espn.com Ali Contest
We don't talk about it as much, but the constant reminders are there. A tall building. An airplane. A fire engine. Every day, something reminds us of 9/11. Bill Simmons struggled so much with the tragedy that he considered quitting as a sports columnist. Today, however, he realizes how much sports is helping him -- and us -- move on. SIMMONS: AN ESCAPE

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You might have heard that "Rocky" was based on the real-life story of journeyman heavyweight Chuck Wepner. You probably remember that the film won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1976 because of its gritty realism. But just how realistic was Sylvester Stallone's masterpiece? Page 2's Jeff Merron provides the answer in the latest installment of Reel Life.

Jim Caple Win, Lose or Draw
With the World Cup kicking off Friday, Japanese police are creating sophisticated strategies to stop a worldwide scourge that has defied all attempts to apply the principles of human decency. No, we're not talking about terrorism, we're talking about soccer hooligans. Page 2's Jim Caple reveals Japan's secret plans to combat this black eye on the sport.
It has been a long, strange year for Major League Baseball -- growing competitive disparity and potential labor unrest on the horizon -- and now retired MVPs Jose Canseco and Ken Caminiti are charging epidemic steroid use among their former peers. How to cope? Page 2 cartoonist Larry Johnson suggests a radical change of image.

MYSTERY PHOTO
Is golf just not challenging Tiger Woods or has he seen "Happy Gilmore" too many times? That's what we're wondering after taking a look at this week's Page 2 Mystery Photo. Check out Tiger's new trick, and send us your explanation for what's happening.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's top 10 individual performances in NBA Finals history, and now it's your turn. We've compiled our readers' choices along with a poll to crown the best all-time effort in a Finals series.
10]  Larry Bird, Celtics, 1986
"I'm pretty sure he touched the ball every time Boston or Houston had possession."
9]  Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets, 1995
"Hakeem Olajuwon dominated Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic in the Rockets' four-game sweep in 1995."
7] tie  Larry Bird, Celtics, 1984
"Bird's leadership and drive willed them to victory in seven hard-fought games."
7] tie  Michael Jordan, Bulls, 1993
"He was absolutely dominant, averaging more than 40 points throughout the series."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Wednesday Nets 3 Celtics 186
Friday Lakers 6 Kings 194
NHL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
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
How bad was your team's crushing defeat? See where it ranks on The Sports Guy's 13 levels of losing.

THE WATER COOLER
As the temperatures are heating up, Page 2's Brian Murphy hands out his awards for the coolest cats in sports.

LAKERS LOVE
Eric Neel marvels at the combination of aura, skill and luck that enabled his beloved Lakers to beat the Kings in Game 4 of the West finals.

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.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


Mike Bibby and the Kings are flying high after their Game 5 victory -- but perhaps not as high as "The Bat Boy" of Weekly World News fame. Page 2 has received nine requests for this match since Bibby's game-winning shot Tuesday night. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Red Wings at Avalanche
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Detroit tries to stay alive in West final.
 
Celtics at Nets
9 p.m. ET, NBC
Pivotal Game 5 in Eastern finals.
 
Diamondbacks at Giants
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (regional)
Big NL West showdown, or little showdown (Rockies at Padres).
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., May 28: House of Pain
• Mon., May 27: Cooler & Coolest
• Fri., May 24: 5½ Feet Under
• Thurs., May 23: Ready to Bumble
• Wed., May 22: Whoa, Nellie!

Other featured content:
• Sportoon: NBA stuck in Funk
• Power Poll
• Win, Lose or Draw: Mike Piazza
• Bizarre & Bogus
• Casting Call: "Attack of the Clones"
• Who's Soft & Who's Not
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
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