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Around SBN: Why Penn State Should Avoid 'Joe Paterno Field'

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M. Katz

Jul 21, 2009 May 31, 2012 814 47

I write about the Washington Wizards on SB Nation DC. In 2006, Judge Judy told me that I gave the best high school graduation speech she'd ever heard.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

May 26, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; A Boston Celtics fan holds a sign in reference to Miami Heat player Lebron James (not pictured) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden.  Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

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VIDEO: Dario Franchitti Remembers Dan Wheldon After Winning Indy 500

There was Indy 500 2012 winner Dario Franchitti donning white sunglasses in the winner's circle on Sunday. The look was an homage to his close friend Dan Wheldon, last year's Indianapolis 500 winner, who was killed in an October crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Wheldon was on everyone's mind on Sunday, and Franchitti couldn't leave him out of his post-race interview.

"I want to thank all the fans for saluting our Dan today," Franchitti said. "What a race."


Jeff Gluck: Dan Wheldon's Memory Looms Over 2012 Indy 500


Here's the video:


Wheldon's memory was inescapable at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His face was printed on tickets for the race, and fans in attendance were given white cardboard sunglasses which were all worn on the 98th lap, matching Wheldon's number.

Catch up on the best video highlights, crashes and notes from the race with our Indy 500 2012 StoryStream. For more on Indy racing, including the 2012 Indianapolis 500, please visit Pop Off Valve.

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Indy 500 2012 Finish And Video: Dario Franchitti Wins, Takuma Sato Crashes

Dario Franchitti won his third Indianapolis 500 under caution on Sunday. The 2012 Indy 500 finish provided wild video with Takuma Sato — running right with Franchitti — wrecking at the end in an attempt to pass for the lead. It was a terrific end to a wild day of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

How crazy was this race? With 20 laps left, the field had already broken the record for most lead changes in 96 years of Indianapolis 500 history.

The last of seven cautions came late after Marco Andretti crashed on Turn 1. But it went green back to green flag racing with six laps left just in time for a sprint to the finish.


Indy 500 Highlights | Will Power, Mike Conway Crash | Follow @jeff_gluck

Here's video of the Indy 500 finish:


Here is video of the Sato crash. He finished in 17th after the wreck.


Catch up on the best video highlights, crashes and notes from the race with our Indy 500 2012 StoryStream. For more on Indy racing, including the 2012 Indianapolis 500, please visit Pop Off Valve.

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2012 Belmont Stakes: I'll Have Another's Unconventional Training

Here's a good tidbit on I'll Have Another's training for the 2012 Belmont Stakes: Trainer Doug O'Neill will prepare I'll Have Another for his Triple Crown try with strong gallups instead of formal workouts.

It's an unconventional training method, but it could make a big difference given the unique challenge presented by the track at Belmont Park. At 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown races, and the previous three Triple Crown winners — Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978) — all worked at least one mile to prepare for the grueling distance.

O'Neill told the Associated Press that the training suits the style of his horse.

"If anyone got a chance to see him," he said,"he stretches and puts a lot of effort into his gallops."

O'Neill spoke to reporters after flying in from the West Coast to begin Belmont Stakes training, and he seems undeterred by the 45-day suspension he will face from the California racing board after the big race.

The 144th running of the Belmont Stakes will be held at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday, June 9.

For more on the world of horse racing, visit And Down The Stretch They Come and stay tuned to this StoryStream.

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Kyrie Irving Is Reportedly 2012 Rookie Of The Year

It would surprise no one if Kyrie Irving does indeed win the NBA's Rookie of the Year award for the 2012 season. (Well, no one except ESPN Deportes Alfredo Berrios, who is a huge Ricky Rubio fan.)

Now ESPN.com's Mark Stein reports the seemingly-inevitable, citing a league source who says Iriving, the Cavs point guard and No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, will be named Rookie of the Year on Monday.


See the other winners: NBA Awards 2012

Irving had the best statistical season of any NBA rookie and seemed to lock up the award when the aforementioned Rubio -- his closest competition -- went down for the season with an ACL injury.

Irving finished his first NBA season averaging 18.5 points, 5.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds. Just as important as those raw numbers, he shot 46.9 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three.

