The Wild and Wonderful World of Doris Burke and Dave Pasch

The Wild and Wonderful World of Doris Burke and Dave Pasch.  Welcome to the highs and lows of life with the announcing partnership of Burke and Pasch.  It includes a bit of the obvious ("There's flooding in Memphis, but not in the arena" noted Pasch helpfully at the start of the game), the logic challenged ("Durant prepares every day like he's the 12th man!" said Burke, though you'd guess the 12th man might actually take a few nights off) and the plaintive ("I hope there are four game 6's because it's the only way we get to work" declared Burke).  Wait for them to fall in love and start their own reality TV show!

24/7 with Zach Randolph.  Speaking of reality shows, why hasn't someone created a show for Zach Randolph?  I mean, the guy would be fascinating to watch - you want to learn so much more!  Why, for example, did he show up only an hour before the 3rd OKC game, probably the biggest of his career?  Why did he go sit by himself at the end of the bench?  What was he saying while he jawboned OKC opponents all game long?  And best of all, what does he put in the secret compartments of his custom built car?

Coaching aides.  Watching Josh Smith have, again, the best worst game of all time made me think of accessories that would be useful for NBA coaches.  Here are my top three nominations.  1) An electric shock for Josh Smith every time he jacks up an long jump shot (that doesn't activate when he has to take a shot before the 24 second clock expires - I'm no barbarian, Steve Kerr!);  2) An alarm clock for Z-Dog; and 3) Handcuffs for Artest, Odom and Bynum.  Bonus accessory just for Shaq: an extra large spoon so he can finish off both Big Baby with a side order of Kristic - that dude is the biggest guy I've ever seen.

The most entertaining team you'll never remember was in the NBA playoffs a year from now award.  The Atlanta Hawks and their rollercoaster ride.  You never know which team will show up, but it's almost impossible to imagine them advancing past this round. 

But am I wrong?  Could the Bulls actually lose this series?  It seems inconceivable, but . . . they haven't played that well!  And as long as they can't find a decent second option after Derrick Rose, they are very vulnerable.  As Bill Simmons likes to say, how good would they be if they had paid for Ray Allen instead of Kyle Korver? 

Bonus analysis: Today's likelihood of a Memphis Grizz championship (and Zach Randolph shirts for both Charlie and Aubrey, paid for out of winnings from the bet):  20 percent.