NBA Shock; Perfect Game Thrown

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland A's (brief)
Last year, to many, Dallas Braden was an unknown pitcher who either started or closed. Now, he has something to be known well for.

A perfect game.

Braden pitched the 19th perfect game in baseball history, striking out 6 and allowing the field to record the other 21 outs. This is the second straight perfect game thrown against Tampa Bay.

When Gabe Kapler grounded out to short (short to first), Braden threw his arms up in the air. His infielders then joined in, then the outfielders came. The Oakland crowd roared like crazy, although not many people were there.

Dallas Braden's words after the perfect game
"Pretty cool". "I don't know what to think about it just yet. There's definitely a select group. I'd like to have a career more than today. As reported on ESPN.com

Rays manager Joe Maddon's words
"I'm a bad omen. That's the third perfect game and the fourth no-hitter I've been on the wrong side of. When Kenny Rogers threw his I was the bullpen coach. If you want to see another one, just follow me around." As reported on ESPN.com

Suns vs. Spurs
Take this into account before looking at the result; Phoenix considered losing to Utah on purpose so they wouldn't have a chance at playing San Antonio.

Then look at the result; Phoenix in 4.

Wow.

The Suns rallied from another 9+ point first quarter deficit to beat San Antonio, and sweep the rivals that they have been victims to for so long. And they won in a sweep.

Steve Nash had his right eye shut the whole game. And, with it even more shut, he was able to score 10 points that helped Phoenix seal the 107-101 win and the series sweep.

"I couldn't see anything," Nash said (ESPN.com).

Jason Richardson made a huge three with 3:26 left to give Phoenix a 99-89 lead, but San Antonio inched back. Amare Stoudemire and Nash made layups, but a 4 point play by George Hill made the score 103-101.

Luckilly for Phoenix, Grant Hill missed 2 free throws and Manu Ginobili missed a 25 foot three. Jason Richardson got the rebound and hit 2 free throws, and Tim Duncan missed a 3, Richardson got the rebound, and Phoenix swept their playoff enemies to advance to the Western Conference semis.

They will play either the LA Lakers or Utah. LA leads the series 3-0.

Vancouver used 2 first period goals and a 3-0 lead to stay alive and beat Chicago 4-1 on the road to cut the series deficit to 3-2.

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