"Thursday night wrap-up"

Anyone catch the Phoenix-New Jersey game tonight? Phoenix won 161-157 in two overtimes. Now that would have been fun to watch. The point guards had pretty good games. Steve Nash: 42 points, 13 assists. Jason "triple-double" Kidd: 38 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists.

Every Phoenix starter scored at least 16 points, and backup point guard Leandro Barbosa added another 16. Anytime your point guards combine for 58 points, you're probably going to win. The Nets had seven players in double figures. Kind of takes us back to the '60s, when games were regularly in the 120s and 130s. Fun to watch. But I enjoy a defensive battle as well.

OK, let's move on to the hard news.

"Bonds is back"
Barry Bonds will play at least another season. Bonds is ready to resume his chase of Hank Aaron's hallowed home run record after reportedly signing a one-year, $16 million deal to stay with the Giants. This is good for Bonds, because San Francisco is the only baseball city where he's only cheered, not jeered. It would have been interesting to see what his reception would have been had he signed elsewhere, but now Bonds, I believe, has a good chance of breaking Aaron's mark this season.

Bonds sits on 734 home runs, 21 shy of Aaron's total. If he stays healthy and is able to play 110-120 games, I'd say Bonds breaks the record in early September. Oh, boy, will there be a media storm in the Bay Area if that occurs. In terms of the contract, I think the Giants are slightly overpaying Bonds. But, at the same time, he is still one of the most feared hitters in baseball. He still gets intentionally walked several times each year, and he has a good on-base percentage. But the fact that Bonds has to continue playing in the field will hurt him. If he was a DH, he'd have a better season.

My 2007 Bonds prediction (which, pending injuries, legal issues, etc. I might change): .260 average, 24 home runs, 75 RBIs, .374 OBP.

"Shannon to coach Miami"
The Miami Hurricanes filled their vacant spot at head coach Thursday from within. The Hurricanes chose Randy Shannon, Miami's defensive coordinator the past six seasons, to replace fired coach Larry Coker. Shannon becomes the sixth black coach in Division I-A football.

I think this is a good move by the Hurricanes. The players were in favor of this decision, and right now that's the most important thing. There needs to be a trust on this team between the players and coaches. Shannon should be able to establish this. Don't expect any more 6-6 seasons from the 'Canes in the near future.

"Final Word"
According to reports, Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme probably won't play against the NY Giants on Sunday. This is a huge loss for the 6-6 Panthers. Thirty-four-year-old Chris Weinke will likely start. Weinke hasn't thrown a pass this season and threw just 13 last year. Maybe this break will help the Giants stop from blowing a game. Maybe. As Chris Berman says, "That's why they play the game!"

"What to watch Friday"
Miami at Denver, ESPN 10:30 p.m. - Stay up for this one for two reasons: Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. Both players are having huge years. Anthony is leading the league in scoring for the surprising Nuggets, and Wade is literally carrying the lifeless Heat. He won't take an off night against 'Melo.