Our Cavs blog, Fear the Sword, could only offer ... a bunch of sarcasm:

In a stunning, shocking turn of events, Kyrie Irving will be named the NBA's Rookie of the Year on Monday, according to ESPN. I know you guys are as stunned as I am. Kyrie Irving was a total beast all season and emerged as the Cavaliers' best player pretty early in the season.

Keep up with the rest of the winners on our NBA Awards 2012 StoryStream. For more fan perspective on Irving's ROY win, check our our Cavs blog, Fear the Sword and SB Nation Cleveland.

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Pacers Vs. Heat Score: Pacers Lead Miami At Half, 48-42

Well, the Heat are losing to the Pacers. This is not totally unexpected -- the Pacers are a good team -- but still, Miami invented the Superteam™. It's somewhat surprising to see Indiana with a 48-42 lead at halftime against the Heat.

Here are bad things that happened to the Heat in the first half:

• Miami shot 36 percent from the field.

• Miami fell behind 13-4 and played catch-up the rest of the half.

Chris Bosh Injury: Miami's Big Third left the game after falling awkwardly on his leg.

• LeBron "CHOCKFRAUD" James had six points on 3-of-9 shooting. MVPLEASE!

Here are some more things you need to know/see from the first half:

• David Stern gave an interview in which he said it's time to get TOUGH on flopping.

• VIDEO: Dwyane Wade + LeBron James = ALLEY-OOP PARTY.

• Photo: Miami Heat fans being Miami Heat fans, i.e. being somewhere else.

Lasting Image: Awwwwwwww Happy Mother's Day, LeBron's mom.

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For more on Miami, visit our Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. Get the latest on the Indiana from our Pacers blog, Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana

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Important Stephon Marbury Statue Photos

Stephon Marbury statue news is the best news, and so we now interrupt these NBA Playoffs for something that is frankly much more important.

Get familiar with the #StatueLife with photos below.

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Grizzlies Vs. Clippers, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 7 Final Score: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Win 82-72

The Clipper and Grizzlies might not have provided the best basketball experience of the NBA Playoffs first round, but Los Angeles and Memphis sure provided the best viewing experience. What a series.

All that comes to an end Sunday as the Clippers were able to hold off the Grizzlies in a rough-and-tumble Game 7 in Memphis, winning 82-72. Los Angeles advances to face the Spurs. Game 1 tips on Tuesday in San Antonio.

The (sponsor) message: BELIEVE in your SMELLF!

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So... The Clippers are in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. This is a real, true sentence! Say it aloud. Check out that mouthfeel. Strange, right? Well, it's just the second time that it can be said since the team moved to Los Angeles in 1984.

Here's what you need to know from the game:

Player of the Game

Chris Paul finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists and two steals. The Clippers don't win this game without their bench, but those guys are irrelevant without CP3.

GIF of the Game

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Yup, that's definitely a basketball play.

Lasting Image of the Game

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Spot the trend? This was a physical series. PLAYOFF BASKETBALL, etc.

Catch up with the best of Game 7 on our Clippers vs. Grizzlies StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Clippers, please visit Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, head on over to Straight Outta Vancouver.

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Auburn WR Trovon Reed Arrested

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 17:  Trovon Reed #1 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Jonathan Meeks #5 of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Clemson, South Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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Clippers Vs. Grizzlies Score Update: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Hold 39-38 Lead At Half

There's nothing like a close Game 7. The Clippers and Grizzlies are slugging it out in Memphis for a shot at the Spurs in the second round. So forgive them if the score if just 39-38, Los Angeles leading, at halftime and try to enjoy the human drama at hand.

So, what's it going to take to win a battle like this?

"Everything is mental right now," Chris Paul told Doris Burke at the end of the first half.

Here's what you need to know from the first half:

Heating Up

Chris Paul has 11 points, three assists and three rebounds for the Clippers.

• Grizzlies front line mates Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay have 18 of Memphis' 38 points.

Tough Times

Blake Griffin has just six points on 2-of-10 shooting. The Clippers need more.

Tony Allen is actually 2-for-4 for a team shooting 32 percent from the field, but Mike Prada pointed out the problem he's causing for the Grizzlies: spacing.

GIF of the Half

Zach Randolph gets away with a little hand-to-face action.

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Highlight of the Half

Forget fan of the game. This guy's been fan of the NBA Playoffs.

