May 5, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) reacts to a play in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game one of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 93-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In these playoffs, which are solely for entertainment, one can only wonder who’s going to win the championship. In the NBA it’s all about upsets of course, and who wants to get to the finals more than others? This is obviously all important, but fans love the entertainment that the playoffs bring them, and there’s more than one series that has been entertaining so far.

When the word “champions” comes to mind, I’m sure the first team any NBA fan thinks about is the Miami Heat, simply because they’ve been dominant so far. Currently up 3-1 on the Chicago Bulls after crushing them in an intense game four, the Heat are surging and looking to once again gain entry to the conference finals.

It wasn’t like this two years ago, however. Remember when the Heat looked dominant, but were taken down by the Dallas Mavericks, of all teams, in the Finals? I’m sure that everybody does. The Mavericks were actually the funnest team to watch during those playoffs, as Dirk Nowitzki was incredible in crunch time with some big baskets.

This year, it may be different with the Heat winning it all, but which teams have gotten together for some great series, so far?

1. Brooklyn Nets – Chicago Bulls:

Without a doubt, this has been the best series so far in the playoffs. The Derrick Rose-less Bulls were able to surge to a 3-1 lead on the Nets, and eventually beat them in a game seven. It was very entertaining, of course, and is the only series that has been to game seven so far. It may have been a first round game, but it lasted the longest and gave the Heat a very lengthy rest. Fortunately for the Bulls, they were able to capitalize and win when it mattered.

You know that it was very exciting when in game four, the Nets and the Bulls went to triple overtime, and after binges of buzzer beaters, the Bulls were able to pull away. This matchup between the fourth and fifth seed kept everyone on their heals, and never failed to impress. It has been, by far, the most interesting series of the playoffs so far.

2. San Antonio Spurs – Golden State Warriors:

The Nuggets – Warriors series was a close second here, but it doesn’t make the list because it’s just not as exciting as this one. So far, the Warriors’ magical playoff run has been incredible. In the first round, they upset the number three seed, something almost nobody predicted that they could do without David Lee, their all-star, and then they tied the Spurs 1-1 in the series. After some disappointment for both teams, the Warriors and the Spurs are playing in San Antonio in game five to break the 2-2 series tie.

The reason that all these games are so interesting is not only because many want to see the Spurs make a final championship run, but it is because it’s the emergence of a dynasty (the Warriors) and a superstar (Stephen Curry). It’s like watching a star die, and a new one being born for the scientists. Also, the first game went into double overtime, and the fourth went into overtime, putting fans on their heels once again.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Memphis Grizzlies:

So far, the Thunder are almost at the mercy of the Grizzlies. The shining brilliance of Kevin Durant, however, may be just enough to pull the Thunder out of some trouble. Nevertheless, from Durant’s game one winner, the Grizzlies’ fierce rally in game two, this series has had fans on their heals. It’s been a battle of whits from the coaching staff, but also of talent from Durant and Mike Conley. The Grizzlies look deserving of a championship run this year, but it’s not going to come so easily.

April 28, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a basket as point guard Jarrett Jack (2) looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 115-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry Goes Supernova in 3rd Quarter of GSW/DEN Game 4

When Steph Curry gets hot he gets HOT! In a very important Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets Curry went absolutely nuts in the third quarter. His stat line read 22 points on 8/11 shooting (5/8 from three). This may be the best single-quarter performance by a NBA player in the playoffs so far (maybe Nate Robinson). I guess you can call this Steph’s coming out party to casual NBA fans.

Kenneth Faried Punches Hole in Wall

Benjamin Hochman – The Denver Post

If an opposing player scored 22 points in a quarter single-handily destroying our hopes of winning a playoff game I’d take my anger out on a wall also. This isn’t anything to kill Kenneth Faried over though. He’s human and these type of games take an emotional toll on these players.

Asked if he used his injured left foot or his right foot to kick the hole, Faried said, “I don’t know, I just kicked it, I was mad.” (Faried is right-handed, so one would assume he’s also right-footed)

Benjamin Hochman – DenverPost.com

He’s just lucky he walked away unscathed *looks at Amare Stoudemire*.

Miami Heat Complete Sweep of Milwaukee Bucks

Surprisingly this is the first sweep in the “Big 3″ era for the Miami Heat. Everyone knew it was coming though the Heat like to play around with their foods sometimes. Dwyane Wade sat out as a precaution to his knee injury, Lebron James carried this Heat team to a fairly easy Heat victory. Brandon “We’re Gonna Win in 6″ Jennings scored a total of three points in this game. Three. Très. In an elimination game on his home court. The Heat now rest until the winner of Brooklyn/Chicago is decided.

While the Miami Heat advance to the next round, the future of the Milwaukee Bucks is certainly in limbo. J.J. Redick‘s an unrestricted free agent, they’ve made no decision on the future of Brandon Jennings who’ll be a restricted free agent and Monta Ellis has a player option worth $11 million that he could opt out of if the right opportunity arises. These are three out of the four best players on the Bucks team. There’s also no word on the future of interim coach Jim Boylan either. At this point in time this franchise has no clear direction, so this offense the team could see a major haul.

Boston Celtics Live to Fight Another Day

J.R. Smith‘s suspension for throwing an elbow at Jason Terry ruined the New York Knicks chance of sweeping their rival in the Boston Celtics. The series is over. The odds of Boston coming back after being down 0-3 are zero, but Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jeff Green and Jason Terry put together their best game to walk away with a victory. Carmelo Anthony had several chances to end the Celtics, but he struggled mightily from the field (4-14 in 4th q/OT). Who would’ve thought that the Knicks would desperately missed J.R. Smith in a playoff game.

Dwight Howard Gets Ejected in Game 4 Loss, Plans To Test Free Agency

Call it dejavu. The last time the Los Angeles Lakers got swept in the playoffs Andrew Bynum got ejected from the game. Fast forward two years later and Dwight Howard is following suit. After getting a technical in the first half for “inadvertedly” elbowing Cory Joseph, Howard got ejected mid-third quarter for arguing a call with a ref.

After suffering a sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers are officially in off-season mode. And SURPRISE, Dwight Howard says he’s going to test the free agent market. LA has the upper-hand: it’s the best city in the world, Dwight has a chance to build a resume compared to the greats (Wilt, Shaq, Mikan, etc) and the front office can offer him $30 million more than any other team. Honestly no one knows what D12 is gonna do. Houston is the more attractive destination (James Harden pairing/cap space/McHale?), Los Angeles has the monetary advantage, he could land in Atlanta with his best friend Josh Smith and play for his home town and Dallas has Dirk + an owner who’ll be willing to do any and everything to get Dwight. But the playoffs aren’t near over so we’ll see how this goes down in the Summer.