Game threes

It's very exciting that both Indiana and Los Angeles won tonight, because it means both Conference finals go to a game three. It would be such a letdown if one team had swept on either side.

But what's up with game three being the night after game two? And when did this happen? I missed that memo, and was very surprised to see "Saturday" on ESPN2 tonight. The league has always given playoff teams at least a day between games. Not doing so this year is disrespectful.

On the upside, Larry Bird has bought a bunch of seats at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indiana for tomorrow's game. He said he is very proud of the team. That's a hell of a gesture considering the franchise is struggling. 9000 seats! What a guy.

The Sparks looked ridiculously solid tonight, starting out in a blaze and never trailing. I was thinking about what the Sparks will need next year to compete after the loss of retiring Lisa Leslie. That will be another column. But first, Sparks owners Kathy Goodman and Carla Christofferson need to hire an outstanding new coach to replace Michael Cooper. I'm praying hard for that one.

The Sparks are having another viewing party tomorrow night for the over-21 set, according to an email I just got:

Dear Sue-

Thanks to an incredible response from our MVPs at tonight's Viewing Party, we're doing it again tomorrow night! The Sparks clearly felt your support and responded with a resounding 87-76 win in Phoenix! The team is going to need your support again tomorrow night for the decisive Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

Join us again at Hollywood Billiards, 5750 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 - conveniently located one block east off the 101. We will have a reserved Sparks area (look for the "LA Sparks" signs). Game tips off at 7PM. Ages 21 and over. Email rsvp@la-sparks.com to let us know you will be attending.

If you plan on attending the game in Phoenix, please call Ernie with the Mercury at (602) 379-7531. He can arrange discounted tickets for any Sparks MVP who is interested.

We look forward to seeing you all there! GO SPARKS!