Matt Youmans
Nothing about the Phoenix Suns should lead anyone to believe they just suffered a crushing blow, that they are devastated and incapable of fighting back. Not with Steve Nash leading the charge.
It’s not breaking news at this point, almost two months into a marathon season, but the New York Yankees are no longer referring to right-hander Phil Hughes as their fifth-best starting pitcher.
It will be months before we know if LeBron James has played his final game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. But we do know the “King” will not be part of the NBA Finals, again, and that comes as no major surprise.
It’s only a matter of time before Jerry Sloan sees his Utah Jazz put to sleep for another offseason. It’s unfortunate, too, because the Jazz play basketball the right way, for a coach who’s no slouch.
Unless a giant asteroid smashes into Earth in the near future, LeBron James someday will win an NBA title. But it might not happen this season, and he might not reach the top with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Three months ago, Brett Favre limped off the field after throwing an interception that helped launch the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl. Since that day, Favre has disappeared to the obscurity of his Mississippi farm.
Suspicious officiating and game-fixing conspiracies aside, there are several reasons to appreciate the NBA. The game is presently blessed with an abundance of great players, one being Kevin Durant.
Every intriguing story needs a hero and a villain, and Phil Mickelson mastered his role in this one. He took over the year’s first golf major and starred in a perfectly scripted ending.
It was as if he had never left. Those who doubted he still had the game to win a major golf tournament must feel foolish now. Yes, Y.E. Yang is back, and he’s as good as ever.
It’s easy to pull for Butler and its unassuming star, Gordon Hayward. And for many, it’s easier to dislike Duke for its arrogance and elite pedigree.
No mystery surrounds Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. He might seem to carry a deep bag of magic tricks, but in reality he’s just a tough guy who teaches the basic principles of basketball extremely well.
Three good stories unfolded, and then the worst was saved for last. The Final Four was filled out by a predictably tired story Sunday as Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski strolled to graciously shake hands, grin and cut down the nets.
It could have gone either way. Jacob Pullen’s second free throw hung on the edge of the rim, briefly appearing as if it would fall off. But it dropped in, and Kansas State pulled off a miracle.