The Fives: April 19th, 2010

Five observations from Sunday in sports…

1.    Kevin Durant’s first taste of playoff basketball was unpleasant.  Yes, he had 24 points, but on 7 for 24 shooting.  But the story for me was the balance of the Lakers in Game 1.  If they’re able to get contributions from Gasol and especially Bynum throughout the playoffs, it definitely makes the Lakers a much better team. 

2.     In the one NBA surprise yesterday, I wouldn’t read too much into Portland’s win in Phoenix.  The Suns had a bad shooting night and the Blazers took advantage of that.  If Phoenix finds a little better rhythm in Game 2, the series will be even.

3.    Is it just me or are the San Jose Sharks just always snake bit when it comes to the playoffs?  Granted, Craig Anderson had an unbelievable game last night in what was the performance of the first round so far, but to make that kind of mistake in overtime, in a playoff game, no less, has me thinking that the Sharks might not get out of the first round again.

4.    So, it looks like will find out how long Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for either today or tomorrow.  Now the point has been made of should he be suspended even if he wasn’t charged with any crime.  I think this is now going to be the new look of professional sports, where you will be expected to keep out of trouble, and if you don’t, expect either the team or the league to fine you, sit you down, or both.

5.    Still trying to get my head around the NFL Draft starting on Thursday night.  I can understand why the NFL wanted to do it, I’ll just be curious if the ratings are that much stronger to justify it, especially since it is going up against the NBA and NHL Playoffs, unlike in the past, they knew they could get a audience to hang around the TV on a Saturday afternoon.

Five top performances from Sunday…

1.    Craig Anderson, Avalanche G: 51 saves and the shutout in COL’s Game 1-0 OT win over SJ

2.    Ervin Santana, Angels SP: 1 run on 4 hits with 6 K’s and a CG in LAA’s 3-1 win over TOR

3.    Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks PF: 36 pts and 7 reb in DAL’s 100-94 Game 1 win over SA

4.    Alberto Callaspo, Royals 3B: 3 for 5 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs in KC’s 10-5 win over MIN

5.    Jameer Nelson, Magic PG: 32 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast in ORL’s 98-89 Game 1 win over CHA

Five events to watch on Monday (All times Eastern)…

1.    MLB: Rays at Red Sox, 11:00 AM (Niemann (TB) vs. Lackey (LAA); Rays going for sweep)

2.    NHL Playoffs: Capitals at Canadiens, Game 3, 7:00 PM (First road test for the Caps)

3.    NBA Playoffs: Bulls at Cavaliers, Game 2, 8:00 PM, TNT (Bulls try to even series)

4.    NHL Playoffs: Canucks at Kings, Game 3, 10:00 PM Versus (Can LA keep home ice?)

5.    NBA Playoffs: Jazz at Nuggets, Game 3, 10:30 PM TNT (How much does the loss of Okur hurt Utah?)

Have a good day.