The Fiction That Is: Sports Outside of Mavs Playoffs

• I almost forgot, kudos to Mavs big Erick Dampier for finally realizing something I have been thinking about a lot as of late. In the Dallas Morning News, Damp basically told Tony Parker to watch out, because if he comes in the lane Damp is "putting him on his back". If I'm Tony Parker right now, I'm a little intimidated. Damp smiles so little, the one time I actually saw him show the pearly whites, I fell to the ground and suddenly forgot where I was. So thank you Erick for manning up, now let's just see you put it into action Thursday night. 
• Congrats to Dwight Howard on winning DPOY. The man simply gets it done. Superman throws shots so far into the crowd that the Magic should seriously consider putting up the same nets around the court that NHL teams use during their games. Just a thought.
• As HE said, the C's lost Leon Powe for the rest of the postseason. If it wasn't bad enough already, they don't have former DPOY Kevin Garnett available, and now a KEY utility for the men in green is not there to stand in. That front line is dwindling. I agree with HeMan's series prediction. As far as the rest of that game goes, Ray Allen was clutch as can be with an unnecessary three ball to win the game. It's a good thing he did too, because Ben Gordon was UNCONSCIOUS last night, hitting big shot after big shot. Going for 40+, over one of the best D's in the league, in the playoffs, in Boston, is definitely something to write home about. I like how this series is shaping up.
• This past Saturday, Washington Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes was fined for arriving late to practice. At first it doesn't sound that bad, but then you realize the man was FIVE minutes late to practice because he was doing CHARITY WORK with a local Little League. I found this to be down right absurd. I know rules are rules, but really? You are going to fine the man for helping YOUR organization. Nevertheless, there is some good in the world as parents of that Little League put funds together in order to pay for Dukes' fine. Word to the wise: worry about things like winning games and spelling the team name on the jerseys right before you go handing out ridiculous fines, Washington Nationals (or is it Natinals?).
• In agreement with my co-blogger, Tyreke Evans and Scottie Reynolds are doing the smart thing in not hiring an agent for the NBA draft. It is my belief that just about everyone in college hoops, besides Blake Griffin, could use an extra year before they break the bank with an NBA contract.
• The NFL Draft is this weekend, and I honestly have been too consumed with the Playoffs to have any legit thoughts on it that don't involve the Cowboys. However, I do know that I would love to see Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay go head-to-head in a no-rules cage match, those two get heated around this time of year.
• When I said Playoffs, I meant NBA, not NHL. Don't expect much hockey on here, especially considering the Stars' season is over.

Life's good, and this blog train is showing no signs of stopping.

Gracias y Adios,

Wil Grande