BASKETBALL

Sunday was a big day for NBA playoffs.

First up, it was the much anticipated Game 7 between the #8 underdog Memphis Grizzlies and the #4 Oklahoma City Thunder.  The prize?  A trip to the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.  These two teams have been at each other’s throats the past 2 weeks.  We’ve seen huge leads disappear, stars emerge (e.g. Zach Randolph for Memphis and James Harden for OKC), and even a nail-biting triple-overtime in a pivotal Game 4.  So it all came down to this.  Oklahoma City was favored given that they’re playing before their raucous home crowd, but the Grizzlies know how to win on the road.  The game stayed close at the beginning, but then the Thunder started to slowly build a lead.  In the second half, unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the Thunder caught fire from 3-point land and Memphis couldn’t buy a bucket.  Russell Westbrook had a triple-double for the Thunder, and Kevin Durant led all scorers with a whopping 39 points.  This game — the Thunder made a statement that they think they could win it all, not just the series, and they advanced to the NBA semifinals.  And anybody who thinks the Mavericks are destined to win this series will get a wake-up call watching old-man Jason Kidd trying to guard the blazing fast Russell Westbrook.  OKC 105, Memphis 90.

Next up, it was Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.  We’ve been used to seeing the Celtics in this series, but this year it was two newcomers:  The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat.  The Bulls showed that they are a well-rounded team that plays solid defense.  In a shocker, LeBron and Wade weren’t even the leading scorers for the Heat, it was Chris Bosh with 30 points.  And for the Bulls — they got big step-up nights from both Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng.  Many people think this is just the D-Rose show, but they’re wrong — the Bulls can beat you in many ways, and they crushed the Heat in the 4th quarter.  The Bulls take Game 1, and if you haven’t watched the NBA post-season yet, you will be absolutely dazzled watching Derrick Rose play.  Chicago 103, Miami 82.

BASEBALL

And in baseball, after a brawl between the Yankees and Red Sox, Boston was going for a series sweep last night against the Yanks.  The Yankees led 4-1 in the second inning, but in the 3rd, the Red Sox Kevin Youklis hit a 3-run blast to left-field to tie things up.  And then, there was no looking back for the Red Sox.  They got another insurance run off a David Ortiz homer, and then Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit one more smash in the 9th inning to make it 7-5, and that was all she wrote for the Yankees.  The Yankees have now lost 5 straight at home in the ultra-competitive AL East.  Boston 7, NY Yankees 5.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was Game 6 between the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls.  Prior to the battle, the Bulls were calling this the most important Game of the Year.  Even though they are up 3-2, they hoped to close out Atlanta as not to force a Game 7.  Because when there’s an Game 7, anything can happen.  A team gets hot, you have an off-shooting night… anything.  So that’s why the Bulls rolled into Atlanta and played their hearts out.  Derrick Rose had 19 points and 12 assists, but, finally, he got some help.  Carlos Boozer suddenly woke up to have a monstrous game on both ends of the court.  Boozer finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the Bulls looked to be playing like a cohesive unit out there.  They easily cruised to a victory, and will now meet the three-headed monster of LeBron/Wade/Bosh in the Eastern Conference Finals.  If you haven’t been watching the playoffs, this match-up is the time to start.  It’s must-see basketball.  Chicago 93, Atlanta 73.

Elsewhere in the NBA, with ‘The Man’ Phil Jackson walking away from the Lakers (at least for now) there is a lot of speculation as to who will sit in his throne.  After all, those are some big shoes to fill.  Many speculated that Jackson would pass the torch to assistant coach (and former player) Brian Shaw.  Shaw has been Phil’s right-hand man these past few seasons, and also is very familiar with the triangle offense.  However, it now appears that the Lakers are very interested in Rick Adelman.  Adelman is a journeyman coach in the NBA, albeit with a very strong reputation.  He was recently released by the Houston Rockets, but he was responsible for the 2000-2002 Sacramento Kings era when they surged to the top of the standings.  There’s no decision yet, and probably won’t be one soon because of the extremely-likely lockout, but whoever the next coach is will have a big job ahead of them.

