HORSE RACING

In what’s called the “most exciting 2 minutes in sports”, Animal Kingdom won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. In a field of 20 horses with no clear standout, it was an exciting race for this horse. The “run for the roses” as the Derby is called is the first leg of the triple crown series. The next race, the Preakness, is in two weeks and if Animal Kingdom can win the Preakness and then the Belmont Stakes three weeks later, he will be the first triple crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. This would be an incredible feat as only 11 horses in history have ever won the elusive Triple Crown.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, down 3-0, the Los Angeles Lakers were facing the possibility of being swept and eliminated from this year’s playoffs.  Going into this post-season, the Lakers were hoping for a 3-peat.  They never imagined they would be down so far to Dallas.  They simply weren’t jelling, and being completely outplayed by Dallas.  But could they steal a game in Dallas and prolong the series.  The answer was a profound NO.  Dallas came out red-hot and simply could not miss.  Jason Terry alone outscored the Lakers in the second quarter 20-16.  Plus, the Mavericks couldn’t miss from the three-point line.  Jason Terry hit 9 of 10 three-pointers and the team as a whole hit 20.  Then, things got ugly as the Lakers Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum threw dangerous punches and were ejected from the game.  Bynum even undercut J.J. Barea on a lay-up — a move like that can cause a serious career-ending injury.  With the loss, the Lakers are eliminated and have some serious reorganization to do in the off-season.  Dallas advances to the Western Conference Finals to take on the winner of the Memphis/Oklahoma City series.  Dallas 122, LA 86.

Next up, the Chicago Bulls led their series 2-1, and were hoping to go up 3-1 heading back to Chicago.  But, Atlanta hoped to even up the series on their home court.  When Atlanta wants to play hard… they play hard.  And with Sunday night practically being a do-or-die for them, they put their hearts on the floor.  Josh Smith, whose had a pretty bad series so far, had a bounce-back game.  He put up 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists.  And when the Hawks pull away, it is very tough to catch them.  You basically have to stifle them in the first half, and make sure you head into the 4th quarter up 7.  If the Hawks lead going into the 4th, you’re in trouble.  Derrick Rose had 34 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough as the Hawks even up the series at 2.  Now, we head back to Chicago for a pivotal Game 5.

Finally, in college basketball, a major name has declared for the NBA draft.  Butler point-guard Shelvin Mack has publicly stated he will try his hand in the big leagues.  This is notable because Mack was a key component in leading the unsung Butler Bulldogs to an unprecedented two consecutive National Championship Game appearances for a mid-major school.  Many thought he would be back on the squad next year to help the Bulldogs make another run (especially with the addition of more top-tier talent, as making two title appearances seriously helps recruiting).  But Mack has decided to cash in his chips now, as NBA scouts know his name very well, and he would have a chance of going in the first round in June’s draft.  Butler will still be at it hard next season, but Mack’s jersey will likely be retired to the rafters.