Early the next day, major media outlets regularly reported on NBA news:
"4-2 to knock out the Mavericks, the new 'OK duo' advances to the next round, they're getting better and better!"
"The Phoenix Suns await their next round opponent, Yao Ming VS Little Si, perhaps this round of series will temporarily curtain the debate on who is the best player from the 2002 class!"
"The Spurs vs. the SuperSonic first game concludes, the SuperSonic team takes a commanding 1-0 lead at the Spurs' home court, resiliently overcoming their troubled fate!"
"Only the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards remain tied in the first round of the Eastern and Western Conferences, Shaquille O'Neal: We need an opponent, no matter who it is, as they all cannot stop the 'Shark' from entering the next round."
...
ESPN's top headline read:
"If you don't know what a Baptism of Fire is, just look at the Pacers, and you'll understand everything!"
