Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Five games in, and the Bulls-Celtics series is already one of the greatest NBA series of all time. Over the course of the first five games, we've seen four overtimes, brutally physical play, and astonishing clutch performances from Rajon Rondo, Ben Gordon, Paul Pierce, Derrick Rose, and Ray Allen.

---The big debate is whether Rajon Rondo's swipe at the face of Brad Miller, a shot that cost Miller a tooth, in the final moments of overtime in Game 5 should have been called a flagrant foul. It's a close call, but I say no. Was it a spectacularly hard foul? Yes. But the intent was not malicious enough to warrant a flagrant foul, especially since the foul occurred with the game on the line.

---Another spectacular series is Magic-Sixers, and Orlando will be without Dwight Howard for Game 6 in Philadelphia after Superman elbowed Samuel Dalembert in the head in Game 5. Considering the fact that the elbow went to one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, and that Howard was allowed to stay in the game after the foul, going for 24 points and 24 rebounds, I can't quibble too much with his suspension. However, I do not think the elbow was as vicious as most analysts are making it out to be. Howard made a regrettable decision in an act of frustration, but I've watched the replay multiple times, and this foul is definitely not in the same league of evil as Raja Bell's clothesline on Kobe Bryant three years ago.

---The Cavs, Lakers, and Mavs have all advanced, and Cleveland has looked the most impressive. LeBron and company are on a mission that will culminate in the hoisting of the Larry O'Brien trophy.

---121-63. That was the astounding score of Denver's Game 5 shellacking of the Hornets. Chris Paul gamely stated in his post-game interview that it was just one loss and that the Hornets could still come back and stave off elimination in Game 5, but after Monday's embarrassment, a New Orleans victory is about as likely as a calm Stan Van Gundy.

---Two more series, Hawks-Heat and Rockets-Blazers, are enormously compelling. Atlanta-Miami has seven games written all over it, and I'll take the Hawks to advance, especially if Zaza Pechulia continues to play with frenetic energy. I'll also stick to my prediction of Rockets in 6, despite the heroics of Brandon Roy.

---Speaking of the Rockets, Dikembe Mutombo called it a career after suffering an injury in Game 2. Mutombo was a consistent defensive force throughout his career, and he's one of the nicest guys the league has ever seen. His talent, and his character, are worthy of Hall of Fame induction.

---The baseball season is nearly a month old, and there are already plenty of intriguing stories: Who are the real Marlins? Are the Rays this mediocre? What happened to the Yankees' pitching? Are the Red Sox this good? Will Zack Greinke continue to pitch like Sandy Koufax?

---After a rough start, my Giants are back on the right track, with a HUGE game tonight against the hated Dodgers. However, we need to get some hitting, as every Emmanuel Burriss double play and Fred Lewis strike out tears my heart into pieces. Starting tonight, let's get some runs. Go Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---MLB.com announced last week that MSNBC star Keith Olbermann will begin writing columns for the website. Olbermann is now known as a political commentator, but he is just as knowledgeable in the world of sports. Olbermann, who got his start on ESPN and is a co-host of NBC's "Football Night in America", is a baseball fanatic and historian who will bring witty humor and astute insight to MLB.com.

---Kudos to the Niners for getting Michael Crabtree. Here's hoping Crabtree lands us in the playoffs next season.

---I'll depart with one final thought: When Matthew Stafford's name was called by the Detroit Lions as the top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, making him an instant millionaire, I wonder if he turned to his agent and said, "Actually, on second thought, I'm not really interested in this whole football thing."