"[Baron Davis] is not the best player [in this series]. I am. No question, no question." Magic swingman Tracy McGrady

"We're going to show them what a crowd is all about. Nine thousand or whatever was out there? Just wait until they come to our place! We're ready to come home from this boring ... place with nothing to do. We'll show them what a real crowd is all about." McGrady, referring to the Hornets' fan support.

"That was their best shot." Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal, referring to the Blazers' effort in L.A.'s Game 1 win

"I really don't think they have more to offer." Lakers forward Samaki Walker, also referring to the Blazers in Game 1

"[The Jazz are] done. I think it was their best shot tonight, and they didn't win." Kings center Vlade Divac, following Sacramento's Game 1 victory against Utah

"Everybody says, 'You guys don't want to see the Lakers' [in the first round]. I'm not scared of them, and I know my teammates aren't scared of them. I can't wait." Blazers forward Ruben Patterson

"We'd like to face Portland in the first round. We'd welcome the challenge. We're playing well ... they just hit a bunch of 3s late, or we win easy." Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, following the Blazers' double-OT win on April 14