BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Phoenix Suns were hoping to do what absolutely nobody expected:  Sweep the San Antonio Spurs.  Tim Duncan and the Spurs have always had the Suns number, but Phoenix is playing incredible team basketball right now.  Steve Nash looks hungry and aware that this season could be his last chance at playing in an NBA Finals.  The game was rather close, but with Amar’e Stoudemire’s terrific 29 point effort, the Phoenix Suns eliminated the Spurs from the playoffs.  Wow!  Now, Nash and the Suns await the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers/Utah Jazz series.  It will most likely be the Lakers, posing the ultimate test for the red-hot Suns.  Phoenix 107, San Antonio 101.

And in Boston, it was Game 4 of the Celtics/Cavaliers bizarro series.  Only Game 1 was close.   Games 2 and 3 were both blowouts in one direction.  It’s as if these teams figure out the opposing teams strategy and exploit the heck out of it.  Then, in the next game, the other team gets revenge and looks purely unbeatable.  It’s so unpredictable.  Well, the Cavs trounced the Celtics in Game 3, so, naturally, it was Boston’s turn to shine.  And most of that shine came from Celtics point-guard Rajon Rondo.  He finished the night with a TRIPLE-DOUBLE! (29 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists).  With that, the Celtics tie the series at two heading back to Cleveland.  This one will probably go 7 games.  And if the Cavs lose Game 5 at home… they are in serious trouble.  Boston 97, Cleveland 87.

BASEBALL

Finally, the best story of the weekend came from the baseball world.  It was just a lazy Sunday afternoon game between the Oakland A’s and the surging Tampa Bay Rays, but something special happened.  Oakland’s young pitcher, Dallas Braden, was absolutely brilliant.  No one could get a hit off him.  And… he didn’t allow anyone on base.  What does that mean?  Yep — Dallas Braden threw only the 19th perfect game in baseball history.  Wow!  This is an amazing accomplishments, and seasons can go by without one.  Last year, Mark Buehrle threw one for the Chicago White Sox, and statistics suggested that we wouldn’t see another one for at least 5 years.  But Dallas Braden proved those wrong. Truly amazing.  Oakland 4, Tampa Bay 0.

BASKETBALL

On Tuesday night, the Orlando Magic absolutely demolished the Atlanta Hawks by nearly 50 points. They were expected to beat the Hawks handily on Thursday night, but that definitley wasn’t the case. Behind a very strong night from Al Horford (24 points), Hawks actually led by 8 at halftime. They kept the lead for awhile in the 3rd quarter, but eventually the Magic did their thing and muscled their way back. Dwight Howard had 29 points on the night as the Magic suffered a scare from the Hawks, but came out on top. However, the Hawks loook alive again and could win both of their home games. Orlando 112, Atlanta 98.

FOOTBALL

And, in the NFL, JaMarcus Russell was the #1 selection in the 2007 draft. He was picked to be the franchise quarterback of the Oakland Raiders for the next decade. Big, strong, fast, and a winner. Well, over the past three seasons, he showed up to camp late, was out of shape, overweight, and didn’t have much semblance of football skills-at least at the pro levels. Well, yesterday, the JaMarcus Russell experiment came to an end in Oakland. They finally admitted their mistake and released the quarterback. He cost the franchise a ton of money, but it was simply time to move on. Now, the Raiders hope to get back on track with recent acquisition Jason Campbell from the Redskins. Campbell should give them more consistency on offense. Someone will probably grab Russell as a backup.

Finally, some very very upsetting news.  It appears that one-time football legend, Lawrence Taylor (or LT as he was called), has been arrested on rape charges. Sources say the girl in question was only 15 years old. This is not the first time that Taylor has been in trouble with the law. He was notorious for having a drug problem during his playing days, and was even arrested in the 90’s for his use of cocaine. These are very serious charges and Taylor will likely go to jail for a very long time.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was Game 2 between the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs.  This game was a big deal for a few reasons:  (1) The Phoenix Suns have always struggled in the post-season against San Antonio.  They’ve had some literally bloody matches with the Spurs and simply can not get past them.  Headed into this game, the Suns were up 1-0, hoping to take a 2-0 lead.  And (2) the recently passed immigration law in Arizona, which cracks down hard on illegal immigrants, essentially forcing them to carry immigration papers with them at all times or face deportation, has been VERY controversial.  Well, the Suns are taking a stand in support of the immigrants by wearing a “Los Suns” jersey.  These are special jersesy typically worn once or twice per season for marketing purposes.  The Suns adorned them for political reasons instead.