GOLF

Finally, in golf, Tiger Woods just can’t catch a break.  He had a pretty good Masters finish, but he hasn’t won a major tourney since his scandal.  Now, after just 9 holes, Tiger Woods had to walk away from the The Players Championship with a knee injury.  This knee injury has kept him from practicing anything since The Masters and it will sideline him for at least a little while longer.  It’s times like these when we must remember the Tiger Woods glory days of winning tourney after tourney.  Now people watch just to see if can ever win again.  It’s almost as if there’s a curse on him.  Bad karma if you will.

BASKETBALL

Two key games on the docket last night.

First up, it was Game 5 between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, and this… was an elimination game.  You could be sure that the Celtics wouldn’t go down without a serious fight.  A team as experienced as the Celtics does not go quietly in a do-or-die situation.  The Celtics got out to a lead and kept it for a decent amount of the game.  They even held the lead with just a few minutes left in the game.  But then, LeBron James took the battle into his own hands.  The game was just a one point contest, but then LeBron scored the last 10 points of the game to crush the Celtics in the final two minutes.  LeBron finished with 33, Wade with 34, and the Miami Heat advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.  As of now, they have no opponent, although Chicago is one game away from closing out.  But right now, Miami looks like they could smother anyone. They are on a mission!  As for Boston, they will most likely have to add some young talent to the mix next year if they want to compete.  Miami 97, Boston 87.

Then — a pivotal Game 5 between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder.  And remember, these teams are coming off a triple-overtime battle.  They’re definitely tired, and it’s been a grueling battle thus far.  Fortunately for the Thunder, they’re playing off the momentum from a win AND in front of their supercharged home crowd.  The game was a rugged war in the first half, but then the wheels just came off for the Grizzlies.  They had some ugly turnovers and just couldn’t hit a shot in the second half.  Then it turned into a massacre, with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook slamming the ball left and right.  Durant finished with 19 points to lead the Thunder, and now the series heads back to Memphis for a win-or-STAY-home Game 6.  You have to hope the Grizzlies can do it and earn the Game 7 that everybody wants to see.  OKC 99, Memphis 72.

Finally, in some sad news, former Michigan Wolverine college basketball star Robert “Tractor” Traylor was found dead in his house yesterday.  Traylor is famous for being the sole bright spot in the Michigan basketball program a few years after the FAB 5 era.  He was a huge power forward that gave defenses fits.  He was drafted in 1998 to the  Dallas Mavericks, but they quickly traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks for some German prospect named Dirk Nowitzki.  Clearly, Dallas is currently happy about that trade, but the Bucks organization said they are saddened by the news because Traylor was such a pleasant presence in their organization.  Traylor had been playing professional basketball in Puerto Rico, and their coach said the fans LOVED him.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, only one playoff game last night (because the Lakers/Mavs series ended QUICKLY!)  That game was a pivotal match-up between the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls.  The Bulls have taken a lot of criticism lately for not closing out this series sooner, but had no intention of losing on their home court.  The trick to stopping Atlanta is not letting their offense get hot at any point.  That’s why the Bulls played lock-down defense in the 4th quarter.  They weren’t taking any chances with the Hawks going on a 3-point shooting spree, and stifled the Hawks to just 15 points in the 4th.  Point-guard Jeff Teague has been an unlikely rookie star for the Hawks, putting up 21 points and 7 assists for Atlanta, but there’s simply no stopping Derrick Rose at the point-guard position.  Rose had another stellar night with 33 points and 9 assists, as the Bulls cruised to victory to send the series back to Atlanta.  However, Atlanta is very tough to beat on their home floor, and this series could be going 7.  Chicago 95, Atlanta 83.

