espn.com Ali Contest
Evel Knievel, now 63, is older but no wiser. To help promote the opening of the Evel Knievel Xperience Café, a truck stop in Primm, Nevada, the former daredevil wants to stage "one last spectacular leap." Too late, says Jim Caple, who recalls Knievel's abortive attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered vehicle in 1974.
CAPLE: THE EVEL DREAD

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Page 2's Eric Neel was born and bred in L.A., where he naturally worshiped the Lakers. In this week's Critical Mass, he tries to understand what it's like to be a fan of the New Jersey Nets, reviews "The Hustler" DVD, and visits Daryl Dawkins, once of Lovetron but now the head ValleyDawg.

World Cup diary 10 Burning Questions
As Day 5 of the World Cup tournament fades into oblivion, the long, strange journey into Far Eastern sports nirvana is beginning to get to Page 2's Michael Davies ... he's starting to think he's turning Japanese. Unfortunately, he has two major problems: He often forgets to wear deodorant, and he can't seem to get behind the South Korean team, Japan's suddenly beloved co-hosts.
 As the NBA Finals open, gawky self-proclaimed weirdo and lifelong stutterer Bill Walton explains in a candid 10 Burning Questions why his ascension to No. 1 NBC analyst is his greatest achievement, even greater than his Hall-of-Fame b-ball career. The tallest Deadhead also picks his all-time All-Star team and talks about the value of losing -- in life and in hoop.

SPORTOON
Everyone in Los Angeles is trying to make the scene for the NBA Finals, but we see through all the phonies. Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe takes us on a guided tour of the Staples Center before the Lakers play host to the Nets in Game 1.


The Basketball Hall of Fame is preparing to add some new members, so Page 2 has compiled its list of the top 10 former pro basketball players not in the Hall. After taking a look at our list, send us your choice for the best former NBA or ABA player not in the Hall of Fame. Then later this week, we'll run our readers' list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 of them all.
10]  Max Zaslofsky, 1946-55
During his 10-year career, most of it played before the introduction of the 24-second clock, he averaged 14.8 points a game.
9]  Marques Johnson, 1977-90
A five-time All Star, Johnson, a forward, finished his career with 13,892 points, an average of 20.3.
8]  Maurice Stokes, 1955-58
In his second season, he set an NBA record with 1,256 rebounds, and was a triple threat -- he also scored 15.6 ppg and dished 4.6 assists.
7]  Dennis Johnson, 1976-90
During his 14 years in the NBA, Johnson was a five-time All-Star and was named to the all-defensive team nine seasons in a row.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Wednesday Lakers 7½ Nets 190
NHL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Red Wings 1½ Hurricanes 4½
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.


TMQ
Gregg Easterbrook turns his attention to the NBA and the mindless hoisting of 3s, four guys swatching one guy use the "clear" play and the endless "clang" of bricks striking iron.

CUP DIARY
Michael Davies falls in love ... with Satellite Stadium, a "seamless, ultra-wide, high-definition, digital, mega-screen, distortion-free, image-transmitting" device.

ALMOST HEAVEN
Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the Kings did nearly everything right, except beat the mighty Lakers.

THE WATER COOLER
Brian Murphy explains how his plans for an all-World Cup Cooler were derailed by the Kings' furious run at the Lakers.

THE SPORTS GUY
Bill Simmons watched the National Spelling Bee from its first minute to its exhilirating denouement and kept a running diary.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's the hair and their flair that made 29 readers suggest this match of War Emblem trainer Bob Baffert and legendary pro wrestler Ric "Nature Boy" Flair, right. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Soccer: United States vs. Portugal
5 a.m. ET, EPSN2
U.S. opens with toughest team in Group D.
 
Cardinals at Reds
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (regional)
NL Central showdown or Marlins at Phillies.
 
Nets at Lakers
9 p.m. ET, NBC
Can New Jersey's dream season continue in NBA Finals?
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., June 4: Offensive and Boring
• Mon., June 3: Almost Heaven
• Fri., May 31: 'Roids all the Rage
• Thurs., May 30: C-Webb Disappear

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions for Jim Bouton
• Guess the Footballer Quiz
• Power Poll
• Sportoon: In their heads
• Being ... Mike Piazza
• Mystery Photo
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
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