I always loved the best of five first-round playoff series format the NBA used to employ. They were no joke and there was no easing into the playoffs. Of course, the most famous 5-gamer around here required a game-winner from Travis Best to close out the Bucks in 2000. After surviving the near upset, the Pacers made it to the Finals.

So after a split in L.A., the Lakers and Celtics begin a best of five for the LOB trophy with the next three games in Boston. Paul Pierce doesn't plan on going back to Staples, but he better keep his travel bag handy because it now appears that neither team will lay down and closing out this series will take a monumental effort or a Game 7, whichever comes first.

Ron Artest struggled in Game 2 so I'm looking forward to seeing how he reacts to the pressure-soaked adversity. For that matter, it will be interesting to see how Phil Jackson handles Ronnie.

After the jump, more links of interest on the Finals, some coaching changes and a look at the Pacers' center position.

• PACERS: Roster Report: Center
  In Bruno's final Roster Report, he analyzes the center position, where Roy Hibbert is growing into a leading role with the Pacers.
• Ron Artest shoots his way to infamy
  Kelly Dwyer digs into the head-scratching offensive game Ron Artest can display at the most inopportune times. When those times are in the Finals it's more glaring than usual.
• WOELFEL WORLD OF SPORTS: Bucks could face big decision
  Gary Woelfel has some interesting notes on the Bucks, including the Clippers' interest in former IU coach, Kelvin Sampson. Keep the faith, one of these days the basketball gods will catch up with this guy.
• Source: Chicago Bulls' hiring of Tom Thibodeau is non-factor for LeBron James
  Melissa Isaacson considers how hiring Thibodeau will impact the Bulls' efforts to land LeBron.
• Monty Williams excited to become New Orleans Hornets coach
  Former Notre Dame player, Monty Williams is set to lead the New Orleans Hornets from the bench.
• Hayward set for Pacers tryout
  Former Butler Bulldog Gordon Hayward is scheduled to work out at the Fieldhouse on June 21st.
• Sadly, nobody's got next
  Sad news for pick-up hoop at the Athenaeum nicely reported by Andrew Astleford.