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Second Half Inspiration

Finally, here's an inspiring speech from Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins toward the end of the half. May it inspire YOU for the last 24 minutes of action.


Keep up with the best of Game 7 as it happens on our Clippers vs. Grizzlies StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Clippers, please visit Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, head on over to Straight Outta Vancouver.

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Osi Umenyiora, LeSean McCoy Have Mother's Day Twitter Fight

Osi Umenyiora probably woke up super early on Mother's Day to make breakfast in bed for his mom. Because by 9:36 a.m. ET, the Giants defensive end was free to get on Twitter and wish a happy Mother's Day to Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

So, the spat between these two is still on, a fact that Umenyiora confirmed when he tweeted at former teammate Brandon Jacobs: "hahaha u know the beef is never over. Never."

Not even on Mother's Day, apparently. #ShotsFired after the jump.

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Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knicks Guard Could Return Vs. Miami

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 28:  Guard Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks works out  prior to his team taking on the Miami Heat in Game One of the Eastern  Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs  on April 28, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

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Jazz Vs. Spurs Final Score: Tony Parker Leads San Antonio To 106-91 Win

Last season, the Spurs cruised to the best record in the Western Conference only to fall to the No. 8-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA postseason. After a 106-91 vs. the Jazz on Sunday, the Spurs look poised to make a deeper playoff run this season.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 28 points and eight assists -- despite some admitted rust and a loosely-tied shoe -- and San Antonio took a 1-0 series lead against Utah.

Some quick game notes

• One advantage the Jazz have in this series is on the inside. Utah outrebounded the Spurs 45-to-39 and blocked six more shots than San Antonio. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson combined for 36 points on better than 50 percent shooting. But the Jazz were unable to really exploit San Antonio in the paint enough to make a big difference. Tim Duncan contributed 17 points and 11 boards, so take that!

• Tony Parker, guys! Man, is this guy good. The stats are above, but today was a good example of why this has been Parker's best season as a pro. If you haven't been paying attention, this was a good chance to catch up. Devin Harris, good luck.

• Spurs bench/depth was big in this one. San Antonio got 44 points from their bench, lead by 14 from Manu Ginobili. The Jazz only had three players in double-figures.

The Very Best GIFS from the Game

David Robinson Likes to Snack

Gregg Popovich Is Winning, Still Cursing Out Refs

• The Agony (GIF) and Ecstasy (GIF) of Ginobili

Insta-Reax from our team bloggers

Here's Amar from our Jazz blog,SLC Dunk:

Here's our Spurs blog, Pounding the Rock:

Keep up with the latest score updates and highlights from this game with our Jazz vs. Spurs StoryStream. For more fan perspective and analysis about these two teams, check out Spurs blog Pounding the Rock and Jazz blog SLC Dunk.

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GIF: David Robinson Loves To Snack

David Robinson loves to go to sporting events in Texas and chew food. We first learned this because of the Best Photobomb Ever. Now we have more proof. Sunday, he was at Game 1 of the Jazz Vs. Spurs first-round series, snacking again.

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I suggest watching this while playing the classic Parry Grip song "Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom" for maximum enjoyment.

Boy, that was fun, wasn't it? Yup, it was. Glad we agree.

The Admiral was unfortunate that the Photobomb Lady wasn't in San Antonio to take the heat off him for snacking ... OR WASN'T SHE?! Brilliant work here from SB Nation's top-secret GIF machine.

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To continue our musical theme, I suggest watching this with the Jaws music:

Keep up with the latest score updates and highlights from this game with our Jazz vs. Spurs StoryStream. For more fan perspective and analysis about these two teams, check out Spurs blog Pounding the Rock and Jazz blog SLC Dunk.

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Jazz Vs. Spurs Score: Tony Parker, San Antonio Lead 54-47 At Halftime

The Spurs led the Jazz by as many as nine points in the first half of their first-round NBA Playoffs series, and take a 54-47 lead into the break. Tony Parker led San Antonio with 16 points, equaling the output from the rest of the Spurs' starters.

Parker told ESPN's Ric Bucher that he felt "a little bit winded, a little bit out of rhythm, especially in the first quarter." Hmm. Possible. But maybe he just needs to tie his shoes tighter.

