Durant Sinks Mavericks in Game 1

 In an action-packed Day 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the best game of the night came down to wire between the Mavericks and Thunder. After a pair of Dirk free throws with nine seconds left gave Dallas the lead, Kevin Durant hit the game winning shot with 1.5 seconds left (above) to give OKC win and a 1-0 series lead.

Earlier in the day, the Bulls beat Philadelphia, but the big news was that PG Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL and will be done for the season. The play happened at the end of the game, when the outcome was already decided, and it absolutely should be on Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau that Rose got hurt. He should not have even been in the game at that point, and as sickening this is for NBA fans, it could have been avoided by Thibodeau making a simple substitution. Instead, he made the wrong decision and now he and the Bulls will have to pay for it. Chicago should still get by Philly and maybe even Atlanta/Boston, but without Rose, there's no way they're taking down Miami in the East.

Other games had the Miami Heat embarrassing the New York Knicks, while Orlando shocked Indiana.

2012 NBA Playoffs- First Round Predictions

Another season, another "best team to not make the playoffs" year for my Rockets. Sigh. Here are my first round picks without them once again.
Western Conference
Spurs in 5 over Jazz: Jazz big men Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson may cause the Spurs some problems, but Spurs are determined to avoid repeating last year's upset. Parker, Manu, and Duncan advance.
Grizzlies in 7 over Clippers: Memphis is hot right now, and stole home court from LA near the end of the season. Key in the series will be bench play. I think Memphis getting Zach Randolph back, as well as more playoff experience sends Lob City home.
Lakers in 6 over Nuggets: It's a matchup of pace of play with the run and gun Nuggets and the giant Lakers. If Denver can speed up the game and take advantage of its superior guard quickness in Ty Lawson, Andre Miller, and Aaron Afflalo, they have a chance. In the end, though, Bynum and Gasol will just be too big inside.
Thunder in 5 over Mavericks: Rematch of last year's Western Conference Final, but this Dallas team has really struggled through injuries and lots of new personnel. I see Westbrook, Durant, and Harden getting into the paint early and often, sending the defending champs home.

Eastern Conference
Bulls in 4 over 76ers: Bulls, injured Rose or not, dominate a Philly team which was terrible in the second half of the season, and simply doesn't have enough scoring in crunchtime.
Celtics in 6 over Hawks: Boston rested and lost the homecourt advantage in this series, but it shouldn't matter for a veteran team looking to go on another championship run. The Hawks, meanwhile, have withstood losing All-Star center Al Horford well, but they are still undersized and need point guard Jeff Teague to hold his own against Rajon Rondo in the bright lights of the playoffs.
Pacers in 5 over Magic: Orlando's season has been a circus and it should end quickly in this series. Without Dwight Howard inside, I just don't see Orlando getting and hitting enough open three-point shots to beat Indiana, a up and coming hard-working team that has great depth and teamwork.
Heat in 5 over Knicks: Mike Woodson has done a great job turning around the sinking ship of the Knicks, but LeBron, D-Wade, and the Heat are too good defensively for New York.

2012 NFL Draft

First Round 
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck (QB) Stanford
2. Washington Redskins* (from St. Louis): Robert Griffin III (QB) Baylor
3. Cleveland Browns* (from Minnesota): Trent Richardson (RB) Alabama
4. Minnesota Vikings* (from Cleveland): Matt Kalil (OL) USC
5. Jacksonville Jaguars* (from Tampa Bay): Justin Blackmon (WR) Oklahoma St.
6. Dallas Cowboys* (from Washington via St. Louis): Morris Claiborne (CB) LSU
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers* (from Jacksonville): Mark Barron (S) Alabama
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill (QB) Texas A&M
9. Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly (LB) Boston College
10. Buffalo Bills: Stephon Gilmore (CB) South Carolina
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe (DT) Memphis
12. Philadelphia Eagles* (from Seattle): Fletcher Cox (DT) Mississippi St.
13. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd (WR) Notre Dame
14. St. Louis Rams* (from Dallas): Michael Brockers (DT) LSU
15. Seattle Seahawks* (from Philadelphia): Bruce Irvin (OLB) West Virginia
16. New York Jets: Quinton Coples (DE) North Carolina
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) Alabama
18. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram (DE) South Carolina
19. Chicago Bears: Shea McClellin (OLB) Boise St.
20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright (WR) Baylor
21. New England Patriots* (from Bengals): Chandler Jones (DE) Syracuse
22. Cleveland Browns* (from Atlanta): Brandon Weeden (QB) Oklahoma St.
23. Detroit Lions: Riley Reiff (OL) Iowa
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro (OG) Stanford
25. New England Patriots* (from Denver): Dont'a Hightower (LB) Alabama
26. Houston Texans: Whitney Mercilus (OLB) Illinois
27. Cincinnati Bengals* (from New Orleans via New England): Kevin Zeitler (OG) Wisconsin
28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry (DE) USC
29. Minnesota Vikings* (from Baltimore): Harrison Smith (S) Notre Dame
30. San Francisco 49ers: A.J. Jenkins (WR) Illinois
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers* (from New England via Denver): Doug Martin (RB) Boise St.
32. New York Giants: David Wilson (RB) Virginia Tech
*denotes trade