The game was, of course, a roller coaster ride, and Steve Nash is playing out of his mind.  This guy actually thinks he has a chance at a championship this season.  He had 19 points and 6 assists.  However, another hero for the Suns lately:  Jason Richardson.  He is playing like a true veteran, and just might be the missing piece the Suns need to get over the hump.  He had 19 points as well.  The Suns grabbed Game 2, and now have a 2-0 lead heading back to San Antonio.  Phoenix 110, San Antonio 102.

And in college basketball, it looks like Gordon Hayward, the star of the Butler team that surprised everyone with a National Championship appearance, is staying in the NBA draft.  He is projected to be a Top 15 pick, which will be the first time a player from Butler has ever been selected in the first round.  His teammate Avery Jukes said that Hayward will make a great NBA player because he’s far more aggressive than he could have been in college.  Jukes said that if the NBA brings it out of Hayward, they’re going to have a fantastic teammate on their hands.  What makes Hayward so dangerous is he has the size of a small forward, 6’9, but possesses point-guard like ability.  He just might have a solid career.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Orlando Magic have had 8 days of rest since sweeping the Charlotte Bobcats in the first round.  Last night, they began their second round action against the Atlanta Hawks.  For those that haven’t been watching the playoffs up until this point, the Atlanta Hawks have been sub-par.  They barely beat an injured Bucks team, and would have their hands full with the Magic.  Well, the Hawks actually kept things pretty close in the first quarter, but then the Magic absolutely steamrolled them for the rest of the game.  It was truly one of the worst playoff games ever on television.  At one point, the Magic were up by 43 points.  Remember, this is the second round of the playoffs when the contests are supposed to be tight.  We’ll see if Atlanta can rebound in Game 2.  Orlando 114, Atlanta 71.

Next up, it was Game 2 between the LA Lakers and the Utah Jazz.  The Jazz have been terrific in the playoffs, but there is just something about the Lakers that Utah can’t figure out.  They have lost 7 straight playoff games in LA, dating back a few seasons.  Well, Utah was hoping to steal one game, but the Lakers used their defense and height advantage to get the job done.  Kobe had 30 points on the night, helping the Lakers grab a 2-0 lead in the series.  LA Lakers 111, Utah 103.

BASEBALL

And in a strange story out of the baseball world, the Philadelphia Phillies have had a problem with fans running on the field.  Well, recently a Philly fan called his dad before running on the field.  He actually asked him permission over the phone, and his dad, Wayne Consalvi said “I don’t think you should, son”.  Well, the kid did it anyway, ran around the outfield a bit, and then in brute force fashion, the security guards shot him with a taser gun.  That hurts, and the boy laid motionless for 30 seconds.  It was pretty violent, but they are instructed to protect the athletes.  This issue could lead to some controversial results.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Boston Celtics were looking to even the series after letting the Cleveland Cavaliers come back in Game 1.  Fortunately for the Celtics, the Cavs got a little cocky in Game 2.  While Cleveland does have the best player in the league in LeBron James, they sometimes play the wrong style of basketball.  They like to play a run n’ gun fast-paced game, but that really isn’t their style, and it definitely doesn’t work against a strong defensive team like the Celtics.  Last night, the Celtics played incredible D and were even up by almost 30 points in the 4th quarter.   It was as if they had the Cavs number.  With the win, the series is now tied at one game a piece… headed to Boston.  If the Cavs don’t make a serious adjustment, they might receive an early exit from the playoffs.  Boston 104, Cleveland 86.

And in the second game of the evening, it was Game 1 of Phoenix Suns/San Antonio Spurs series.  The Spurs are finally the healthy team of strong veterans they organized in the off-season.  Plagued by injuries, the Spurs have been lackluster this season, but they have put it together just at the right time.  They easily upset the Mavericks in Round 1, but could they beat a red-hot Suns team?  Well, Steve Nash sure didn’t think so.  He played out of his mind, scoring 33 points with 10 assists.  Suddenly, the Suns look like they could actual play in their first championship.  The Lakers don’t look as strong as last season, and the Suns have a motivated bunch, and a deep bench — exactly what you want in the playoffs.  This should be a great series.  Phoenix 111, San Antonio 102.

