It was a busy night in sports last night with wild playoff action AND the NFL Draft.

BASKETBALL

First up, Game 6 of the Lakers/Hornets series.  The game was back and New Orleans and it was do-or-die for the Hornets.  Unfortunately, that reckoning day finally came for New Orleans, as they just couldn’t get anything going.  The stifling Lakers defense held them to just 43% shooting in the first half, and they simply were unable to comeback.  Chris Paul failed to have one of his AMAZING nights, only finishing with 10 points.  With the win, the Lakers now move on to the second round… still as defending champs.  Los Angeles 98, New Orleans 80.

Next up, it was do-or-die for the Orlando Magic as they headed to the “Highlight Factory” (what Atlanta dubs its stadium).  The Magic absolutely steamrolled the Hawks in Game 5, and it prompted experts around the country to pick them to win the series.  The Hawks didn’t like that.  They came out steaming mad and basically kept a 10 point lead throughout the game.  But, Dwight Howard came alive for the Magic, putting up 25 points, and nabbing 15 rebounds. Suddenly, in the end, the Magic found themselves down 3.  J.J. Reddick took a wide-open 3, but bricked it.  Yet, the Magic got another shot.  Jason Richardson hoisted it up, but it was blocked by Atlanta, and they clinched the series.  Next up for Atlanta:  The Chicago Bulls. Atlanta 94, Orlando 91.

Then, it was Game 6 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers.  Before the playoffs, everyone was predicting this would be the upset of the first round.  The Mavs, however, have looked fantastic this post-season.  They’re playing as a unit, and really believe they can win it all.  They led most of the way, but the Blazers did get it to a 1 point lead mid-way through the first.  But the Mavs were simply shooting the lights out.  It’s as if they couldn’t miss down the stretch, and the Blazers just couldn’t trim the lead in time.  The Mavs clinch the series and will now begin what will be an amazing battle with the Lakers.  Dallas 103, LA Lakers 96.

Finally, last night it was Round 1 of the NFL Draft. The Panthers took Heisman Trophy Winner Cam Newton with the overall #1 pick, which many are dubious of.  Newton is good, to be sure, but it’s very possible he was built to excel in the college game… not the pros.  Washington star quarterback Jake Locker went to the Titans at #8 (much earlier than anticipated) and the Falcons traded WAY up to take Alabama’s awesome receiver Julio Jones.  Atlanta finished with the #1 seed in the NFC last year, and they want to take advantage of that window by adding another offensive super weapon to help them put up points.  They need to be able to put serious points on the board if they expect to compete with the Packers, Eagles, Saints, Cowboys, and other high-scoring teams in the NFC. And former Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram went to the Saints, and gave an emotional heartfelt speech after listening to a letter written by his dad (who is currently in prison).  It was a special night, and hopefully they settle the lockout mess and we get the NFL this coming fall.