Philip Humber Throws Perfect Game

Sports are really cool. Yesterday, in Seattle, journeyman right hander, and Rice University graduate, Philip Humber threw the 21st perfect game in major league history, retiring all 27 Mariner batters he faced in a 4-0 White Sox win. Just the 12th win in Humber's major league career, the 29-year old makes baseball history with perfection.

"What just took place was just awesome," Humber said. "I don't even know what to say. I don't know what Philip Humber is doing in this list [of perfect game pitchers]. No idea what my name is doing there, but I'm thankful it's there."

Dwight Howard Finished for the Season

Maybe finally the drama can end. Dwight Howard will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back and will miss the rest of the season. This comes after a long season in which he changed his mind about whether he wanted to stay in Orlando past this upcoming season about 38409803 times, before finally signing a waiver of his opt-out clause around the trade deadline. Rumors about him wanting to go to a bigger market such as Los Angeles or Brooklyn have swirled ever since the beginning of the year.

To make matters worse, Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy dropped a bomb recently, telling the media that team management told him that Howard wants him fired. Howard has since come out supporting his coach, but not before another media report said Howard phoned the Magic team owner during a game saying that he will never play for Van Gundy again.

What a mess, what a drama queen. Whatever happened to team loyalty and class, Superman? It seems like you haven't learned a thing from LeBron and his Decision, and one of the most popular NBA players a year or two again now just looks like a whiny caricature who thinks he's bigger (metaphorically) than everyone else.

Bubba Watson Wins Masters

Another great final round at Augusta National, as another first-time major champion is crowned.

Bubba Watson, who came oh-so-close at the 2010 PGA Championship, 33, finally won his first major championship and green jacket, as he defeats Louis Oosthuizen in a playoff yesterday at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Watson's win makes it 14 straight majors with a different winner.

After Oosthuizen's amazing double eagle on the front nine earlier in the final round, it seemed like he would be on his way to a second major championship. But Watson, on the second playoff hole, may have hit and even better shot. In the trees on the 10th hole, Watson bent his ball around the tree and onto the green for incredible par save and a win by a stroke over Oohuisthuizen.

"I've never had a dream go this far, so I can't really say it's a dream come true," Watson said. "I don't even know what happened on the back nine. ... Nervous on every shot, every putt. Went into a playoff. I got in these trees and hit a crazy shot that I saw in my head, and somehow I'm here talking to you with a green jacket on."

2012 NL Central Preview

1. Milwaukee Brewers
2011 Record: 96-66
Projected 2012 Record: 89-73

The Lineup

The Brewers’ lineup took a big hit in the offseason with 1B Prince Fielder defecting to sign with the Detroit Tigers. To replace his big bat in the lineup, Milwaukee signed 3B Aramis Ramirez, an upgrade over Casey McGehee at the position. MVP LF Ryan Braun is back, after escaping from a suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. RF Corey Hart, 2B Rickie Weeks, and CF Nyjer Morgan are all good hitters, but all eyes will be at 1B and what production they will get out of Mat Gamel.

The Pitching

The Brewers’ pitching was finally decent last year, in reaching the NLCS. This year, look for about the same results, with Zack Grienke and Yovani Gallardo a pretty good 1-2 combo at the top of the rotation. Meanwhile, Shaun Marcum, Randy Wolf, and Chris Narveson are all decent end of the rotation pitchers who should contribute about 10 wins a piece. The bullpen is equally as good, and anchored by hard-throwing closer John Axford, as well as set-up man Francisco Rodriguez, who was solid after coming over from the Mets at the end of last year.

The Key

This Brewer team is nowhere as good as the team last year, which probably should have made the World Series. However, with the rest of the division down as well, I think Milwaukee has enough offense and pitching to repeat as division champs.

