'Dem Apples: King James, Billy D, Ducks Almighty

The Sports Gods must love their job.

They certainly do know how to shake things up. First they remind Kobe Bryant he can win a championship outside of Southern California. Then they give the Yankees a tabloid wake-up call.

And now? The Sports God have a simple question for all of us this week:

HOW DO YA LIKE 'DEM APPLES?

King James Rules The East

 

Heading into their series with Cleveland, the Detroit Pistons were already making plans for the NBA Finals.

 

The problem: Someone forgot to tell the James Gang.

 

It took the upstart Cavaliers six games to dethrone the Prince (Tayshaun), flip the Flipper (Saunders), and deject the ejected (Rasheed Wallace).

 

The Pistons were left wondering what happened to their title dreams.

 

Sorry fellas—your time is up. You thought you could waltz to another ring, but the Cavs sent you packing. Pistons and Pistons Fans: How Do Like 'Dem Apples?

 

 

Billy D & Trent G Shake Up The Sunshine State

 

After leading the Florida Gators to back-to-back national titles, Billy Donovan looked like the  "Magic Man" in Orlando.

 

For about a weekend.

 

It didn't take long for Donovan to decide that his place was in Gator Nation, not the land of Mickey and Minnie. The biggest surprise: Orlando wasn't fazed.

 

The Magic had a contingency plan ready in South Florida: ex-Heat coach Stan Van Gundy. And that wasn't the only thing shaking in Miami.

 

The Dolphins picked up Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs, having apparently decided that they made a mistake passing on Brady Quinn in the 2007 Draft...to say nothing of signing Daunte Culpepper before the 2006 season.

 

So everyone got what they wanted...sort of. If things don't work out this year, the parties involved will have to answer that toughest of all questions: How Do Ya Like 'Dem Apples?

 

 

Ducks Fly Together

 

Five games. That's all it took.

 

They got there with determination. They won it with heart.

 

I have to admit it: I didn't think the Anaheim Ducks could do it. And I was wrong. They went in to the NHL Finals with a purpose, and for the first time in their history, the Ducks are quacking away in the Arrowhead Pond with Lord Stanley's most prized possession.

 

The Ottawa Senators failed to bring their 'A' Game, and it cost them. Still, the Sens have nothing to be ashamed of—they can now say that they've been to the dance, and that it felt good while they were there.

As for the Ducks Savor this moment. Because I never thought I'd see the day I'd have to ask myself my own question:

 

How Do I like 'Dem Apples?

 

Oh well, at least it's nice to have those pesky Californians smiling again. Keep in mind that I'm a Florida Gators/St. Louis Cardinals fan...so I'm still a few up on them.

 

And for the record: Yes, I like 'Dem Apples. I like 'Dem indeed.