Every day during the NBA playoffs, the Triple Threat will break down the latest action as we get closer to awarding the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Utah 96, Houston 92 A sign in the Whatever It's Called Arena said it all: "Where Tracy McGrady Losing in Round One Happens." Obviously context matters, but on the whole that's of course true and probably will be so again as the Rockets late comeback failed. Down 16 at one point in the third, Houston came back to within two in the final minute. The Jazz kept them at bay on the foul line, but still gave the Rockets a glimmer up hope when Deron Williams missed two up 94-92. However, Mehmut Okur got his 18th and most important rebound of the night, made the foul shots, and preserved the win. Utah leads the series 3-1, and now T-Mac and the Rockets really have to pull a rabbit out of their hat.

LA Lakers 102, Denver 84 Safe to say that it's not happening for the Nuggets. A close game was blown open by the Lakers in the third, and when George Karl emptied his bench in the fourth, Carmelo Anthony accused the team of quitting. The Lakers lead the series 3-0, and most likely this one will end on Monday night.

Atlanta 102, Boston 93 Credit to the Hawks. Many (self included) expected them to be swept, but they went out and won their first playoff game since 1999, which was also the same year they last hosted a playoff game. A back and forth first half also was broken open in the third quarter. The Hawks won that quarter 28-18 as the Celtics shot 5-21. This game was highlighted by multiple dunks by Josh Smith, as he flashed his endless athleticism. Boston leads the series 2-1, and will look to shut down Atlanta's momentum on Monday.

Orlando 106, Toronto 94 A big fourth quarter allowed Orlando to blow by the Raptors and nearly wrap the series up. Of all people, Jameer Nelson was the catalyst. Nelson scored 12 of his 19 points in the final period, including a stretch of 10 straight. The Raptors fell despite Chris Bosh's career playoff high 39 points. Orlando leads the series 3-1, and presumably they're first attempt to clinch will be on NBATV.

Best Lines

• Josh Smith, Atl: 27 pts, 11-17 FG, 3-6 3PT, 9 rebs, 6 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk...I just checked. Smith averaged 17 and 8 this year, and he's only 22. He might be one of the more underrated players in the league.
• Dwight Howard, Orl: 19 pts, 9-12 FG, 16 rebs, 3 ast, 1 stl, 8 blk...One blemish was 1-6 from the foul line. Could we see Hack-a-Dwight in the future?
• Mehmet Okur, Uta: 14 pts, 6-11 FG, 18 rebs, 1 stl, 1 blk

On Tap

Game 4: Cleveland at Washington (1:00, ABC)
Game 4: San Antonio at Phoenix (3:30, ABC)
Game 4: Detroit at Philadelphia (7:00, TNT)
Game 4: New Orleans at Dallas (9:30, TNT)

Share your thoughts on Saturday's playoff action and preview Sunday's games.