Elsewhere in the NBA, a little gossip out of Miami.  Heat superstars Dwayne Wade and LeBron James publicly said yesterday that they owe their new partnership (along with Chris Bosh) to the Boston Celtics.  What?  Well, here’s why.  Wade and James said that Boston laid the blueprint for “joining forces”.  In 2008, Boston brought in both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to play along fellow all-star Paul Pierce.  LeBron stated, “Seeing guys make sacrifices to come together and play as one. They set the blueprint and went out there and did it. They won a championship. They competed every year.”  So clearly, LeBron, Wade, and Bosh are all making “sacrifices” right now by not being alpha-dogs.  But what good is being an alpha-dog if you don’t even come close to winning a title?  Either way, Miami looks like the hottest team out there right now.  We’ll see if they can finish off the Celtics and then get past the Bulls/Hawks.

FOOTBALL

Finally, in the NFL, Reggie Bush is tweeting some controversial messages again.  Yesterday he tweeted RE: the lockout, “Everybody complaining about the lockout! Shoot I’m making the most of it! Vacation, rest, relaxing, appearances here and there! I’m good!”  His 1.6 Million followers didn’t exactly appreciate that sentiment.  They seemingly want Bush working hard every minute of the day to move toward getting another Super Bowl ring.  Bush had to come out publicly and say he was joking about that.  This has only generated attention because of the tweet that caught people’s eye at the NFL draft — when the Saints drafted Alabama running-back Mark Ingram and Bush tweeted, “It’s been fun New Orleans”.  Drew Brees, however, has come to Bush’s defense saying that Bush is just a hard-working player who wants to prove himself.  Brees continued by saying that he could empathize with how Bush felt because he experienced the same thing when he was starting QB for the Chargers, and they drafted Philip Rivers.  So for all you Tweeters out there, keep an eye on Reggie Bush — he’s been highly entertaining.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, two amazing playoff games.

First up, it was the Boston Celtics hosting the Miami Heat.  For the Celts, it was pretty much do-or-die with the series heading back to Miami for Game 5.  They trailed 2-1 heading into Game 4, and couldn’t afford the loss.  Paul Pierce and company had one of their solid games.  Pierce had 27 points and 8 rebounds on the night as the Celtics kept in close in the 4th.  But neither team could pull away.  Pierce had one last opportunity for the win at the end of regulation, but… NO!  He couldn’t hit it, and we headed to overtime.  And in OT, LeBron just kicked into another gear.  James finished the evening with a spectacular 35 points and 14 rebounds, as the Heat pulled away and grabbed the road victory.  The Heat now lead the series 3-1 heading back to Miami, and Boston doesn’t appear to be playing their best ball right now.  Can Miami clinch in Game 5?  Miami 98, Boston 90.

Then, in Memphis, a doozy of a game.  The Grizzlies pulled out to a 16 point lead in the first half, and looked to be running away with the game. But, the Thunder came roaring back on a 22-9 run and pulled the lead to 4 points at the half.  Then the Thunder took over in the second half and appeared to be pulling away, except the Grizzlies caught fire late.  Up by 3, the Grizzlies had one last chance to tie, and Mike Conley pulled up for a LONG three… GOOD!!!  An amazing shot to send the game into overtime.  And again, in OT, the Thuder pulled away again, but they simply couldn’t put the Grizzlies to bed. Z-Bo (Zachary Randolph) and Shane Battier were the heroes this time around, and the game would require, yes, another overtime.  And now, in double overtime, with both Mike Conley and 3-point marksman O.J. Mayo fouled out, Maryland rookie Greivis Vasquez turned into the hero, sinking an amazing 3 pointer to even the score and send it into TRIPLE OVERTIME!  Unfortunately, that was pretty much all the Grizzlies had left in the tank.  Once you hit the third overtime, people start to get winded and the team with more stars on the court tends to win.  Russell Westbrook played out of his mind for OKC, putting up 40 points on the night.  Now, the series heads back to Oklahoma City tied at 2 games a piece.  Home court advantage is back in the Thunder’s hands.  OKC 133, Memphis 123.

