Pierce, Strasburg, Woods, and 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:

---After Boston's thrilling Game 5 win in the NBA Finals, these 2010 Finals have officially become one of the most exciting Finals in NBA history.

---The C's now have two shots in L.A. to clinch the title, and if Paul Pierce played like he did in Game 5, I love Boston's chances. After a sluggish start to the series, Pierce finally delivered a magnificent performance last night, capped off by his jaw-dropping, off-balance pass to Rajon Rondo late in the fourth quarter. Somewhere, Larry Bird was smiling.

---Major credit is also due for Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, the self-proclaimed Shrek and Donkey. The Davis-Robinson duo was essentially responsible for the win in Game 4, and they have provided a nice spark off the bench for Doc Rivers throughout the entire series. I am especially fond of Robinson. It's a full-blown man-crush at this point.

---As for the Lakers, well, Kobe Bryant was stranded on an island in Game 5, with no help whatsoever. Kobe kept draining impossible shot after impossible shot in the second half, but he eventually ran out of gas, as his teammates were nothing more than loitering bystanders. For that reason, the Lakers in Game 5 reminded me of the 2007 Cavs, the Finals team that had LeBron playing with a group of guys from the Washington Generals.

---If the Lakers are to bounce back and win the championship, Bynum, Gasol, Fisher, and Odom need to deliver in a big way in Games 6 and 7.

---Here's hoping there won't be a Game 7, however. Go Celtics! Beat L.A.!

---On to Major League Baseball now, where Stephen Strasburg has revitalized the sports scene in the nation's' capital. Strasburg immediately became a rock star in D.C after his epic, 14-strikeout debut against the Pirates a week ago. And even though he struggled with his control in his second start against Cleveland, he still flashed some electric stuff, striking out eight more. Thus, I have bought the hype. Strasburg has the potential to be one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever seen.

---The key word there, though, is potential. He still has a long way to go.

---My beloved Giants are playing sensational baseball right now, and I'm loving every moment of it. However, I'm a little worried about the double-play tendencies of Pablo "Kung Fu Panda" Sandoval. Lets go Pablo, no more DP's!

---The U.S. Open starts this week at Pebble Beach, a course that has worked wonders for Tiger Woods over the years. However, it is hard to imagine Tiger winning the Open this year. Tiger has just seemed out of it recently. I would be genuinely surprised if Mr. Woods captures another major this year, and I never thought I'd say that.

---I think this will be the major in which Anthony Kim officially establishes himself as one of the game's great players. My money is on Kim to win the U.S. Open.

---I'll end with an apology for not covering the World Cup on this edition of Random Observations. Sorry, I just cannot get into soccer. Even on the world's grandest stage, soccer remains about as interesting to me as a Larry the Cable Guy stand-up routine.