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Here are some more notes from the first half

• The Jazz have hurt the Spurs inside, with Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson leading Utah with 11 and 8 points respectively. And they haven't even gone super big yet (via Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter.)

• San Antonio got 22 points off their bench. That helps!

Tim Duncan looks young ... then he looks old.

At first, Duncan was like:

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But then he was like:

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Insta-Reax from our team bloggers

From our Utah Jazz blogger Amar at SLC Dunk:

From our Spurs blog, Pounding the Rock:

Keep up with the latest score updates and highlights from this game with our Jazz vs. Spurs StoryStream. For more fan perspective and analysis about these two teams, check out Spurs blog Pounding the Rock and Jazz blog SLC Dunk.

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Jazz Vs. Spurs: Manu Ginobili, Purveyor Of Fine GIFs

Manu Ginobili is the craftiest man on the court in this Jazz vs. Spurs series. I think it's a left-handed, right-brain creative intellectual thing. Look, I don't know.

On Sunday, he threw a sweet pump fake to get Grizzlies forward DeMarre Carroll in the air, then breezed around him for a sweet dunk. Take a look (or ten) for yourself:

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It wasn't even a violent fake. Just vintage, old-man YMCA ball. Classic.

This is a good time to point out that Ginobili makes the best random GIFs. Most off the NBA's best moving Internet picture things come from Blake Griffin dunks, LeBron James chasedown blocks and flopping. Lots of flopping.

Not Manu. He makes pump-fake GIFs, like this one. He makes fastball pass GIFs. He makes bat-swatting (!!!) GIFs. He's is a GIF-maker unlike any other, and we love him for it.

Keep up with the latest score updates and highlights from this game with our Jazz vs. Spurs StoryStream. For more fan perspective and analysis about these two teams, check out Spurs blog Pounding the Rock and Jazz blog SLC Dunk.

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Was Derrick Rose Injury A Result Of His Shoes? Nike Designer Thinks So

There were plenty of reasonable reactions to have to Derrick Rose's ACL injury that will keep him out of the playoffs. Disbelief, outrage and sadness are all good ones. Joking about how Rose's injury problems are the result of his decision not to wear and endorse your line of footwear would probably be a bad reaction.

You know where this is going: Jason Petrie, a Nike shoe designer did just that, and it was, well, a little #toosoon.

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Bullets Forever Wizards Vs. Heat Final Recap: John Wall, Wizards Crush Miami Backups

Apr 26, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) drives the basket as Miami Heat shooting guard Mike Miller (13) and small forward Shane Battier (31) defend during the first half at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

No LeBron James. No Dwyane Wade. No Chris Bosh. No contest.* If Verizon Center fans didn't get to see the Heat's varsity squad, they did get to see the Wizards cap a six-game win streak to end the season in a 104-70 shellacking of Miami's backups.

*See what I did there?

After the game, John Wall thanked the fans for sticking with the team and even mentioned how happy he was with the trade the team made to acquire Nene in the middle of the season.

"We like our team now," Wall said. Yup, that says a lot.

Quick notes after the jump.

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Bullets Forever Wizards Vs. Bobcats Final Recap: Be Thankful Washington Is Not Charlotte

Apr 23, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) attempts a layup against the Charlotte Bobcats during the first half at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

Well, that was something. The Wizards crushed the Bobcats 101-73, securing their first four-game win streak since John Wall has been in D.C., as reported by Verizon Center house D.J. Big Tigger. Good lord!

Washington has second worst record in the NBA this season. At times, watching this team has been frustrating and the future has seemed murky. Let us remember: at least Washington is not Charlotte!

Bigger Than The Game News: Ernie Grunfeld will return as general manager for the Wizards for at least more than one year, as first reported by The Washington Post's Michael Lee. Mr. Prada wrote a bunch of words about this, so go read those.

Some quick notes after the jump. I'm running downstairs for postgame. Talk amongst yourselves.

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Capitals Vs. Bruins, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 6: Rich Peverly, David Krejci Fighting To Keep Boston Alive

Looks like the Bruins aren't ready to give up their Stanley Cup defense just yet. Facing elimination in Washington, Boston leads the Capitals by the score of 2-1 after the first period on Sunday.

The Bruins 23-2-0 when leading after the first period this season, which is ridiculous and bodes well for this series going to Game 7. But enough stats. To the goals!

