The Fives: April 3rd, 2010

Five observations from Friday in sports…

1.    I was not surprised at all to see the Lakers extend Kobe Bryant for another 3 years.  He’ll be 35 at the end of his deal.  I’m curious to see if he will retire at the end of this contract or try and get one more deal.

2.    It’s always interesting to see teams play themselves into and out of the playoffs.  One team playing itself out are the Flyers.  The ship is sinking real fast and I don’t think it can be saved after getting shutout 1-0 at home to Montreal last night.

3.    A team that seems to be playing its way into the playoffs, Charlotte.  The Bobcats get a huge win last night in overtime against Milwaukee at home and can virtually lock up a playoff spot with a win on the road tonight against Chicago.  It would be nice for Gerald Wallace who’s been with the club since its inception to finally make postseason basketball.

4.    Looks like the road to the NBA championship will be going through Cleveland.  I think that might be what it takes for LeBron James to win his first title.

5.    The new Twins’ stadium, Target Field, looks very impressive, but it’s going to be real interesting if they get one more cold snap in Minnesota before spring really kicks in.  Parkas and hot chocolate at the ball game, anyone?


Five top performances from Friday…

1.    David Lee, Knicks F:     37 pts, 20 reb, 10 ast in NYK’s 128-117 loss to GS

2.    Manu Ginobli, Spurs G:     43 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast in SA’s 112-100 win over ORL

3.    Dwyane Wade, Heat G:     43 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast in MIA’s 105-96 OT win over IND

4.    Jaroslav Halak, Canadiens G:     35 svs and the SHO in MON”s 1-0 over PHI

5.    Michael Grabner, Canucks RW:     Hat trick in VAN’s 5-4 SO playoff clinching win over ANA

Five games to watch on Saturday…

1.    NHL:     Thrashers at Penguins, 1:00 PM

2.    NCAA Final Four:     Butler vs. Michigan State, 6:00 PM

3.    NBA:     Bobcats at Bulls, 8:00 PM

4.    NBA:     Thunder at Mavericks, 8:30 PM

5.    NCAA Final Four:     West Virginia vs. Duke, 8:45 PM