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One Canadian yes, two Canadians no!

Posted on June 3, 2014 by susan

One Canadian yes, two Canadians no today in French Open action. Eugenie Bouchard of Canada had a rousing three set victory over Sanchez-Navarro. 7-6, 2-6, 7-5 to advance into her second consecutive semifinal appearance in a Grand Slam this year (Australian Open earlier this year). She fought back from a deficit in the third set and she will face Maria Sharapova. Sharapova defeated the young Spaniard, Muguruza (wearing a wrap on her left thigh that was not there earlier in the tournament when she took out Serena Williams in a huge upset) 1-6 (?), 7-5, 6-1. Sad to see Muguruza not get it done but it was a tall order. Perhaps Bouchard can get it done over Sharapova (I am certainly pulling for her to do so!!!). Meanwhile, another bright young Canadian up and comer Milos Raonic took the court today against Novak Djokovic. He lost in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4. Nice effort by Raonic but Djokovic is playing so perfectly it was just not to be. Both Canadians are definitely on the cusp of becoming elite players with Raonic currently enjoying a #8 ranking but Saurez-Navarro vs. Djokovic, well no disrespect but two very different tasks! Meanwhile, E. Gulbis dispatched Thomas Berdych in three sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Gee, looks like this “growing up” phase Gulbis has talked about could be for real. Also, legitimizes that five set victory over Roger Federer in the fourth round. Now, not that I EVER feel good about Fed losing, but it does put that five set loss in perspective with the way Gulbis took care of Berdych today in three easy sets.

So, tomorrow the quarterfinals continue…old friends and fellow countrymen Nadal vs. Ferrer for the who can count how many times will be one of the highlights.

Still think Djokovic and Nadal are on a collision course and I would like to see Novak win and complete the career Grand Slam. Too early however, couple more matches to be played. As far as the women, gee, given how this French Open has gone..who knows? Pulling for an upset..Bouchard over Sharapova (tough ask but one never knows) and then, Kuznetsova is still in it and she has won a Grand Slam before. #4 S. Halep looks primed to make a breakthrough so stay tuned…

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No Americans left in French Open

Posted on June 2, 2014 by susan

No Americans are left in the draw at the French Open after today’s action. The last remaining one, Sloane Stephens fell to #4 S. Halep in two sets. Halep looks like the only remaining obstacle to Sharapova on the women’s side…but one can never tell. This has been a very strange French Open, especially on the women’s side! Also advancing today, A. Petkovic in three sets (yes, so happy to see her back healthy and playing well); Kuznetsova in two sets (she has a French Open title on her resume); and S. Errani in two sets.

On the men’s side…no real surprises. Andy Murray returned to the court after his marathon match with Kolshreiber to defeat Verdasco in three sets. Nadal took out some guy (Lajovic) in three easy sets and fellow Spaniard Ferrer advanced in four sets over Kevin Anderson. Nadal and Ferrer will meet in the quarterfinals. Finally, Frenchman G. Monfils won in three sets over Garcia-Lopez so we still have some entertainment left in the men’s draw! Love him!

Even the world #1 ranked doubles team of the Bryan Brothers lost today!

Still missing Roger Federer…until Wimbledon!! (Ha Ha) Later…#FedisOK!

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Federer loses in 4th round at French Open…not the Sunday wakeup call I wanted!

Posted on June 1, 2014 by susan

Roger Federer lost to E. Gulbis in the fourth round of the French Open today, 7-6, 6-7, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6 and it was NOT the Sunday wake up call I was hoping for! Gee…anyhow…have to hand it to Gulbis (not my favorite guy, but), he won the match and Fed folded. Roger served for the second set and was broken and then lost it in a tie break. Not good. Then dropped the third. He was set to serve for the second set at 5-2 when Gulbis decided he needed to leave the court with an injury timeout. This is in accordance with the rules. BUT…I will say no more. Roger was broken but still managed to take the fourth set 6-4. Then, Fed is promptly broken in the fifth and I had that bad feeling it was going to happen and it did. DARN!!! Roger’s consecutive run of nine quarterfinal appearances at Roland Garros comes to an end. But people…he just welcomed twin boys (already has twin girls, age four soon to be age five) twenty-five days ago. He travels with a family of six and an entourage and adjustments are still being made. Don’t despair Fed fans…he will win another tournament, unfortunately not this one. Now, this becomes just tennis for me so…following this disappointing match…the supposed “match of the day” takes place and it was a dud…Djokovic vs. Tsonga. The crowd was flat, Tsonga was flat and Djokovic cruised in three easy sets. Murray finally finished his match from yesterday, prevailing 12-10 in the fifth set over Kolschreiber and Verdasco completed his upset of Richard Gasquet, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Berdych took care of the last remaining American, John Isner to advance into the quarters (he will face Gulbis) and the one lone bright spot for me on the men’s side…M. Raonic of Canada became the first Canadian man to ever reach the quarterfinals of the French Open, defeating Granollers of Spain. I really like this guy, Raonic from Canada.

