espn.com Ali Contest
What makes a sports hero? It's when the fans in the stands absolutely, positively know their favorite player will take the most crucial shot in the game, and it will be good. For Bill Simmons, who grew up in Boston with the Legend of Larry, there was never any question. His tribute is a fitting conclusion to our look at Heroes and Villains. LARRY LEGEND FOREVER




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Allen Iverson may be "The Answer," but that's only from the Sixers' perspective. To the other teams in the league, there are no answers to "AI." They ought to be asking Page 2's Charley Rosen, who offers up his own solutions to the NBA's version of a Rubik's Cube.

The Big Dipper Coulda, shoulda, woulda
Not only is Kevin Garnett without question the MVP of the NBA, not only has he moved into contention for best player in the game, but he is the closest thing we've seen to Wilt Chamberlain, says Page 2's Ralph Wiley. There's only one question left: Is he a real champion?
 Instead of rolling into the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche blew a 3-1 series lead. While the Avs weren't Destiny's choice this season, their collapse did remind Jim Armstrong of other botched legacies and what-ifs from the world of sports & entertainment.

D-DAY
The NFL Draft is so important it requires a capital D. It's all a little much for Tim Keown, who can't believe entire lives are dedicated to this big bore. However, we discovered in a 10 Burning Questions with several first-round prospects that they -- one of whom tops the Daily Quickie's draft hot list -- are hardly boring.


The benches always seem to empty in baseball, but we rarely see any real action. What are the best fights in baseball history? We're glad you asked. Check out Page 2's list of the greatest basebrawls of all-time and vote on which one packs the strongest punch.
10]  Lenny Randle vs. Frank Lucchesi (May 28, 1977)
When Rangers second baseman Lenny Randle lost his starting position to a rookie, he went to talk to his manager, Frank Lucchesi. Randle suddenly attacked Lucchesi leaving him with a broken cheekbone, a concussion, and a lacerated lip.
9]  Billy Martin vs. Ed Whitson (Sept. 22, 1985)
In a bizarre bout that started at the hotel bar and then proceeded to the lobby and third floor, pitcher Ed Whitson broke one of Billy Martin's arms and two of his ribs after (according to Whitson) Martin "sucker-punched" him.
8]  Bill Dickey vs. Carl Reynolds (July 4, 1932)
When Senators outfielder Carl Reynolds and Yankees catcher Bill Dickey collided hard on a play at the plate, Dickey swung and, with a single punch, broke Reynolds' jaw. It was one of the quickest KOs in baseball history.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Friday Spurs 2 Suns 182
Friday Magic 3½ Pistons 183
Saturday Bucks 2½ Nets 189
Sunday Celtics 1½ Pacers 180
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.


MAYNE EVENT
Go along for the ride as ESPN.com and Kenny Mayne play a part in four sports in one day.

REAL MEN DON'T FIGHT
Eric Neel suggests creative ways for baseball playes to avoid fighting.

NO MORE MONICA!
Page 2's Jason Whitlock is embarking on a new campaign: To get Monica Lewinsky off television.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Everyone has a mock NFL draft, but how many people actually mock the draft? Enter TMQ with his second annual NFL Mockery Draft.

CINCY BUNGLES
How will the Bengals screw up the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft? Eric Immerman delves into Cincy's secret strategy sessions.

BEST COACHING JOBS
Roy Williams faced a tough choice -- but not as tough as deciding on the 10 best coaching jobs in all of sports.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


These guys share more than the same initials: It's former Washington State QB Jason Gesser, left, and singer Josh Groban. Page 2 has received 11 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


NHL Playoffs: Flyers at Senators
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Game 1 of East semis.
 
NBA Playoffs: Pistons at Magic
8 p.m., ESPN
T-Mac tied 1-1 going home.
 
NBA Playoffs: Mavs at Blazers
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Can Blazers stop Dirk?
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thurs., April 24: MLB Fight Club
• Wed., April 23: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
• Tues., April 22: Making A Mockery
• Mon., April 21: Paging Dr. Evil

Other featured content:
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 10 Burning Questions for Mike Bibby
• Fashion Report: Women in Uniform
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
Weekend Edition, April 24-27, 2003
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