Sundry

A great many things have happened in the past couple of weeks, so I've decided to touch on each of the following briefly. We'll start by continuing in the NBA playoffs:

What a shot from LeBron James. Facing an improbable 0-2 hole after losing just twice in Cleveland all season (once if you discount the finale in which James was in street clothes), James made the spectacular three that could be the impetus for a championship run. Had they gone to Orlando down 0-2, I wouldn't by any means count the Cavaliers out. But with Orlando letting a 2-0 record in Cleveland slip away, I may just count out the Magic. Hats off to you, Bernie Blozar.

However, Kobe Bryant has shown that he may be the NBA's best shooter. The Lakers look to be in top form with Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza stepping up to bat behind Bryant. The Nuggets played poorly down the stretch at home in game three. They'll need more consistent, smarter, and generally less stupid play from J.R. Smith to even back up the series.

In the NHL, Pittsburgh is making minced meat of the Carolina Hurricanes. Sidney Crosby and especially Evgeni Malkin look unstoppable. After the thrilling series against Washington - capped by a thorough game seven beatdown - Pittsburgh hasn't at all slowed down against a Carolina team who won their own road game seven against the top-seeded Boston Bruins.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks gutted out an OT victory after Cristobal Huet relieved starter Nikolai Khabibulin to claw back into their series with Cup holders Detroit. Sorry The Doob, but perhaps the Caps should have tried harder to retain Huet so they didn't go into that game seven with tenderfoot Ernie Varlamov and your boy Jose as their options between the pipes.

Filly Rachel Alexandra galloped to the Preakness crown ahead of Kentucky Derby champ Mine That Bird. Still no Triple Crown winner since 1978, though jockey Calvin Borel has set himself up for a possible personal treble. With me selecting Musket Man to win (who finished a respectable third), I have still never picked a winning horse.

(On that note, I'll be in Vegas shortly and am willing to place bets for any BD bloggers for a small rake.)

Manny Pacquiao obliterated Briton Ricky Hatton, again proving to be boxing's best. After he won me some money as the underdog against Oscar de la Hoya, I put my bet on Pacman to win by decision against The Hitman. No payday was to come when Pacquiao felled Hatton twice in the first and once in the second and final round. I think Money May should stay retired. But he is a retired boxer with the nickname "Money," so look for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout in the future.

Nearly two months have passed in the baseball season, and, after a rocky start, the Yankees have put it together to be fighting at the top of their division with Boston and Toronto (behind Roy Halladay's golden Denver arm). As long as those three teams stay at the top, that means the Devil Rays aren't. For that I would be thankful.

The Florida Marlins began the season at 11-1, but followed that up with a seven game losing streak. On top of that, they've won just eight games since. I predict the Mets will lead that division when September hits and then, as is customary, concede to Philadelphia in the final two weeks. And yes, the Washington Oats are indeed the worst team in baseball.

In other news, Manny Ramirez takes female fertility drugs and the Rockies are in last place.

In Europe's top three soccer leagues, global recession-proof Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Barcelona have given a bit of credence to the idea that money can buy championships. On the contrary, Juventus failed miserably in their attempt a few years back.

Apparently the WNBA season is just around the corner. At least that's what the advertisements in NBA playoff arenas tell me. And here I thought the league folded. Who wants to place a bet on when that actually happens?
10:1 within two years