On the women’s side, E. Bouchard (also of Canada) took out the number nine seed A. Kerber in two easy sets (surprising) and Muguruza continued her miraculous run (she is the giant slayer, taking out Serena) and will face Sharapova. Maria took out Sam Stosur in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. It looked like Stosur was onto something after the first set but then Sharapova turned it on and after the mid point of the second set, she won nine straight games and it was over. Saurrez-Navarro advanced as well so she will face Bouchard in the semifinals. This has been a crazy (and frustrating) French Open.

To add insult to injury, NBC is finishing up their coverage as we speak by reshowing the fifth set between Federer and Gulbis…like I want to see that again..NOT!

Bubba Watson is currently atop the leaderboard in Ohio at the Memorial. Catch up on that later.

Last night, the Spurs surprised us and won an away game in this series, defeating OKC in OT, 112-107. Tony Parker sat out the second half with an ankle injury but “Timmy” came through (19 points) and the Spurs will get that rematch with Miami. The NBA finals get underway June 5th (good thing..”the old guys from San Antonio” can benefit from the rest). Let’s go Spurs! Also, very important to note…the Jimmy Kimmel pregame show gets underway June 5th as well.

Watched 3 Days to Kill on demand. Gosh, Kevin Costner still has it! It was very entertaining, he was great, just like in Draft Day. Check it out if you have not already.

For now…disappointed in Atlanta!

Update: H. Matsuyama wins the Memorial in a playoff over Kevin Na. Both finished at -13 as Bubba Watson came in second at -12. First time winner on the tour…congrats!

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Heat back to NBA finals, golf and tennis

Posted on May 31, 2014 by susan

The Miami Heat are back in the NBA finals for the fourth year in a row, seeking a three peat (please, NO!) after defeating the Pacers last night in Miami, 117-89. It was never really close and the big three, LeBron, Wade, and Bosh were all superstars. I have to say it again, losing game two in Indy was a death blow for the Pacers. The reason you are the #1 seed is to get home court advantage…oh well, tonight the Thunder host the Spurs in game six, series at 3-2, advantage Spurs. See, this is why you win at home. Should OKC win tonight, the game goes back to San Antonio for game seven. Tonight, would not be surprised to see the Thunder win (perhaps even win big, that has been the theme in this series) but a game seven in San Antonio…gotta go with the Spurs. Stay tuned…

Day three at the Memorial completed. Leaderboard looks like this: Bubba Watson -12, Scott Langley -11, H. Matsuyama -10, Adam Scott -9 (here comes Adam!), Charles Schwartzel, Jordan Spieth, Billy Horshel, Paul Casey and others at -8. Rory Mcilroy had a better day and finds himself at -6 and Lefty (Mickelson) is at -2. He is also dealing with some other “investigative” issues apparently.

Tennis at the French Open continued today and after all was said and done, the usual and a bit of the unusual took place. Nadal and Ferrer won in straight sets (usual and expected). Garcia-Lopez reached his first round of sixteen in a Grand Slam courtesy of a five set win over Donald Young. Have to hand it to both of them, great match, 6-2, 6-4, 2-6, 6-7, 6-4. G. Monfils of France delivered his usual theater and drama in a rousing win over the fiery Italian Fognini, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2. Monfils called for the trainer during the fourth set, complaining of dizziness. Fognini called for the trainer during the fifth set and received treatment on his left leg. When all was said and done with the drama, Monfils moves on into the round of sixteen. Meanwhile, another five set match remains undecided as play was suspended due to darkness. Andy Murray vs. Phillip Kolshreiber are at 7-7 in the fifth. Andy was receiving treatment on his upper leg during changeovers and this match will be continued tomorrow along with the match between Verdasco and Gasquet. Verdasco won the first two sets and they are on serve in the third.