Six minutes into the game, Richard Peverly struck first as Andrew Ference and Patrice Bergeron were in on the assist. Bergeron got the credit at first, but it was switched to Peverly, who had a heck of a redirect to to tip in the puck.


Not four minutes later, Mike Green tied the game with a blast that glanced off a Bruins and slipped around Tim Thomas. Nothing the Boston goalie could do on a shot coming that fast, and changing direction's that quickly ... especially when his vision is impaired by a scrum in front of the net. It was Green's first goal of the playoffs, and he picked a good time to show up. (Then lots of people on Twitter made jokes about "Green" scoring on "Earth Day." Jokes!)

This goal is best enjoyed in GIF form:

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The final goal of the period was delivered by David Krejci on the Bruins power play. The tally came with three minutes left in the first period, reclaiming the lead for the Bruins. It was also Krejci's first of the postseason, and a nice comeback for him after he was KO'd by a pain of glass. Hmmmm. Did the refs miss an interference call on Bergeron that lead to the goal?


For the Boston fan perspective, head to Stanley Cup of Chowder and SB Nation Boston. For thoughts from the Caps side, head to SB Nation D.C. and Jasper's Rink.

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Hawks Vs. Knicks Final Score: Carmelo Anthony, Knicks Get Ugly 113-112 Win

The Knicks and Hawks scored lots of points .. until the fourth quarter, when no one could buy a bucket. And that's how New York escaped with a 113-112 win: with no one scoring for the final 1:40 of the fourth quarter.

Atlanta forward Marvin Williams drove to the basket off a timeout in the game's final seconds — and failed to even get off the potential game-winner before the buzzer. Carmelo Anthony got off 32 shots that counted, and finished with a game-high 39 points to lead the Knicks to victory.

It was ugly, but the Knicks will take it. New York improves 34-30, a half-game up on the Sixers for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and with an outside shot at catching the Magic for the Sixth spot. If the Knicks could do that, it would mean avoiding the East's big two of Miami and Chicago in the first round.

Here are the insta-reactions from our team sites:

Seth Rosenthal (@seth_rosenthal), from our Knicks blog, Posting and Toasting.

Kris Willias (@Kris_Willis), for SB Nation Atlanta:

Once again the Hawks were plagued by suspect execution down the stretch as they failed to get a good look at the basket on several of their final possessions.

For more on these two teams, visit Knicks blog Posting and Toasting, SB Nation New York, Hawks blog Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

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Valero Texas Open 2012: Ben Curtis, Matt Every Duel Atop Leaderboard

Ben Curtis entered Sunday's final round with a three-shot lead separating him from the rest of the 2012 Valero Texas Open leaderboard. But the 2003 British Open champ will need to earn his victory if he's going to win his first PGA Tour event since 2006.

Matt Every has added some drama to the final round, making Sunday a two-man race for the event title and $1,116,000 winner's share of the purse. Every has never won a tour event, but after opening the day with a bogey, he birdied four of his next five holes and sits one stroke back of Curtis through eight holes.

Curtis has gotten off to a slowish start. With just two birdies, he sits at one-under so far.

Curtis and Every are grouped together, and the pairing could provide some very watchable golf if they stay tight on the leaderboard through the back nine. If you want to tune in, TV coverage of the event is underway on CBS. Their coverage will continue until 6 p.m. ET, which should go through the end of the tournament if there isn't a playoff.

Check out Golf.com for a complete live leaderboard.

We'll have more on the tournament in our 2012 Valero Texas Open StoryStream. You can find more on the entire world of golf at Waggle Room and SB Nation's golf hub.

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Knicks Vs. Hawks Score: Carmelo Anthony Goes Off, But New York Trails 65-60 At Halftime

The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks met before this Sunday's contest and agreed no one would play defense, because they are both tired and getting ready for the playoffs. OK, that's not true -- the agreement part, I mean. It is true that no one is playing defense.

Carmelo Anthony poured in 20 points for the Knicks, but the Hawks' balanced attack has helped them to a 65-60 lead at halftime.

Marvin Williams, Jeff Teague, and Joe Johnson combined for 39 points on 15-of-18 (!!!) shooting. Tyson Chandler is sitting out with a sore knee, so it's not a terrible surprise that New York has struggled to defend.


