espn.com Ali Contest
The Nets blew a 26-point lead. The Kings squandered a 24-point lead and lost at the buzzer. The Celtics missed two free throws in the final seconds. So, which was the most crushing defeat? Page 2's Bill Simmons supplies the answer with a handy 13-point scale to help sports fans measure any painful setback.
SIMMONS: LOSING IT BIG-TIME




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Watching the two-time defending champs pull out a miraculous victory against the Kings on Sunday had Lakers fans going through a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Page 2's Eric Neel watched the game while holding his 6-month-old daughter. No, he didn't drop her, but they shared an experience at least one of them will never forget.

The Power Poll Sportoon
For all four NBA teams left in the playoffs, this weekend was the best of times ... and the worst of times. The Lakers, the Kings, the Celtics and the Nets were up ... and down. Paul Pierce was a hero Saturday ... and a goat Monday. And Robert Horry once again was clutch. Now the question is: Who's No. 1 in this week's Power Poll?
 For reasons science can't explain, the NBA playoffs are a time during which bizarre medical conditions seem to arise. No, we're not talking about Kobe's lingering case of "food poisoning" or the highly infectious "Funk." In fact, there are no words for what we're talking about, so Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe had to make up a few.

THE WATER COOLER
Who's got the coolest uniforms in sports? For Page 2's Brian Murphy, it's clearly the blue-and-white simplicity of Penn State football. As the Water Cooler took a holiday over Memorial Day, The Murph handed out his annual Coolest Awards, honoring the coolest stadium, coolest tradition and coolest gig in sports.


With the NBA Finals on the horizon, Page 2 started thinking about the best individual performances in Finals history. Check out our top 10, and then click here to offer your choice. Later this week, we'll run our readers' list, along with a poll to crown the best all-time effort in the Finals.
10]  Joe Fulks (Philadelphia Warriors, 1947)
The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 26.2 during the Finals, including 37 points in Game 1 and 34 points in the fifth and final game of the series.
9]  Walt Frazier (New York Knicks, 1970)
Yeah, we know -­ Willis Reed, yada yada yada. Frazier dished 73 assists in the seven-game set against the Lakers, and was simply awesome in Game 7, scoring 36 points and dropping 19 dimes.
8]  George Mikan (Minneapolis Lakers, 1950)
The NBA's first superstar scored 37 of the Lakers 68 points in Game 1 (Lakers won 68-66), and took over in the sixth and final game, scoring 40 points as the Lakers won 110-95.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Tuesday Kings 2 Lakers 194½
Wednesday Nets 3 Celtics 186
NHL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Tuesday Maple Leafs PK Hurricanes 4½
Wednesday Avalanche PK Red Wings 5
Bold indicates home team | Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


THE SPORTS GUY
Sixteen months ago, the Celtics were nearly given up for dead. Page 2's Bill Simmons explains the resurrection of the NBA's most proud franchise.

YOUTH IS SERVED
As his son enters the terrifying world of organized youth sports, Page 2's Bob Halloran offers the do's and don't's for surviving little league.

WEEK IN REVIEW
Page 2's Jim Caple gets you caught up on anything you might have missed in sports news this past week.

THE HOT LIST
Load up on all the essential 411 as Dan Shanoff presents his weekly list of what's in and what's out in the constantly changing sports world.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


These guys look so much alike that only Mia Hamm could tell them apart. It's Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, left, and actor Jonathan LaPaglia of CBS' "The District." Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Lakers at Kings
9 p.m., NBC
Pivotal Game 5 in thrilling West finals.
 
Hurricanes at Maple Leafs
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Carolina looks to take final step.
 
French Open
Noon, ESPN
The most exciting scenes on clay since "Ghost."
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., May 24: 5½ Feet Under
• Thurs., May 23: Ready to Bumble
• Wed., May 22: Whoa, Nellie!
• Tues., May 21: Riddle Me This

Other featured content:
• Win, Lose or Draw: Mike Piazza
• Bizarre & Bogus
• Sportoon: Who poisoned Kobe?
• Who should record NBA theme?
• Casting Call: "Attack of the Clones"
• Who's Soft & Who's Not
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
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