect in his first trip to the NBA playoffs.

Turns out, he had nothing to worry about.

McGrady's Time to Shine

The Houston Rockets hung a banner during their last regular-season home game to honor retiring general manager Carroll Dawson.

They haven't had much more to celebrate lately.

Detroit Opens Against Magic

Even though the Detroit Pistons are in the playoffs for the sixth straight year, Richard Hamilton insists they don't have a ho-hum attitude.

``We all get the same, exciting feeling,'' Hamilton said Friday. ``It's like the first day of school. You take your clothes out, lay them on the bed and get some brand-new sneakers.