Get more: Keep up with our Knicks vs. Hawks StoryStream


Here's what jumps off the stat sheet:

• Carmelo is still the Knicks hero, the one it needs if not the one it deserves. Anthony took nearly half the Knicks total field goal attempts in the first half. He leads New York with 20 points.

• As I mentioned, no one is playing defense! The Knicks shot 60 percent from the field, and still trail by five ... they were able to "hold" Atlanta to "just" 59 percent from the floor, which is "not" "bad."

• Here are two guys to watch in the second half: Amare Stoudemire and Josh Smith. Stoudemire is working his way back from an injury, but has 11 points and missed just one shot in 10 first-half minutes. Smith has enjoyed his best season as a pro this year, but has yet to get it going Sunday. If he wakes up in the second half, the Knicks could be in trouble.

For more on these two teams, visit Knicks blog Posting and Toasting, SB Nation New York, Hawks blog Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

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SB Nation DC Bucks Vs. Wizards In Pixels: Washington Plays Spoiler In 121-112 Win

Catch up quick on the news, notes and must-see from Wednesday's Bucks Vs. Wizards action -- good and bad -- with 'Postive Pixels, Wicked Pixels.' It's your morning-after Wizards hangover cure.

Jordan Crawford just (all but) dagger'd Milwaukee's playoff chances with a contested 27-footer on a bum ankle. There's no evidence these late-season games will mean much next year, but credit the Wizards — winners of four of their last six — for finding motivation in the final weeks of the season. Let's look at the notes from the Wizards 121-112 win.

Positive Pixels

Jordan Crawford scored 32 points on a hobbled ankle. But the best part was that he did it on 11-of-17 shooting. Crawford hurt his ankle vs. Chicago, and was noticeably limping when I walked out of the tunnel behind him at halftime. Crawford hit the biggest shot of the game, a three-pointer with 51.9 seconds left that extended Washington's lead to 115-109. Randy Wittman joked about it after the game: "Maybe it was a good thing that his ankle was hurting because he didn't try to put his head down and drive and get into trouble. He just launched it. That was a big shot, no question."

Nene returned to action after missing 10 games with plantar fasciitis. From an outside perspective, there seemed like so reason for Nene to come back this season with nothing left for the Wizards to play for. But it seemed to mean a lot to his teammates that Washington's starting center made the decision to play. Nene wants to be a part of the team in Washington, which is definitely something. Besides, they have hologram technology now.

"Oh, it was a real boost. It was even bigger 'cause nobody knew he was playing," Crawford said. "I mean, he been dressing for the past three, four games or something like that, and nobody knew he was playing. For him to check in, it was big."

(Aside: A funny moment after the game, when Nene thank reporters and walked out of the locker room after answering several questions. Kevin Seraphin heckled him about how Nene is the only Wizard who gets to decide for himself when his media sessions end. See, still much to be learned from the 10-year vet even this late in the lost season.)

Mo Almond sank his first NBA basket in three years. Just a cool moment for the Wizards latest D-League call-up.

Wicked Pixels

Monta Ellis gave the Wizards hell, 31 points on 14-25 shooting style. The Bucks ran ball screens for Ellis and he picked apart Washington's defense, even tossing in six assists when he couldn't find space for his own shot. Hey, the Wizards won so no reason to dwell on it, but if Washington had blown another double-digit lead, Ellis likely would have had his finger prints all over the evidence.

Hate to be a downer, but these games don't *really* matter ... Kevin Seraphin called it the Wizards preseason for next year. Some other Wizards called it their playoffs. Wittman just said Washington wants to cause teams some "grief." Whatever it is, it'll be more fun in the future when the Wizards games in April mean more than a showcase for next season.

For more on the Washington Wizards, visit SB Nation's Wizards blog Bullets Forever. For more on the Milwaukee Bucks, visit SB Nation's Bucks blog Brew Hoop.

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Bullets Forever Bucks Vs. Wizards Recap: Washington Spoils Night For Playoff-Hunting Milwaukee, Wins 121-112

April 18, 2012; Washington, D.C., USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Verizon Center.  Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

The Bucks are chasing the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Wizards are chasing ping pong balls*. So of course, Washington dusted off Nene and rode Jordan Crawford to a 121-112 win at the Verizon Center on Wednesday night. Makes perfect sense.