And, in college basketball, the University of Maryland has found their replacement for now retired head coach Gary Williams.  It looks like Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon will be the new skipper for the Terrapins.  Turgeon was relaunching the basketball program at A&M this past season, even leading them to the NCAA tourney.  He was supposed to be the guy who puts the Aggies back on the map, and he did, but Turgeon said he just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to coach at a basketball-rich program like Maryland.  He will now coach against Coach K (Duke) and Roy Williams (UNC) every year.  The ACC is an elite basketball conference (not taking anything away from the Big 12), and running a major school like Maryland is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.  You gotta take it.

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.

WATCH BETSY TALK KENTUCKY DERBY TRIVIA ON THE TODAY SHOW!

BASKETBALL

The NBA Playoffs had the night off Thursday night so all games could switch locations, allowing the players to get some much needed rest.  But there was still some notable news.  The NBA has suspended the Lakers’ Ron Artest for Saturday’s game against Dallas.  The reason:  Artest practically punched Mavericks guard J.J. Barea.  Lamar Odom was defending the small, pesky guard, and Artest came from out of nowhere to slug Barea in the face with his forearm.  Artest denied it was intentional, but the replay makes it look quite on target.  And many think that this move was simply out of frustration.  Dallas was all over the Lakers in Game 2, and Artest losing his cool is just an indicator that the Lakers are in disarray and have no idea how to contain the Mavs.  Can the Lakers win 4 out of the next 5?  We shall see.

And, finally, it looks like the Celtics will get their secret weapon back.  Who?  Shaquille O’Neill.  Remember, the Celtics acquired Shaq this off-season as a means to defending big men like Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol in the playoffs.  Of course, Shaq was injured for much of the second half of the season.  But if there was ever a chance for Shaq to help the team — it’s right now!  They need him badly because they’re getting killed by the Heat (who appear to be jelling on all cylinders right now).  The Boston team doctor is almost 100% sure that Shaq will be ready by Friday’s game, and the Celtics will need a serious defensive contribution from him.  If they lose again, they’re practically dead.

And in college basketball, the end of an era.  It looks like Maryland head coach Gary Williams is stepping down.   Williams was one of the most notable coaches in college basketball, much revered, and much respected, although the Terrapins have been lackluster the past few seasons.  But, Williams did win a championship in 2001 with a team led by Juan Dixon that also included the Lakers Steve Blake.  Williams also coached the much-touted #1 draft pick in 1995 — Joe Smith (still in the NBA), as well as the current back-up point-guard for the Grizzlies Grievas Vasquez.  The Terrapins typically didn’t sit atop the ACC (as North Carolina and Duke usually hold those ranks), but they were always contenders and frequently made the NCAA tourney (albeit with many an early exit).  Now, Maryland will look to hire his heir apparent and get back on track.

For Kentucky Derby trivia, watch Betsy on the Today Show:

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, before the game, commissioner David Stern officially presented Derrick Rose with the MVP trophy.  It was a very special night for Chicago, as their last MVP player came in the form of the best player of all time:  Michael Jordan.  Rose held up the trophy and dedicated to the city of Chicago.  Classy move.  But, remember, the Bulls trailed the Hawks 0-1 in the series, and you don’t want to accept too many accolades before you have to go out there and perform.

This time around, the Bulls were ready for the Hawks.  The thing about this Hawks team is that if you can get up by more than 7, the Hawks have a very tough time coming back.  They don’t exactly have that comeback spirit.  But, if they’re leading by 7, YOU will have a hard time catching up, because they definitely know how to score.  The Bulls controlled this game in the second half, knowing that losing Game 2 on their home court wasn’t an option.  Joakim Noah had a tenacious night for the Bulls with 19 points and 14 rebounds.  For the Hawks, however, they may have found their point-guard of the future in Jeff Teague (the former Wake Forest star).  Teague had 21 points of his own filling in for starting point-guard Kirk Heinrich.  Sure, Atlanta lost the game, but they are still jelling, and having Teague at point might be the way to go for Game 3.  Plus, the Hawks are very tough to beat at home (The Highlight Center)  Chicago 86, Atlanta 73.