On the women’s side…out goes another contender. Ana Ivanovic fell to Safarova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Very disappointing performance for Ivanovic…she seemed to really be on track to make it deep into this tournament. Winners: S. Halep in straight sets, Jankovic, Errani and Sloane Stephens also in straight sets. A. Petkovic of Germany advanced with a three set victory (happy to see her back and healthy, ready for the Petkovic dance again!). Kuznetsova defeated Kvitova in three dramatic sets, 6-7, 6-1, 9-7. Remember, no tie breaks in the final set at the French Open for either the men or the women. Gee, that Murray-Kolschreiber match tomorrow could go on for awhile? But hopefully not too long, as Mr. Federer is due to take the court tomorrow vs. Gulbis. The winner advances to the quarterfinals. Perhaps the match of the day tomorrow will feature Novak Djokovic vs. J. Tsonga. The French crowed should be solidly behind Tsonga. Until tomorrow…

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And another one bites the dust (clay)!

Posted on May 30, 2014 by susan

And another one bites the dust (clay) at Roland Garros. World #3 A. Radwanska went out today in straight sets (I am not even going to attempt to spell the name of the lady who defeated her!). So, #1, #2, and now #3 gone. Incredible! Sharapova double bageled her opponent today, 6-0, 6-0 and looks like the clear favorite. But, there is still Ivanovic who looks very good, S. Halep and even Sam Stosur who took out #9 Cibulkova today. A. Kerber, J. Jankovic both advanced as did E. Bouchard (coming from behind in the first set) to move into the round of 16. The eighteen year old American Taylor Townsend and her magical run came to an end today in straight sets.

On the men’s side…my guy, Mr. Federer game through in four sets over Tursonov, 7-5, 6-7. 6-2, 6-4. The only glaring issue…that pesky poor conversion rate on break points…missed on fifteen today. Non the less…Roger is into the round of sixteen and will face Gulbis on Sunday. Failed to mention that the other day another record was set by the great Swiss man..the first player to ever record 60 match wins in all four Grand Slams. What can you say, another day, another record for Roger Federer! Meanwhile, Djokovic also need four sets to defeat M. Cilic, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. So Fed and Nole both move on with Djokovic facing Tsonga on Sunday. The entertaining Frenchman (Tsonga) won in straight sets over Jerzy Janowicz. John Isner was a winner in four sets (a lot of tie break sets as is the norm for John) as did Thomas Berdych (the Hawaiian shirt he is sporting is really weird) and THE match of the day was between M. Raonic of Canada and G. Simon of France. It went five sets with Raonic winning (he needed two opportunities to serve out the match in the fifth and deciding set), 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5. It was a Davis Cup like atmosphere with the French crowd really getting involved in pulling for Simon. Great match and really happy to see Raonic advance, he is a nice young man and really coming into his own on the tennis court.

Coverage tomorrow changes a bit…5:00 am EST on Tennis Channel and then switches over to NBC at noon. This will be the case on Sunday as well. Nadal will be in action tomorrow as will David Ferrer.

Last night in NBA action, the Spurs trounced OKC in San Antonio, 111-82 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. This Western Conference match up between these two teams has a familiar tone..the home team wins and wins BIG! Next, back to OKC but advantage Spurs as if there is a game seven, it will be in San Antonio.

Golf…Memorial..have not had time to watch yet. Later!

Catch up! Golf…Paul Casey in the lead at Memorial at -12. Bubba Watson -9, Chris Kirk -8, M. Flores and Matsuyama at -7. Notables, Rory tumbles from -9 (started the day atop the leaderboard) to -3, world #1 Adam Scott at -3, and Lefty (Mickelson) at -2.

Pacers at Heat in Miami tonight…elimination game???? (I hope not!!)

Enjoy your evening!