Finally, the Chicago Bulls have made their first off-season move, parting ways with head coach Vinny Del Negro.  Del Negro was said to have conflict with the John Paxon, the Bulls GM.  And when there is strife between a coach and GM that is a recipe for disaster.  Unless the coach has the team in first place, usually the GM will look elsewhere for leadership. Now the question is… who will get the opportunity to coach a very talented team in the third biggest market in the NBA.  Plus, the new coach could inherit a major superstar if either Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh decide to head to Chicago.

HORSE RACING

Saturday marked one of the most notable events of the year:  The Kentucky Derby.  “Lookin’ For Lucky” was the favorite horse to win the derby, but in a surprise change of events, Lucky didn’t even place in the TOP 3!!!!  The winner was an 18-to-1 favorite named Super Saver.  And the jockey, Calvin Borel has now ridden three horses to a Kentucky Derby win.  As a jockey, this is an incredible accomplishment!!!

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks failed to capitalize on a series ending Game 6 on their home court.  So, yesterday, they had to face Atlanta in Atlanta.  Sure, the Hawks have been below average this season, but they had no intention of getting upset in the first round.  With that said, the Hawks essentially steamrolled the Bucks.  The Bucks have never had much offensive firepower and if they’re not having a stellar defensive night, they’re pretty much toast.  Jamal Crawford led the way for Atlanta with 22 points as the Hawks iced the series.  Next up for Atlanta, a very difficult second round match-up against the Orlando Magic.  Atlanta 95, Milwaukee 74.

The second game of Sunday afternoon was actually the first game of a much-anticipated series between the LA Lakers and Utah Jazz.  The Jazz are playing incredible basketball right now, and looked to bring their cohesion to LA.  Well, LA got out to a big lead for most of the game behind a strong 31 point night from Kobe Bryant.  But in the 4th quarter, the Jazz brought the game back to within 1-point.  Down the stretch though, the Lakers simply got the job done, and earned a hard-fought win against Utah.  This series should be one to remember.  LA Lakers 104, Utah 99.

HORSE RACING

Watch the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Saturday night. Coverage begins at 4:00 NBC and post time at 6:24 pm.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Lakers were hoping to close out the series against a very pesky Oklahoma City Thunder team.  However, they would have to do it in OKC — a place where Kevin Durant and the Thunder have reigned dominant.  However, the Lakers have finally figured out that they have a size advantage down low and would look to exploit that.  The game was neck and neck the whole way, but in the end, with just 0.5 seconds remaining, Pau Gasol tipped in a shot to give the Lakers a 1-point lead to win the series.  With that said, you definitely have to hand it to the Thunder.  They had a surprisingly fantastic season, and potentially could be a #3 seed in next year’s playoffs.  LA Lakers 95, Oklahoma City 94.

So, now that the Lakers have advanced to the next round, whom would they face?  Well, many were expecting a second round showdown between the Lakers and Nuggets.  But the Jazz have been playing incredible basketball in the playoffs and looked to be the favorite as they hosted a potential series ending Game 6 against the Nuggets. The Nuggets haven’t been the same since their coach George Karl has been on leave treating his cancer.  Well Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony did what they do for the Nuggets putting up 30 points and 20 points respectively, but the Jazz were just too much… AGAIN.  Even their rookie guard Wesley Matthews had 23 points.  With the win, we get to see a very exciting second round match-up between the Jazz and Lakers.  And this could be it for the Lakers.  Oddly, both the Nuggets and Mavericks, teams predicted to possibly beat the Lakers, are both out of these playoffs.  Utah 112, Denver 104.

And in Milwaukee, the surging Bucks, under the campaign “Fear the Deer” were hoping to end their incredible series against the Hawks.  They have been without their star center Andrew Bogut, but have been playing fantastic basketball.  And now… they had the chance to shockingly advance to the second round on his home court.  Well, that would have been great, but the Bucks simply couldn’t find their touch.  Carlos Delfino had 20 points, but the Bucks put up only 69 points in the game.  Yes, they lost, and returned the advantage in the series to Atlanta.  Can the Hawks finally get out of their slump and win on their home court in Game 7?  Winner gets Orlando in the second round.  Atlanta 83, Milwaukee 69.