*And I don't want to hear that yada yada there's no way New Orleans catches up in losses, etc. You still must pay tank tribute to the ping pong gods to ensure a successful lottery harvest!

As Prada noted earlier, he's stuck with some SB Nation office duties. I'm filling in (me --> @KatzM) with some game notes after the jump. Read them, and weep. Or just skip to the comments and talk amongst yourselves.

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Jeff Van Gundy, NBA Flopping Conspiracy Theorist

Do you hate flopping? You will enjoy the ranting of red-blooded American Jeff Van Gundy.

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Heat Vs. Knicks Final Score: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade Too Much For New York

The Knicks have been winning with Carmelo Anthony's Hero Ball efforts, but New York had no answer for Miami's heroes -- plural -- vs. the Heat on Sunday. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined for 73 points, and the Heat scored a 93-85 win.

Carmelo Anthony led New York with 42 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but only one other Knick (J.R. Smith) scored in double digits as the Heat clamped down on defense, especially in a suffocating fourth quarter.

Miami put the game away with an 18-3 run that gave them a 91-82 lead in the game's final minutes and sured up the win. The Knicks shot 42 percent from the field and were out-rebounded by 14 boards.

Here are some initial reactions from our team bloggers.

Posting and Toasting's Seth Rosenthal:

Peninsula Is Mightier's Mnelik:

Chris Bosh had one of his best rebounding games of the season, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds on 8-14 shooting.

For more on these two teams make sure to check out Knicks blog Posting And Toasting, SB Nation New York and Heat blog Peninsula Is Mightier.

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Baseball Nation Brian Wilson Injury: Giants Closer Out For Season

Giants closer Brian Wilson is out for the season and will likely have Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, he confirmed to CSN Bay Area's Andrew Baggarly.


Related: Bruce Bochy comfortable with closer-by-committee

"The likelihood is, yeah the season's over with," said Wilson. "I'll be getting a couple more opinions but we all know what structural damage is. The likelihood of me throwing again this year is minimal."

Baggarly noted that Wilson was in good spirits Sunday morning, which was clear from the choice Wilson quotes Baggarly tweeted earlier, compiled below:

"It’s a year. No big deal. If I plan on playing forever, then this is a small percentage of my career. ... I don’t think (bullpen is) going to falter. I think we’re going to take the West no matter what, whether I’m here or not. ... By no stretch of the [imagination] is my journey over. This is a mild bump in my road. Nothing has been easy when I’ve pitched or lived."

(More: Read full transcript of Wilson interview)

Wilson has been the Giants full-time closer since 2008, and saved 48 games for San Francisco in 2010. With Wilson out, manager Bruce Bochy will rely on a closer-by-committee system with relievers Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla, and Javier Lopez.

Keep up with the latest news on our Brian Wilson injury StoryStream and get more fan perspective at our Giants blog, McCovey Chronicles, and SB Nation Bay Area.

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VIDEO: Vin Scully's Jackie Robinson Day Tribute

On Jackie Robinson Day, take 30 seconds to watch this terrific video from MLB.com, voiced by Vin Scully.

Continue reading this post »

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Heat Vs. Knicks Score: Stars Are Shining As Miami Leads New York, 46-44

For the second straight Sunday, Carmelo Anthony is putting on a show on national television. The Knicks forward tallied 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the first half vs. the Heat, but New York trails by a score of 46-44 at half.

The Heat led by as many as 11 in the first quarter, but the Knicks turned it on in the second half. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have turned in excellent performances so far. James has 15 points and seven rebounds while Wade added 14 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Statistically, the teams were pretty much even at half, with the lone obvious advantage being Miami's +7 advantage on the boards.

But if the Heat don't want to see this game end in Hero Ball x 2 with Anthony, they'll have to lock him up in the second half. James seemed pleased with how Miami made Anthony work in the first half to get his buckets on tough shots.

"He's making contested twos," James told Lisa Salters on ABC. "That's what our defense is built around."

LeBron said they'll live with Carmelo taking those shots in the second half, but if they keep going down, it could be a long afternoon for Miami.

For more on these two teams make sure to check out Knicks blog Posting And Toasting, SB Nation New York and Heat blog Peninsula Is Mightier.

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