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Tennis, Golf, NBA on Thursday

Posted on May 30, 2014 by susan

Tennis, Golf, and NBA news on Thursday. Here it is in a nutshell…it is called KISS or Keep it Simple (Susan, stupid, or ?). Anyhow…Memorial Golf Tournament got underway today in the house that Jack built, otherwise known as Murfield Village. Rory Mcilroy shot 63 and finished the day atop the leaderboard at -9. His golf career seems to be responding quite nicely in the aftermath of his broken engagement to tennis star, Caroline Wozniacki. Hers, not so much as she went out in the first round of the French Open. Again, so sad and way too public. Current world #1, Adam Scott (no disrespect but remember Tiger Woods is currently on leave due to his back surgery) finished the day at -3 playing along side Rory and Jason Day. Adam got married and noone even knew…he announced it a month or so after the fact. That is what you call keeping your private life “private”. Second on the leaderboard is Bubba Watson who went out early and shot a round of 66 to finish at -6. Lefty (Mickelson) was having a great time…-5 and then disaster struck and he double bogeyed both the 17th and the 18th and finished round one at E. So, there you have it, simply!

Tennis…Nadal over Thiem, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 (and commentators actually thought this “could” be an interesting match?), Ferrer in straight sets, Murray advances in straight sets; K. Anderson, Gasquet and Monfils win in straight sets. American Donald Young took out the handsome Feliciano Lopez and well, quite frankly, Roger Federer did not play today..he will play tomorrow (against Tursonov) as will Djokovic. Perhaps I will be a bit more “tuned in” tomorrow! Women’s side…Ivanovic looks like she could be a real contender for her second French Open title, winning easily today. Other winners…Kvitova, Jankovic, and S. Halep.

OK, now NBA…Pacers survive to play another day (probably one more day) as they came from 11 points down in the second half (thanks to Paul George) to defeat the Heat in Indy last night, 93-90. Paul George scored 31 points in the second half, 21 points in the 4th period, and LeBron spent most of the game in foul trouble, only playing a total of 24 minutes. It still was a wild and crazy finish. Trailing 2-3, the Pacers head back to Miami for game six. Can they win and force a game 7 in Indy? Seems unlikely, but I really hope they do. GO PACERS! All hail Paul George!

Tonight, game five in the West in San Antonio. OKC and the Spurs will go at in again, and this series is probably going to go to a seventh and deciding game….who you got? It is a toss up but I am pulling for the Spurs.

Later…

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Something in the water in Paris?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by susan

Wow, is there something in the water in Paris? There is certainly the steady drizzle of rain, at least on and off in this first week of action. Also, there are upsets galore! Today, a huge one, #1 Serena Williams is stunned by G. Muguruza, 6-2, 6-2. It wasn’t even close. Sister Venus also went out, but at least in three sets. The two sisters would have met in the third round but now we can look forward to Muguruza vs. A. Schmiedlova. Get your juices flowing? This certainly opens the door for Maria Sharapova as the favorite one would have to think and she advanced today over Pironkova, 7-5, 6-2. Also moving on is the #3 seed A. Radwanska in two easy sets. E. Bouchard of Canada came from one set down to win and not disappoint her adoring fans, known as “Genie’s Army”. And then there is the feel good story, American Taylor Townsend’s rousing victory in three sets. The young teen fought her way to a great win with her idol, Martina Navratilova commentating while she did it! Always nice to have your idol watching when your succeed.

On the men’s side, no real drama. Djokovic won in straight sets over J. Chardy and was absolutely clinical. Roger Federer (the GREAT Roger Federer) defeated qualifier D S Schwartzman, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Fed was broken in the first set but promptly broke back. The young qualifier was a tough out, a pesty player who while small in stature had some really powerful and pounding groundstrokes. So Fed is through with his twin daughters again in attendance (reading cartoon books, not really watching Dad) and will face Tursonov in the third round (who took out American S. Querrey). Other winners: Raonic in straight sets, Tsonga in three sets, Berdych in four sets and we await the fate of John Isner as he is locked in a tight four set match with a steady rain coming down on one of the outer courts. (Isner wins in 4th set tie break..gee, Isner in a tie break, imagine that!)

It has been an interesting first week at Roland Garros for sure and round three action continues tomorrow. There are so many matches the first week of a Grand Slam it is almost impossible to keep up with them all! Still see Djokovic and Nadal are co-favorites with Federer lurking and perhaps Berdych, Tsonga, Raonic, Ferrer around to “maybe” upset the apple cart. Women’s favorite has to be Sharapova with Serena and Li Na both out. Still, Radwanska and Ivanovic are in it and perhaps Halep or a surprise contender?

