Notes on a Scorecard - July 27, 1992

How could Magic Johnson even suggest that he might want to return to the NBA with a team other than the Lakers after the way they have stood by him? . . .

The trouble with NBC delaying its telecasts of the U.S. basketball team’s games in the Olympics is that all the suspense is removed. . . .

By the time the game was shown Sunday afternoon, I had known for hours that the United States had edged Angola, 116-48. . . .

If not, I would have been a nervous wreck during the United States’ 46-1 run during the first half, not knowing whether the eventual margin would reach 60, 70, 80 or 90 points. . . .

Of course, it is days like Sunday that make the TripleCast so worthwhile. Local subscribers were able to see the game live, beginning at 7:30 a.m. . . .

It is hard to argue with the Angola coach, who said the NBA stars don’t play defense. After all, how could they have allowed his team to score 48 points? . . .

Don’t expect Michael Jordan or any of his teammates to break the 55-point, single-game Olympic scoring record set by Oscar Schmidt of Brazil in a loss to Spain in 1988. It is more likely that each of the 12 players will score 15 points one day. . . .

I don’t see much of a future for Charles Barkley with the U.S. diplomatic corps. . . .

During the camera shots of the divers, Barcelona’s smog appeared to be worse than Los Angeles’. . . .

The trouble with Olympic sports that are decided by judges--gymnastics, diving, boxing--is that reputation often seems to mean as much as performance. . . .

Bob Costas was a little too flippant during the opening ceremony. . . .

Costas’ partner, Dick Enberg, talked less, but said more. . . .

Enberg on the Olympics when Ireland was prominent in the 1,500 meters: “Those were the days when Irish guys were miling.” . . .

More athletes should have been identified during the parade into the stadium. . . .

I could have listened to that dream team of opera singers all night. . . .

Sure enough, the Reebok commercial showing Dan O’Brien goading Dave Johnson and then nearly getting speared by a javelin is more clever than the original. . . .

In contrast, a Texaco commercial showed O’Brien competing in decathlon events, raising his arms after clearing the bar in the pole vault. . . .

The smallest fighter on the team, 106-pound Eric Griffin, is the United States’ best bet for a gold medal. . . .

Too many standing eight counts are given in amateur boxing. . . .

World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Victor Rabanales will be involved in his third title fight in four months tonight at the Forum and will have to make a mandatory defense in September if he defeats Changkyun Oh. . . .

The property master for “Man Trouble,” starring Laker fan Jack Nicholson, is named Larry Bird. . . .

Neither team was bragging about it, but the Dodgers and Angels had the same won-loss record Saturday. . . .

The Dodgers’ come-from-ahead defeat at Montreal Sunday was a microcosm of their season. Of course, the same thing could have been said after a dozen previous losses. . . .

The Angels’ recent success is the best-kept secret in major league baseball, but it is tough to earn respect after you have fallen out of the pennant race so early. . . .

What were the chances of the Cleveland Indians having a better record than the Dodgers on the last Monday in July? . . .

Eric Karros’ home run total will not be the lowest ever to lead the Dodgers. He has 13. In 1968, Len Gabrielson led with 10. . . .

Pennsylvania should produce the National League batting champion, the question being whether it will be John Kruk of Philadelphia or Andy Van Slyke of Pittsburgh. . . .

News item: Nolan Ryan wins fifth consecutive decision after losing first three. Reaction: Sometimes it takes these kid pitchers a while to learn the hitters. . . .

You know things have changed at Fenway Park when the Boston Red Sox are last in the American League in home runs and first in earned run average. . . .

A longshot possibility for the Florida Marlins’ managing job is Oakland’s Tony La Russa, a native of Tampa who might want to return to his home state. . . .

During the HBO special, “When It Was a Game II,” Joe Garagiola says: “We were working stiffs who happened to be major league ballplayers.” . . .

It is questionable whether Atlanta will have as much fun watching the Olympics in four years as it is having watching the Braves this month. . . .

The difference between Fernando Valenzuela now and 10 years ago is that he is pitching in the Mexican League and giving interviews in English.