HORSE RACING

Watch the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Saturday night. Coverage begins at 4:00 NBC and post time at 6:24 pm.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Lakers were hoping to close out the series against a very pesky Oklahoma City Thunder team.  However, they would have to do it in OKC — a place where Kevin Durant and the Thunder have reigned dominant.  However, the Lakers have finally figured out that they have a size advantage down low and would look to exploit that.  The game was neck and neck the whole way, but in the end, with just 0.5 seconds remaining, Pau Gasol tipped in a shot to give the Lakers a 1-point lead to win the series.  With that said, you definitely have to hand it to the Thunder.  They had a surprisingly fantastic season, and potentially could be a #3 seed in next year’s playoffs.  LA Lakers 95, Oklahoma City 94.

So, now that the Lakers have advanced to the next round, whom would they face?  Well, many were expecting a second round showdown between the Lakers and Nuggets.  But the Jazz have been playing incredible basketball in the playoffs and looked to be the favorite as they hosted a potential series ending Game 6 against the Nuggets. The Nuggets haven’t been the same since their coach George Karl has been on leave treating his cancer.  Well Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony did what they do for the Nuggets putting up 30 points and 20 points respectively, but the Jazz were just too much… AGAIN.  Even their rookie guard Wesley Matthews had 23 points.  With the win, we get to see a very exciting second round match-up between the Jazz and Lakers.  And this could be it for the Lakers.  Oddly, both the Nuggets and Mavericks, teams predicted to possibly beat the Lakers, are both out of these playoffs.  Utah 112, Denver 104.

And in Milwaukee, the surging Bucks, under the campaign “Fear the Deer” were hoping to end their incredible series against the Hawks.  They have been without their star center Andrew Bogut, but have been playing fantastic basketball.  And now… they had the chance to shockingly advance to the second round on his home court.  Well, that would have been great, but the Bucks simply couldn’t find their touch.  Carlos Delfino had 20 points, but the Bucks put up only 69 points in the game.  Yes, they lost, and returned the advantage in the series to Atlanta.  Can the Hawks finally get out of their slump and win on their home court in Game 7?  Winner gets Orlando in the second round.  Atlanta 83, Milwaukee 69.