1.) LeBron James just can’t get it right. Yes, LeBron finished last night’s Heat/Bulls game with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. But what people will remember is his missed free throw at the end of regulation that could have sealed the game for Miami. Bulls reserve CJ Watson would then hit a three to send the game to overtime. And in the OT period, the Bulls dominated the Heat, winning by 10. The Bulls continued their trend of doing things without Derrick Rose. The reigning MVP played, sort of. He was seen wearing a uniform and moving about the basketball court. But he mustered only a 2/3/8 statistical line (points/rebounds/assists) and finished the game with an amusing (-27) +/-. The key to the game? The Bulls saw 3 reserves score in double figures. If you combined all of Miami’s players, save for James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, you’d only get 15 points. And the four Heat reserves combined for a (-67) differential. Miami is not going to win the NBA championship with contributions like last night’s from players like Shane Battier and Mike Miller. Meanwhile, Chicago might be able to win without Rose. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch)

2.) I’ve wavered over whether I should talk about hockey. I understand that many people, myself not included, do not enjoy games of iced merriment. Still, last night’s NHL playoff action has to stir at least a bit of emotion from even the most hockey-opposed, right? Please bear with me. 3 of the 4 NHL games last night went to overtime. The game of the night was a double OT thriller in St. Louis, where the San Jose Sharks managed to do something well in the playoffs for once, beating the Blues 3-2 on a goal by Martin Havlat (his second of the game). Also the Bruins beat the Washington Capitals 1-0 in OT on a goal by Chris Kelly. Forensic scientists are furiously studying the game film looking for any evidence that Alexander Ovechkin actually played. They’ve yet to turn up any sign of Ovechkin and are asking citizens for help. If you have a tip, please call 1-800-NOTGR8T

3.) Yesterday, the Saints announced that assistant coach Joe Vitt would replace suspended head coach Sean Payton during the 2012 season. Vitt previously filled in for Payton when he suffered a leg injury during the 2011 season. Next, the Saints will need to announce Vitt’s replacement, as he is suspended for six games during the 2012 season. Eventually, the Saints will have to hire Bill Parcells to coach one game to cover for a suspended replacement, of a suspended replacement, of a suspended replacement, of the suspended Payton. This move reminds me of when I make a move in checkers much too quickly, only to realize as soon as I let go of my piece, that I’m about to get triple-jumped.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis: Today’s we’re proud to announce that Joe Vitt will serve as interim coach of the Saints during the 2012 season. Joe is _____________________ (positive adjectives).

Saints Special Assistant to the GM (whispering, to Loomis): Um, sir, Vitt is suspended for the first six games of the season.

Loomis: (sigh)…We’ll see you all again in a week.

Game of the Weekend: There aren’t a lot of great NBA games this weekend. Maybe the Heat and Knicks. You could have your pick of NHL playoff games too. But, hey, why not spend some time with someone you care about? Go for a picnic lunch. Perhaps take a drive to the mountains. Or stay in, turn the lights out, and drink, alone, until you can’t stand up. Whatever you chose to do with your weekend, make it a good one. We’ll reconvene on Monday.