The Celtics finished what the Warriors started. Al Horford finished what Steph Curry started. And since the road team won, the NBA Finals have now officially started. And don’t tell me the Celts “stole” Game One. Boston earned that win.
That was a huge third quarter for the Dubs as they built a 15-point lead. But it was a bigger fourth for the Celtics, who went off for 40 in the period, hitting 9-12 three-point attempts. Horford connected on six threes—including four straight at one point—on his way to 26 points on the night. That 120-108 comeback victory leaves Boston three wins away from clinching an NBA record 18th title.
Nike founder Phil Knight and Dodgers part-owner Alan Smolinisky want to buy the Portland Trail Blazers. Their current problem is that the Blazers are not for sale. But Knight and his buddy reportedly have scraped together two billion reasons why the team could have a change of heart. Plus, Knight has a friend in high places—NBA Commish Adam Silver. My guess is that this will happen.
Basketball has become a position-less sport. The whole point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center thingy is history. But the annual voting for the All-NBA team still reflects that rigid 1-5 position slotting. Silver Thursday floated an interesting idea. He said the league will take a look at having voters pick the top 15 players, regardless of position. Lemme think about this…
Idaho State assistant football coach DaVonte’ Neal has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a 2017 fatal shooting in Arizona. Yeah, that’s gonna be an HR problem.
It’s time, Jim Kaat. We all agree that you’re a very nice man who never means any harm. But the 83-year-old Twins radio broadcaster has made yet another cringe-worthy on-air gaffe. He referred to Yankees lefthander Nestor Cortes as “Nestor the Molestor” in an attempt to compliment Cortes’ pitching. For the record, Cortes says he doesn’t care and was not offended. However, MLB and the Twins do not share that view. It was just last October when Kaat suggested that teams “get a 40-acre field of” players who look like White Sox infielder Yoan Moncada, who is Black and reportedly does not own a mule. It’s time, Jim.
What can you say about a 39-year-old Klondike-bearded quarterback who played 17 years in the NFL and started for nine different teams? Here’s what I say. Nicely done, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Enjoy your retirement. You did create some FitzMagic and your teammates—all of them, on all of those teams—loved you.
And a salute and bouquet to Frank Gore, who officially retired Thursday after a remarkable 16-year NFL career. We’ll see Frank in Canton five years from now. There is no question that Gore was the most “under the radar” but truly great running back in league history. Before announcing his retirement, Gore signed a one-day contract with the team that drafted him, the 49ers.
I always feel badly when I crush Tua. He seems like such a nice young man. Tua says he’s tired of people saying he has a weak arm and is a “sight” thrower. Sorry, man. You have a weak arm and you are a “sight” thrower.