In NBA action, the Western Conference finals are officially a series now as OKC pummeled the Spurs last night, 105-92. Tony Parker could not handle Westbrook who scored 40 points. The series is tied 2-2 and heads back to San Antonio. Think this one could go seven?

Finally, let’s not forget it is Wednesday…that day I promote my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver. Please visit the Home page at this website for all the info along with the Buy the Book tab on the menu bar. Thanks guys!

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Li Na latest upset victim at French Open

Posted on May 27, 2014 by susan

World #2 Li Na became the latest upset victim at the rain plagued French Open. Na, winner of the Australian Open, became the second Aussie title holder to fall, Stan Wawrinka being the first yesterday on the men’s side. Na was stunned by Kristina Mladenovic in three sets, 7-5, 3-6, 6-1. Li Na was simply not on her game at all today. Speaking of off her game, Caroline Wozniacki fell in three sets to Wickmayer, 6-7, 6-4, 2-6. Really tough time for Wozniacki, you could see her pain in the post match press conference. No personal questions were asked, at least not directly, but following the broken engagement with fiance Rory Mcilroy, she almost looks like a deer in the headlights. Clearly, she was not up to her best tennis today, she is also recovering from both a wrist and knee injury. Other notables on the women’s side, Ana Ivanovic advanced in two easy sets as did #4 S. Halep.

On the men’s side, no big upsets today although G. Dimitrov did fall to I. Karlovic in four sets. Dimitrov was not playing his best. Meanwhile, D. Ferrer through the first round in straight sets as well as R. Gasquet and A. Seppi. Andy Murray finally took the court in Paris and needed four sets to advance over Golubev. The always entertaining Frenchman F. Monfils won in four sets and the old fellow, Leyton Hewitt lost. Another “old guy”, Tommy Haas was forced to retire (hate that for Haas!).

Now it would appear that the first round has at last been completed and the second round should get underway tomorrow! Yes, that means Roger Federer to serve! Serena Williams should be in action tomorrow as well.

Moving to the NBA, the Heat took care of the Pacers in Miami last night in game four, 102-90 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. It will head back to Indy for game five and things are not looking good for the Pacers. I was (and am) pulling for them.

Until later…

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Big upset at French Open!

Posted on May 26, 2014 by susan

Big upset at the French Open today! #3 Stan Wawrinka falls in three sets to Garcia-Lopez of Spain, 4-6, 7-5, 2-6, 0-6. Yes, you saw that fourth set correctly, a bagel for Stan the man! What a huge shocker! Really disappointing for Wawrinka who has been so up and down since breaking through down under. Still say Roger Federer is not the top Swiss player??? #4 Federer made his way through his first match yesterday with great ease and precision! Still, hate this for Wawrinka as I wanted him to go deep in this tournament. World #1 Nadal and world #2 Djokovic both advanced easily in two sets, Djokovic over Sousa and Nadal over American Ginepri. Another upset, not quite as huge but still disappointing, Kei Nishikori fell today in straight sets to M. Klizan of Slovakia, 6-7, 1-6, 2-6. Have to wonder if Nishikori is really at 100% physically after having to withdraw in Madrid when he was beating Nadal in the final and then missing Rome to recuperate? I thought Nishikori (if healthy) could be a real threat at Roland Garros to the Big Four/Big Five. THE match of the day occured between Frenchman J. Benneteau and little known Argentine F. Bagnis. It went five, and the fifth and deciding set won by Bagnis was 18-16 with the match lasting over four hours. Bagnis won his first Grand Slam match ever in taking out Benneteau.

On the women’s side…no upsets of that kind of magnitude. Sharapova, Cibulkova, Pennetta, S. Lisicki and E. Bouchard all advanced in straight sets (two for the women).

Not sure if Andy Murray has taken the court yet, have to check on that. There were rain delays today and unfortunately (but not unusually) there is rain in the forecast for the first week of action in Paris. Live coverage resumes tomorrow at 5:00 am EST on ESPN2 and then moves over to Tennis Channel at 10:00 am EST. Hope to see Federer take the court for his second round match! Mr. Federer has a very favorable looking draw, at least to the quarterfinals!

Hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day weekend and let us not forget to send a special thank you to all our service men and women (past and present)! For all they do…this one is for them!!!

