NBA Playoffs

For the past month it seems like the NBA has just been scripted to prove people wrong. Teams look dead and buried after a game or two only to come right back. How many times have OKC looked on the verge of being tumbled only for Westbrook and Durant to find another gear? It's beyond guessing what's gonna happen from here on in. The Spurs are out for redemtion, Indiana somehow salvaged a season from the precipice, while Miami seemed set on glory once more. They've even tried to copyright the phrase 'three-peat'. The big players are delivering at the most important time, breakout stars are emerging, and the cream is rising to the top.

Party On, Dudes

“Johnny Football” Manziel and Rob “I Am Party” Gronkowski having a good time. I had a feeling these two might become acquainted at some stage. Watch out ladies.

Butt Fumble Jersey Sold

It was a moment that will live on in the memories of Jets fans for a long time. Few eras in sports team history can be summed up so perfectly by a single play. It was the iconic moment of the past few years for this franchise. I speak, of course, of the Butt Fumble.

Well, the jersey that QB Mark Sanchez wore that day has been auctioned off for US$820. A diehard Jets fan made the purchase, as he said to keep it from “the hands of an anti-fan or something of that manner to be shoved in our face”. Given the amount of ridicule that team has endured for that single, hilarious play, probably fair enough too. Though he doesn’t plan to hide it away, no. The jersey will be framed upon his wall “until we win a Superbowl”. Good luck explaining it to ya grandchildren, buddy.

Sports fans, eh?

Parental Support

Astros prospect Conrad Gregor may never get to hit too many home runs in the major leagues, though even if he does it’s doubtful any will be as special this one in the minors this week. Playing his first season of Single A ball, the 22 year old managed to send his first item of long distance air mail into the crowd, where it was well caught by a passionate fan – his dad. What are the chances?

Quote of the Week:

Runner Up Quote of the Week

"..." - Gregg Popovich

Good Week:

• Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport) – The 2012 IndyCar Series winner done held off one heck of a fine finish from Helio Castroneves to take out the finest spectacle in the great sport of motor racing – the Indianapolis 500. It was the second darn closest finish in the history of the Indy 500, and dang it if ol’ Ryan ain’t the first red blooded yankee to win the thang since 2006. Yee-haw! (Scott Dixon crashed out for a 29th placed finish, btw)
• Alex Rios (Texas Rangers) – One of the few bright spots in a season marred by injury. And amidst news that major offseason acquisition Prince Fielder will miss the rest of the season, Rios has gone on an unbroken 11 game hit streak, with his last 7 being multi-hit games.
• Nelson Cruz (Baltimore Orioles) – 5 homers in a week and Nelly’s leading the majors now (with 17). His 46 RBI are also up top, and despite the PED ban he faced last season, he’s now looking pretty well redeemed as one of the best free agent deals of the summer.

Bad Week:

• A.J. Ellis (LA Dodgers) – The LAD catcher’s been put on the 15 day disabled list. After watching Drew Butera catch the below-mentioned no-hitter, the slumping Ellis stepped on a discarded catcher’s mask as he rushed out to celebrate, twisting his ankle and putting another setback on an already difficult season for him. D’oh!
• Boston Red Sox – They finally won a game on Tuesday, after losing 10 in a row. Poor old Andrew Miller copped a lot of the blame as the reliever gave up four walk off losses in that streak. So he shaved his beard and suddenly his luck turns around (not like it could get much worse). The defending champs are currently 22-29 and last in the AL East.
• 50 Cent (Free Agent) – Fiddy might wanna hit the mattresses after this one. This is right up there with the worst first pitches of all time. Street cred significantly damaged. Although he’s not all that far off the level of the regular Mets pitchers, to be fair.

Player of the Week:

Josh Beckett (LA Dodgers) – 128 pitches of hitless heroism for the Dodgers starter against the Phillies on Monday. He pitched the first no-hitter of the 2014 season and the first of the 34 year old’s career. He had six strikeouts (including the final out to Chase Utley) and three walks, despite going up against a Philadelphia lineup with four former all stars and two former MVPs.

Upcoming Dates (NZ Time):

June 6 - NBA Finals Begin

June 27 - NBA Draft Held

July 16 - MLB All Star Game