Grading on the curve, NBA playoffpalooza

Grading on the curve, NBA playoffpalooza:

--Uberprogrammer Mark Shapiro's honesty in confessing ABC/ESPN's scheduling predilection (1. Lakers; 2. Kings; 3. Mavericks):A.

--Relegating the Pacers and their league-best record to the limited circulation of NBA TV: D.

--TNT wiring referee Dick Bavetta for sound in Grizzlies-Spurs Game 2: A.

--TNT resurrecting Gary Bender and Dick Stockton, ex-Voices of the NBA, for first-round games only: C as in charity.

--TNT issuing a free pass to the next round to Kevin Harlan's overmodulated, undercreated play-by-play: D.

--The wit and wisdom of TNT's Rex Chapman (retorting to John Thompson, who praised his shooting ability, "Maybe if I played better defense, you wouldn't have cut me from the '88 Olympic team"): A

--ESPN studio interludes with one desk, four talking heads and 1,001 commercial interruptions: C as in claustrophobia.

--Floor-Cam crotch-shot replays of Shaq-'n'-Yao grappling for rebound position: NC-17.

E-mail: fquindt@sportingnews.com.

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