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Day one at the French Open and more

Posted on May 25, 2014 by susan

Day one at the French Open has come to an end and the “usual suspects” that were in action today all “did their thing”. Serena Williams won in two very easy sets over French competitor A. Lim (who apparently participates in the academy run by Serena’s coach). Also advancing, Radwanska with ease, A. Kerber in two easy sets, and yes, Venus Williams (now ranked 29 in the world) won in two sets. Happy to see Venus get through.

On the men’s side…the only member of the current “Big Four” and/or “Big Five”, (depending on how one views the tennis hierarchy these days) to be in action was the one that matters in my mind, Mr. Federer himself. First, yes, Mirka was there, the twin girls were there, at least for about seven games or so before their attention span began to wander and it was time for them to be run down by the nanny and taken elsewhere. Hey, they are four years old going on five! Certainly the infant twin boys are being carefully attended to as well!! Anyhow, Federer looked really good, winning in straight sets over L. Lacko, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. He finished up so quickly in the day, the commentators speculated that he likely was going to get some babysitting time in before hitting the practice courts! This French Open is Fed’s 58th consecutive appearance at a Grand Slam (a record, of course) and his 59th victory at Roland Garros (tying him with Rafael Nadal for at least today), Rafa takes the court tomorrow, yet still placing him in second place on the all time French Open victories list. Again, as I alluded to in my French Open preview, we tend to forget that while clay is seen as Roger’s “weakest” surface, he is certainly the second best clay court player of a decade (Rafa being the greatest of course, the greatest ever!). John Isner advanced in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, 7-5 (those are what one calls close straight sets)! Raonic and Berdych also advanced today in three sets and M. Youzhny took the adventurous route, losing the first two sets before coming back to win the next three. Like Youzhny, especially that military salute he gives after his victories! He will face Stepanek who needed four sets to advance today. Next up for Mr. Federer, D S Schwartzman, likely on Tuesday, weather permitting. Rain is in the forecast in Paris for the next few days. Tomorrow, more of the top names in action. Coverage begins at 5:00 am EST on ESPN2 and then moves over to the Tennis Channel at 10:00 am EST.

The NCAA Tennis Champions have been crowned and the men’s title goes to the team from USC. Ironically, the women’s champions hail from crosstown rival, UCLA. Gotta say, they play some good college tennis in southern California! Congrats to both!

The Indy 500 took place today as well…have to admit watched more of the tennis but the winner is…for the first time…Ryan Hunter-Reay. Nice to see an American driver win this great auto race on Memorial Day weekend. He narrowly won, denying the second place finisher Helio Castroneves his fourth title (Helio has won Indy three times). The final six laps were something to see with Hunter-Reay passing and then re-passing Helio to seal the deal. Marco Andretti finished in third place. Nice day for Andretti racing (1st and 3rd). Helio races for Team Penske. Missing in the top group, team Gnassi (and of course, Dario Franchitti, now retired but working for Gnassi). Dixon did not have a great race and finished somewhere around 29th??? At least Will Power did not win (oops…I said it didn’t I?)

Last night the Miami Heat got off to a SLOW start but came roaring back to defeat the Pacers in Miami, 99-87. So, what does the best defensive team in the the NBA (Pacers) need to do to slow down the juggernaut that is LeBron, Wade, Allen, Cole and Bosh? I don’t know, Paul George did play and was effective? For starters, D. West is not getting it done guarding Ray Allen, but who can get it done? Very disappointing that the Pacers lost that game two in Indy. Have to wonder is this series in the books? If Miami takes game four, it goes back to Indy for game five. We shall see…still say GO PACERS!! (Heat lead 2-1)

Tonight, OKC host the Spurs in the Western Conference finals. Spurs have a 2-0 lead. Without Serge Ibaka, don’t know if OKC can defeat San Antonio but do expect them to win a game or perhaps two at home. Stay tuned…(I am pulling for San Antonio anyway!)

Happy Memorial Day (tomorrow)!

Update: Great interview of Liam Neeson by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes. Very poignant when hearing him talk about the loss of his beloved wife, Natasha Richardson.

Late…OKC dismantling the Spurs 104-84 with 4 minutes left. Serge is playing…this could be a series after all! Spurs offense has to go through Parker..not happening tonight!

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Surviving "Paradise"