2. St. Louis Cardinals
2011 Record: 86-76
Projected 2012 Record: 84-78

The Lineup

The defending champions actually ranked first in the NL last season, as Lance Berkman, the 2011 NL Comeback Player of Year, Matt Holliday, and Albert Pujols formed a formidable middle of the lineup. With Pujols gone to the Angels, the Cardinals retool by adding OF Carlos Beltran, formally of the Mets and Giants last year, who drive in 84 RBI last year and will be expected to play a big role in whether St. Louis gets a chance to defend its crown in the playoffs this year. St. Louis is also hoping for a breakout year from 3B David Freese, who is coming off a sensational World Series MVP performance.

The Pitching
Adam Wainwright, who missed all of last year with an elbow injury, is back, along with ace Chris Carpenter. Behind the big two, Jaime Garcia looks to continue his progress as a reliable front-end starter, while Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook are solid back of the rotation starters. In the bullpen, it was closer by committee last year, and it was almost comical the way Tony La Russa had to juggle his relievers last year, but hey, it worked. Look for Jason Motte or Fernando Salas to be top candidates to claim the job this year.

The Key

In order for the Cardinals to return to the playoffs and defend their crown, they must get offensive production from aging veterans in Holliday, Berkman, and Beltran, as well as starting pitching that can hold up throughout the year (Carpenter is already on the DL).

3. Cincinnati Reds
2011 Record: 79-83
Projected 2012 Record: 82-80

The Lineup

The Reds offense was great again last year, ranking second in the league in runs scored. 1B Joey Votto and RF Jay Bruce are great power hitters, built for playing at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, and Brandon Phillips is still producing at the top of the lineup. CF Drew Stubbs and LF Ryan Ludwick are also solid offensively. But depth is an issue if anyone gets hurt.

The Pitching

The Reds rotation is what imploded last year, dropping a 91-win team down to 79. Getting Mat Latos from the Padres as a #2 starter behind Johnny Cueto should help (9-14, 3.47 ERA last year), but Bronson Arroyo is an aging veteran in decline, and how high is the ceiling on Mike Leake and Homer Bailey. Lots of question marks in the bullpen as well, as closer Ryan Madson, brought in from the Phillies, is out for the year.

The Key

Pitching, pitching, pitching. The offense shouldn't be a big issue, but for the Reds to return to the playoffs in 2012, the question marks in the rotation and bullpen must be answered.

4. Chicago Cubs
2011 Record: 71-91
Projected 2012 Record: 70-92

The Lineup

The Cubs’ offense was in the middle of the pack last year, rankings 8th in the NL in runs scored. There's not much to suggest that it will be much better this year. Veteran CF Marlon Byrd is coming off his best season as a pro, and Starlin Castro is coming off a great year (.307, 66 RBI, 22 SB). But Alfonso Soriano can't hit for average anymore (aside from his pathetic defense in LF) and replacing their leading hitter, Aramis Ramirez with the likes of Ian Stewart or Jeff Baker at 3B won't help; this team is in full rebuilding mode.

The Pitching

They finally got rid of Carlos Zambrano, a locker room cancer, as Ryan Dempster is this team's ace now. Aside from Dempster, Matt Garza is coming off a good season, as is new pick-up Paul Maholm. But the back end should really struggle. Randy Wells and Jeff Samardzija are not proven major league starting pitchers. In the 'pen, Carlos Marmol is wildly inconsistent and Kerry Wood may be called for by new manager Dale Sveum before the season is over to retake the closer role.

The Key

The Cubs are a team in transition. They still have productive veterans in Byrd, Dempster, and Garza, and a rising star in Castro. But the rest of their roster is filled with players in decline or unproven major leaguers. Key for Northsiders: Team has to buy in the Sveum and Theo Epstein's rebuilding program, and show progress for the future.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates
2011 Record: 72-90
Projected 2012 Record: 70-92

The Lineup
The Pirates were interesting for a couple months in 2011, but in the end fell well short of the postseason once again. CF Andrew McCutchen is still the lone star in Pittsburgh’s lineup and has five-star potential. Around him, though, it seems the likes of Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Garrett Jones, and Pedro Alvarez have all reached their ceiling as major league players. None of them hit for a high-average, and don't have much power either. An interesting story will be how 3B Casey McGehee rebounds after being traded after having a horrible sophomore season in Milwaukee. If he can regain his rookie season form, the Pirates' lineup improves tremendously.
The Pitching
The Bucs brought in some veteran starting pitching in the offseason, acquiring ex-Yankee A.J. Burnett and the oft-injured Eric Bedard. They should help out a rotation which is filled out with #4 and 5 with little to no upside in James McDonald, Kevin Correia, and Charlie Morton. The bullpen is actually the strength of this team, with all-stars Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek.
The Key
For the Pirates to avoid their 20^th straight losing season, the question marks in the Pirates’ pitching staff and in the lineup must be answered.

