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:

---Before I discuss the second round of the NBA playoffs, let me take a moment to reflect on the epic battle between Boston and Chicago: Best first round series ever, and one of the five best playoff series of all time. Ray Allen's clutch shooting and Joakim Noah's fearsome intensity will be remembered for years to come.

---The Celtics have to be mentally and physically exhausted, but they have no time to rest as their series against the Magic commences tonight at TD Banknorth Garden. This too will be a tremendous series, and the key will be the matchup at center between Dwight Howard and Kendrick Perkins. Perkins is a terrific player, but in the end there will be too much Superman. Orlando in 7.

---Rockets-Lakers also tips off tonight. Okay, so I won't go crazy again and pick against the Lakers, but I desperately hope that the Rockets find a way to pull off the upset. Their chances lie squarely on the performance of Ron Artest. Artest is a lockdown defender, and nobody does a better job of guarding Kobe. If Artest limits Kobe's production, Houston has a shot.

---The Nuggets picked up a Game 1 victory yesterday against Dallas, thanks to another stellar performance from the Birdman and an astonishing eight turnovers from the usually sure handed Jason Kidd. Dirk and company are in for a tough series. Denver in 5.

---The second Eastern Conference semifinal pits the top-seeded Cavs against the Hawks, who are coming off one of the strangest, most lopsided seven-game series in NBA history in which they defeated D-Wade and the Heat. I actually think that Atlanta is capable of winning a couple of games in the party atmosphere of Phillips Arena, especially if Josh Smith capitalizes on some rim-rattling dunks to get the crowd on its feet. But Cleveland is just too good. The Cavs will win in 6, moving one step closer to an NBA title.

---Speaking of the Cavs, LeBron James won the first Most Valuable Player award of his career. Well-deserved. King James is far and away the best player in basketball, and he is the closest thing to His Airness the league has ever seen.

---While we're on the subject of Michael Jordan, why don't we mention his flamboyant yellow-striped suit, which he sported at Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Jordan is the only person who can look good in a suit like that, so please Craig Sager, don't get any ideas.

---Most people have to bet on horse racing in order to enjoy the sport. Not me. Call me crazy, but I love every second of it. Mine That Bird's incredible upset win at the Derby was a spectacular sports moment, made even greater by the euphoric reaction of jockey Calvin Borel.

---The Rays have gotten off to a rocky start, but they have had Boston's number. Fresh off defeating the Red Sox in last year's ALCS, Tampa is 5-2 against the Sox this year, taking 3 of 4 from Boston over the weekend. Watch for the Rays to start winning more consistently, and watch for Carl Crawford to set more records on the basepaths this season.

---More A-Rod drama. Sigh. Is A-Rod an attention-craving diva? Of course, but some of the accusations leveled against the Yankees slugger by Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts in her new book are petty and trivial. Bad tipper? Really, Selena, that's the best you could do?

---Boomer Wells has joined TBS' baseball coverage. He made his debut on Sunday while wearing a tank top, smoking a cigarette, and chugging cans of beer.

---Upon hearing of Wells' addition to the TBS team, CBS announced that they have added John Daly to their golf coverage.