Matters of the heart
So Sonics' owner Barry Acklery missed Saturday's game for a "routine cardiac procedure."I guess his players weren't the only ones who needed to have their hearts checked.
Great expectations
The Sonics deserved to be roughed up in the Seattle media after their lackluster performances in Games 1 and 2.
Still, why the strong reaction? The Sonics barely escaped being the No. 8 seed. They're playing a No. 2 seed, one that had the second-best record in the league the second half of the season.
Was anyone actually expecting the Sonics to beat the Jazz?
If you ask me, things are right on course: Jazz in four.
All-Star material
Then there's Utah's Olden Polynice, who upon hearing Gary Payton had been fined $10,000 for not talking to the media, said, "Hey, I love the media! That would never happen to me."
And we love you for it, O.P.
Advice line
Seattle's Brent Barry looked fairly silly Saturday trying to draw sympathy after ending up on the wicked end of Karl Malone's elbow.
Here's a hint, B.B.: Don't get close enough to kiss the Mailman, and you won't get hurt.
Breakfast of champions
Got to get me some of those new Karl Malone flakes. They call 'em "MVP Flakes."
Like, you know, Charles Barkley.
Get in line
I see Adam Sharp is leaving the Ute basketball program due to an injury. But he says he's going to stay at the university to pursue studies in pre-med.
Is it just me, or does it seem EVERYONE who plays for Rick Majerus either ends up going to medical school or the NBA?
Street smarts
Speaking of brainy people, how about Danny Ainge? The former BYU star is being inducted into the GTE Academic All-America Hall of Fame.
Ainge admitted he was surprised. "I don't consider myself a brain," he said.
Don't sell yourself short, professor.
As a player, you figured out a way to get yourself traded from Sacramento to Portland. You also managed to get along famously with Barkley -- which is no easy feat. And as a coach, you were able to get rid of a malcontent Robert Horry.
By my scorecard, you're a genius.
I got a name
The Utah Starzz bolstered their front line by drafting center Naomi Mulitauaopele last week. That's pronounced MOO-le-tau-aw-o-PEL-ay, for those unfamiliar with Polynesian pronunciations.
Of course, around here we've dealt with the likes of Tevita Ofahengaue (BYU), Navy Tuiasosopo (USU) and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Utah) for years.
This ought to be a piece of cake.
You can reach Brad Rock by e-mail at rock@desnews.com