6. Houston Astros
2011 Record: 56-106
Projected 2012 Record: 54-108

The Lineup

Sigh, we have reached the joke that was the worst team in baseball last year and should be again this year.
In losing a team-record 106 games, my hometown team's offense was dreadful, especially after trading away all-stars Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence. Declining 1B Carlos Lee and his gigantic contract finally expires after this season, a relief for a team in a complete rebuilding. 2B Jose Altuve and LF J.D. Martinez are the best prospects on this team, and both hit fairly well after getting called up at the end of last season. C Jason Castro, a former #1 pick, tries to make his return from knee surgery as well, but the rest of the lineup consists of minor leaguers.

The Pitching

The Astros’ pitching was even worse last year, finishing last in the NL in ERA. Bud Norris is the team's best pitcher, and is coming off a team-low 3.77 ERA season. Lefty Wandy Rodriguez is decent as well. But behind Norris and Rodriguez, this rotation is an abomination, consisting of disappointment flops (J.A. Happ) and veterans with no potential (Kyle Weiland/Lucas Harrell). Look for future ace Jordan Lyles to be recalled from AAA sometime in the middle of the season and provide a little hope. In the bullpen, ex-starter Brett Myers will start the season as closer, with David Carpenter and Wilton Lopez also decent options.

The Key

Hope for a miracle? This team has the potential to lose the most games in MLB history and if it wants to avoid this feat, it better find a lot of offensive production and pitching somewhere.

Kentucky King Again

67, 59

NEW ORLEANS- It's been 14 years, but behind a team of NBA prospects and head coach John Calipari, Kentucky finally has its long-conveted eighth national championship.

Doron Lamb scored 22 points, while Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament Anthony Davis had 16 rebounds and 6 blocks (despite shooting just 1 for 10 from the field), and Kentucky locked down defensively to hold off a late Kansas run, to win 67-59. The Jayhawks shot just 36% for the game, as the length and athleticism of the future NBA players on the Wildcats clearly bothered them.

Kansas lottery pick PF Thomas Robinson had 18 points and 17 rebounds and senior PG Tyshawn Taylor had 19, but a 14-point halftime deficit was just too much too overcome, as Kansas only got as close as six down the stretch, and turned it over twice when they had opportunities to cut it closer.

"I wanted everybody to see, we were the best team this season," said Calipari, who won his first championship as a head coach after leading UMass and Memphis to Final Fours before. "We were the best team. I wanted this to be one for the ages."

Finally, here is this year's "One Shining Moment" to wrap up our March Madness Coverage for other year, courtesy of CBS.

2012 NCAA Championship Preview

#2 vs. #1 8:23 PM CT CBS

Tonight, at the Louisiana Superdome, the 2012 NCAA Basketball champion will be crowned. In a tournament which has lacked the craziness of last season, but produced outstanding basketball games, this matchup for the championship should be great.

On one side, Kansas, which was a team that was supposed to be rebuilding after the departure of the Morris brothers to the NBA after last year's run to the Elite Eight. KU finished second in the Big 12 during the regular season, and if there was a team out of the Big 12 that had a chance at the title, it was rival Missouri. But behind senior point guard Tyshawn Taylor and All-America PF Thomas Robinson, the Jayhawks scratched and clawed their way back from second half deficits to Purdue, NC State, North Carolina, and Ohio State to advance to the title tilt.

On the other side, Kentucky, a team filled with five-star recruits and one and done freshmen bound for the NBA. Behind national player of the year Anthony Davis and phenoms like Michael Kidd-Gilcrest, Marquis Teague, Terence Jones, and Doron Lamb, Kentucky has only lost twice all season long, despite having a target on their back from day one. While explosive offensively, the Wildcats' defense is their calling card, with aggressive perimeter defenders and the best shot blocker in the country in Davis behind them.

The key in the game will be Kansas being able to control Anthony Davis inside and hitting enough outside threes to soften Kentucky's defense. In their win over Ohio State, they neutralized Jared Sullinger with an outstanding effort from Jeff Withey. I think they'll need the same kind of effort tonight. Tyshawn Taylor must also play well in his final game as a college player. In the end, although I will be rooting for Kansas and the Big 12, I have to go with the Wildcats to win the game.
My pick: Kentucky