NBA
Even though this series has been played very close thus far, I'd be very concerned if I was a Mavericks fan right now. After blazing a trail to the finals, they have finally fallen to earth and looking like the team that everyone was writing off before the playoffs started. Games like last night prove that it takes at least two to win. While basketball is the one sport where an individual can truly take over the game, Dirk can't expect to win when he tallies more points than the other starting four combined. He has to get help from some where, otherwise this series may not even make it to game six that I projected. On an interesting side note though, while Dwayne Wade has played very well this series, what Dirk has done as far as carrying this team especially late in games has been spectacular. If the games continue to play out the way they have been, I think it's fair to say Dirk should be considered for the MVP if the Mavs lose. It has happened once before with Jerry West, and to this point Dirk would be a deserving recipient.
NHL
You're the Boston Bruins. You're headed home down 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Finals, and you're pissed. After abruptly losing game 1 when it looked like you were headed to OT, a player who arguably shouldn't have been playing in game 2 kills you. Alex Burrows was almost suspended for biting a Bruin's player at the end of game 1, ended up being allowed to play, and ends up with an assist and two goals including the OT winner. The Bruins are a strong enough team to climb back in to the series, but in the end I still feel like the Canucks will be too much.
THE BIG SEND OFF
Its starting to get to that point where true legends of the game, who's entire career I was able to take part in, begin to retire. The first came Friday, when Shaq announced he was bringing an end to his 19 year career in the NBA. When we look back, I think he'll be forever remembered as the most dominant force ever. He may not be the best center to ever play, but he is among a select few (Kareem, Olajuwon) that would absolutely dominate at any era. Bill Russell was an unbelievable player. Would he have been that dominate in today's game though? Probably not. Shaq's speech was everything you'd think it would be -- gracious, funny, thoughtful. It was an unbelievable career that I was proud to witness and take part in at both the Forum and Staples Center. I am happy that the Lakers have extended the honor of retiring his jersey, and am glad he wants to be remembered as one in the Hall of Fame.
AROUND THE SPORTS WORLD
Plaxico Burress is a free man, and if I was an NFL owner in need of a big reciever i would be at his doorstep, lockout or no lockout. Burress was sent away for being stupid and naive but did nothing criminally on the level of a Michael Vick. Assuming he's in decent shape, this is a Super Bowl caliber wide receiver that could help a lot of teams immediately. To not look at him as a possible addition to your team if needed would only flip those perceived as being naive. At my event this weekend, we had another solid turnout at Halle park in Memphis, TN. Our guest was head coach of the Grizzlies, Lionel Hollins, who couldn't have been more gracious. He gave me a lot of good insight on next years team, and promised to stop killing the Lakers. Perhaps the coolest part of the weekend though, was having a nice car roll through the park during event, and who should pop out but Michael Oher. The man is a force to be recognized in person and has some serious basketball skills.
That's all for now. Hope everyone had a good weekend. On to Omaha!
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