espn.com Ali Contest
Like any true NBA fan, the Sports Guy admires the three-peat of the Shaq-Kobes ... er, Lakers, but he's wondering why everybody's rushing to crown a new dynasty. For one thing, a dynasty should last more than three years. For another, all dynasties prove their worth when they are tested, fall ... and then return to the top.
SIMMONS: PROVE IT | SPORTOON

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The correct answer to the question "What's hot and what's not this week?" is ... practically everything. Obviously, public golf courses are en fuego, but who's trade bait in the NBA, and what's the latest in Clemens-plunking-related feuds are just a few of the areas that Page 2's trendmeister Dan Shanoff has a strong opinion on.

Mystery Photo World Cup diary
Don't worry, Nets fans, the sky isn't falling. Losing to the Los Angeles Lakers isn't the end of the world, but our Page 2 Mystery Photo shows that some folks in New Jersey might have bigger problems. We weren't sure what was going on, so we need you to send us your caption suggestions. We'll run the best ones later.
 As the first round of World Cup play slowly winds down, Page 2's intrepid diarist Michael Davies watches a desultory draw between Italy and Mexico, muses about the United States' likely opponent in the next round -- if it makes it that far -- and offers some discouraging words on national anthems that only an opera singer could love.

DEAR SHAQ ...
Fed up with Shaquille O'Neal's monstrous style, Page 2's Royce Webb said it was time for Shaq to prove he loves this game by taking a hike. And like a path to the hoop when Shaq Daddy has some momentum, our readers took that opening to express some blunt opinions of their own.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's list of the most painful single game losses in baseball history. Now we've compiled our readers' top 10 painful losses along with a poll to crown baseball's No. 1 painful loss of all time.
10]  Yankees lose to Mariners, '95 AL playoffs
"The footnote of the game is the most heartbreaking thing about it. Don Mattingly, the most beloved Yankee since Mickey Mantle, would never play another game."
9]  Indians lose to Marlins, '97 World Series
"Why does Cleveland build good teams that fall apart ... one step short?"
8]  Cardinals lose to Royals in '85 World Series
"They got beat by a terrible umpire."
7]  Braves lose to Twins in '91 World Series
"Sure we have 10 straight playoff appearances, five pennants and a championship. But that loss still hurts."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


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.


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Jim Caple believes the U.S. Open would be more of a "People's Open" if the pros had to wait overnight for tee times like the real folks do.

CRITICAL MASS
Eric Neel gives five reasons why watching the World Cup on TV in the middle of the night would make any U.S. soccer fan feel damn fine.

CUP DIARY
Michael Davies details the England-Nigeria stinker and an awe-inspiring trip on a sleek new Japanese supertrain in his latest World Cup diary.

HEARING STARS
What were all the celebrities at Lewis-Tyson thinking about? Why, just what you would expect, says Page 2's Ralph Wiley. Themselves.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's ESPN hockey analyst Brian Engblom and child actor Jonathan Lipnicki, right, of "Jerry Maguire" and "Stuart Little" fame. Sean Connors of St. Louis suggested this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Soccer: Mexico vs. Italy
7:25 a.m. ET, ESPN
Italy in danger of following France, Argentina out of World Cup.
 
Golf: U.S. Open
3 p.m. ET, NBC; 5 p.m. ET, ESPN
First round from the ballyhooed Bethpage.
 
Hurricanes at Red Wings
8 p.m. ET, ABC
'Canes on verge of being downgraded by Red Wings' storm.
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., June 12: Love It? Then Leave It
• Tues., June 11: Requiem for a Bad Dude
• Mon., June 10: Wonder of Me
• Fri., June 7: Elephant Man

Other featured content:
• Sportoon
• Power Poll
• Makin' it Better: Bills uniforms
• Win, Lose or Draw
• 10 Burning Questions for Bill Walton
• Guess the Footballer Quiz
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Thursday, June 13, 2002
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