BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was the crucial Game 5 of the Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs.  The series was tied at 2 games a piece, and the Spurs desperately needed to have the series lead with the contest heading back to Miami.  This was their last home game, and they were going to make it count.  Even their best player Tony Parker said that he was playing through an injury right now that he would typically take 10 days off for during the regular season.  He said that if he gets hurt, then that’s life.  The game was basically Spurs the whole way.  The Heat showed flashes of coming back, but this was the last home game of the season for the Spurs and they were going to make sure their fans left happy.  The Spurs cruised at the end, and are now one game away from winning the NBA Championship.  But you simply can not count out LeBron James.  Expect him to be an absolute monster in Game 6.  San Antonio 114, Miami 104.

Elsewhere in the NBA, it’s official, as the Brooklyn Nets have hired Jason Kidd (pictured with wife Porschia) as their new head coach.  Kidd was only retired for a few days before he said that he wanted the head coaching position on the team that turned him into a franchise player.  Having a guy like Kidd who the players will immediately respect could be the creative answer that the Nets need.  However, Kidd will have to gel with the Nets star point guard Deron Williams.  Williams has a reputation for being a hot head sometimes, and it’s uncertain whether Kidd will be able to get him to listen.  The Nets also need to make a few off-season moves to bolster their bench, but Kidd should have some helpful input that will steer the organization in the right direction.

Finally in the NBA, there is a major trade rumor in the works.  It’s being discussed that the Celtics may send their head coach Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett to the Clippers in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan and some draft picks.  However, there is also another very intriguing rumor out there.  It’s also being reported that the Clippers may do a sign-and-trade with the Lakers in which the Lakers sign Dwight Howard to a max deal and flip him to the Clippers in exchange for Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe.  These would obviously be significant moves that would make both teams extremely interesting next season.  But, at this point, it’s all still just in the rumor mill.