Then, it was Game 2 between the LA Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks.  This was an absolute must win for the Lakers on their home court.  They did not want to go down 0-2 and head to Dallas.  Unfortunately, the Lakers just do not seem to be fusing together right now.  Kobe is out there trying hard, but his supporting cast just isn’t getting it done.  Plus, the Mavs look like they’re on a mission.  They have Dirk Nowitzki in his prime, Jason Kidd in what is probably his last good year, a healthy Shawn Marion, and a stout big man in the middle:  Tyson Chandler.  They have a championship nucleus and they have no intention of blowing it.  Last night, they embarrassed the Lakers in Staples Center.  Nowitzki had 24 points and proved that he is possibly one of the toughest guys to guard in NBA history.  Can Kobe and the Lakeshow pull it together, or have we basically seen the end of this dynasty, and should probably assume that Kobe won’t get that 6th ring.  Dallas 93, LA Lakers 81.

HOCKEY

Finally, it looks like the Washington Capitals will have to do it all over again.  They finished with the top seed in the East, after another fantastic season.  But, the Tampa Bay Lightning just turned it on in the post-season, just won Game 4, and swept the top-seeded Capitals.  Sean Bergenheim had 2 goals for the Lightning and this win puts Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Finals.  For the Caps, perhaps it’s better if they enter the playoffs next year as a #6 seed or below.  They work better as an underdog.  Tampa Bay 5, Washington 3.

Betsy talks Kentucky Derby trivia with Kathie Lee and Hoda

BETSY WILL BE ON THE “TODAY SHOW” TODAY AT 10:30 AM TALKING KENTUCKY DERBY!

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was time for some Game 2 action.

First up, LeBron and the Heat looked to defend their home court against the Boston Celtics.  The Celtics looked fantastic against the Knicks in Round 1, but have looked a bit like old men against the Heat.  Plus, they desperately need their all-star point-guard Rajon Rondo to show up and have a big game if they hope to win.  Last night he did have a great night with 20 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds, but the Heat are simply in top form right now.  Dwayne Wade is playing the role of alpha-dog (i.e. the guy they go to when they need a bucket), and LeBron is the guy they go to throughout the game when they need a boat load of points.  LeBron finished with 35 points as the Heat rolled on to a victory.  That gives them a comfortable 2-0 lead in a series that is headed back to Boston.  Miami 102, Boston 91.

Next up, the match-up that has captured America’s attention:  Oklahoma City vs. Memphis, two small-market teams that play with a ton of heart and copious amounts of energy.  And who would have thought that one of them will wind up in the Western Conference Finals?  Memphis took game 1, so you can bet that the Thunder would come out with a vengeance.  They certainly got a fantastic game from their stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but the story of the night was the Thunder supporting cast.  James Harden had 21 points and back-up point-guard Eric Maynor (from VCU) had 15.  The Grizz didn’t expect such a big night from those guys, and that’s what put the Thunder up big in the 4th.  However, mid-way through the 4th, the Grizzlies went on a 22-7 run behind a spectacular night from Mike Conley.  Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Grizzlies, and the series will head back to Memphis tied at 1.  OKC 111, Memphis 102.

HOCKEY

Finally, in your first taste of hockey playoff news, a major upset is brewing.  The Washington Capitals have the best player in hockey:  Alex Ovechkin.  He always leads them to a terrific season, and did the same putting them in the #1 seed, but these Caps just can’t seem to succeed in the playoffs.  This year they made it to the second round, but have run into an extremely tough Tampa Bay Lighting team.  Last night Ryan Malone hit a clutch go-ahead goal in the 3rd period to seal the deal and give the Lightning the win.  Tampa Bay is now up 3-0 in the series, which includes an overtime victory, and now the Caps will have to win 4 games in a row.  Tampa Bay 4, Washington 3.