espn.com Ali Contest
What if Roy Hobbs had taken Sammy's approach to his bat in "The Natural?" What if Nuke LaLoosh had played that loose in "Bull Durham?" Would Jack Nicholson have survived Shelley Duvall's swing in "The Shining?" Page 2's Jim Caple has the answers. Plus, check out Kurt Snibbe's take on Sammy's lumber in Sportoon.
CAPLE: GOING HOLLY-WOOD | SPORTOON




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Page 2's Bill Simmons has to dig deep into the Nets-Spurs matchup to feel the buzz in the NBA Finals, but he's up to the task. What's not to like about Stephen Jackson, after all? And there is great fun in handicapping a Duncan-vs.-Kidd showdown. In the end, the Sports Guy makes a pick that might surprise you.

Finals Karma The Daily Quickie
Get past the Xs and Os and the NBA Finals will come down to the intangibles. Page 2's Eric Neel says the Pat Riley Factor may work its mojo on Byron Scott, for example. Then there's the ghost of Gilmore's 'fro.
 The Daily Quickie wonders if Sammy-gate will taint the legacy of another of the Dominican Republic's favorite sons ... er, daughters: the new Miss Universe, Amelia Vega. Plus, Cap'n Jeet and the AFI's sports heroes.

TUESDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK
Gregg Easterbrook's Tuesday Morning Quarterback doesn't worry about the doldrums between the NFL draft and training camp, now that there's life after "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."


We've already given you the best sports years for an individual city, but let's not forget about when things weren't going so well. Page 2 presents the worst years that a single metropolis has endured:

10]  Washington (1961)
The nation's capital had only two pro sports teams in 1961: the 1-12-1 Redskins and the 61-100 Senators.
9]  Detroit (1979)
Dickie V's Pistons went 30-52. The Lions were 2-14. And the Red Wings finished with an abysmal 23-41-16 record, leaving the Tigers as the only bright spot at 85-76 -- 18½ out of first.
8]  New York (1987)
Here's what being the biggest sports market in the world gets you: nine major league teams. Here's where it got you in 1987: one playoff appearance and a whole lot of last places -- five, to be exact.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NHL/NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Wednesday Spurs 6½ Nets 188
Thursday Devils 1 Mighty Ducks 3½
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.


BASKETBALL DIARY
On the eve of the NBA Finals, Charley Rosen breaks down the matchup.

THE HOT LIST
As the Spurs and Nets lace 'em up, Page 2's Dan Shanoff examines who's sizzling and who's fizzling.

HEY, RUBE
When it comes to the NBA Finals, the Good Doctor knows the team that will win is the one that can stay healthy.

JUST SAY NO
Page 2's Stacey Pressman loves women's sports, but she's still not buying the WNBA.

THE SPORTS GUY
Before the NBA Finals kicks off, the Sports Guy breaks down who has the highest trade value in the league.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Lions QB Joey Harrington, left, and not-so-eligible "Bachelor," Andrew Firestone. Page 2 has received 26 requests for this pair.Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Tennis: French Open Quarterfinals
8 a.m. ET, ESPN
Clijsters & Serena, just to name a few.
 
NHL Finals: Anaheim at New Jersey
8 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 5, Duck or die.
 
WNBA: Monarchs at Sparks
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Watch the game, then make your assessment.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., June 3: Life After Buffy
• Mon., June 2: Who's Best Man?
• Fri., May 30: Open Mike
• Thurs., May 29: Page 2 classifieds

Other featured content:
• The Sports Guy vs. The Good Doctor
• Is Jennie Finch the most popular?
• The Sports Guy on Roger Clemens
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
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