Osama is Dead

Osama bin Laden is dead.  Some stories are more important than sports.  This would be one of those stories.

Sharks Take 2-0 Lead over Detroit

Two up, two down.  The San Jose Sharks have taken the first two games from the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the NHL Playoffs.  The Sharks never trailed in this one, beating the Wings 2-1.  Sharks goalie Antti Niemi came up big again, saving 33 shots.  Jimmy Howard was able to keep a suddenly struggling Detroit offense alive throughout most of the game, only yielding goals to Ian White and Niclas Wallin over 37 shots.

The teams will travel to Detroit for Game 3, where the Red Wings are in a near-almost win situation.

Rays’ Zobrist Knocks in 8

After 23 games, Ben Zobrist had an impressive 15 RBI’s, putting him on average for nearly 106 RBI’s.  But Zobrist went off in the opening game of the team’s double header against the Twins on Thursday, knocking in a team-record 8 RBI’s.  Zobrist had two doubles and a home run as well as a single in his career game.

The Rays have won four in a row, and are now 13-11, only 1 1/2 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East.

MRI on Rose Comes Back negative

An MRI on Derrick Rose’s ankle came back negative, meaning the Bulls shouldn’t expect to see their star point guard missing any time.  Rose is probable to play in Game 5 in Chicago, as the Bulls try to knock out the pesky Indiana Pacers.

Rose said his ankle is sprained, and that he is “definitely” playing in Game 5.

Knicks Swept by C’s

In a game that saw the Celtics embarrass the Knicks throughout the first half, and almost blow a 23-point second-half lead, Kevin Garnett’s 20 points after halftime were enough to knock New York out of the playoffs today.  The Celtics are the first team to advance to the second round, and the Knicks are the only team to have been swept in the playoffs so far.

It is an offseason of uncertainty for the Knicks, who must decide on the options of starting point guard Chauncey Billups, and President/GM Donnie Walsh.  Here’s to hoping both are back (hopefully with center DeAndre Jordan via free agency), to help the Knicks bolster their chances of improving on this seasons’ success.

Jason Richardson and Zaza Pachulia Suspended for Game 4

Orlando’s Jason Richardson and Atlanta’s Zaza Pachulia have both been suspended for the teams’ Game 4 match-up in Atlanta.  Pachulia wasa suspended for head-butting Richardson, while Richardson was suspended for shoving Pachulia in the face.

Richardson is one of Orlando’s top perimeter scorers, but has struggled to find much of a groove so far in the series.  Pachulia is a back-up, but is very physical, and a key contributor off the bench.  Expect the Magic to try and exploit the loss of Pachulia, by looking to Dwight more than ever before.

JIM LARRANAGA TO THE U?

George Mason’s Jim Larranaga- who gained nationwide attention for his pregame speeches during their magical run to the Final Four in 2005- is considered a serious candidate for the Miami men’s basketball job.

Larranaga is 61, and has been at George Mason since 1997.  This year, he led the Patriots, of the CAA, to a 25-5 record, an eight-seed in the NCAA tournament, and a first-round win over Big East powerhouse Villanova.

In his career, Larranaga is 470-334.  Before coaching at George Mason, Larranaga coached at Bowling Green for eleven seasons, and at American International, a D-2 school, for two years.

Personally, I think this would be a great signing.  My top choice is still Frank Martin, but Larranaga is a fiery guy, who knows how to get the most out of his players.  He’s incredibly experienced, and flat out knows how to win basketball games.  I’d be very happy with the hire.

BULLS SLUGGISH START MAY COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM

Today, the Bulls have something the Magic, Lakers, and Spurs- three legitimate title contenders have- a playoff win.  In fact, the Bulls’ have two of them.

But in both games, the Bulls have thoroughly been outplayed.  Outside of Derrick Rose, and the clutch shooting of Kyle Korver (5/5 from downtown in the series), no Bull has stepped up to help carry the offense.  With two home games, and getting to face the Pacers without starting point guard Darren Collison for the second half last night, the Bulls still seemed complacent at points, rarely showing the fire and intensity of a championship-bound team.

I don’t think they’re going to lose to Indiana, and they’ll have a big advantage in the second round no matter who they play.  But if they have to play Boston- a team that is pedal to the metal, or a run-n-gun team like the Knicks, the Bulls’ sluggish play won’t fly.

Knicks Drop Close One

In a game that saw the Knicks outplay and outshoot Boston all night, it was Ray Allen and the Celtics who enjoyed the last laugh, edging New York 87-85.  The Knicks got killed on the boards, and couldn’t come up with a big stop on the last possession which saw Allen drain a three.

The Knicks lost game one, and potentially point guard Chauncey Billups

Nick Saban Statue

Before Alabama’s Spring Game, a 9-foot bronze statue of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban was unveiled.  Really Alabama?  Saban is entering only his fifth year at the school, and it wasn’t so long ago that he was the hated head coach at their rival LSU.  Yes he won Alabama a national championship a couple years ago, but is that really deserving of a statue already?

On top of that, Saban is still coaching, and probably will coaching Alabama for many more years.  Why wouldn’t the school wait to see Saban continue his reign at the school?  What happens if he’s found guilt of recruiting violations (I’m not saying he will be I’m just posing a simple “what if”)?  How’s that statue going to look then?