Notes on a Scorecard - April 29, 1993

On the eve of the NBA playoffs, Magic Johnson was full of revelations, observations and predictions. . . .

“I might coach some day,” said Magic, who denied that he has been offered the Laker job. “But I would have to own a portion of the team. Part owner-coach, like Don Nelson with Golden State. That would be the only way.” . . .

Johnson is part of a group that is trying to land an expansion franchise for Toronto in 1995-96. . . .

“I think Randy Pfund has done a good job coaching the Lakers,” Magic said. “But I don’t know whether he will be back. He’s in a tough situation. The problem here is that the fans, media and management aren’t used to losing. They’ve gotten spoiled. And it’s difficult to rebuild when you finish eighth in the conference two straight years and just miss the lottery.” . . .

“The Lakers’ biggest weakness is that they don’t have a point guard. Doug Christie would be better at big guard. You’re asking me about Bobby Hurley? I like him. He’s tough and he’s a winner.” . . .

For so many years, this was Magic time. Playoff time. Now his role has changed from Laker catalyst to NBC commentator. . . .

“I’m picking the Knicks to beat the Suns for the championship,” he said. “This is the time of year when everyone slows down the game. The best half-court team usually wins, and that’s the Knicks. The Bulls will get to the Eastern Conference finals, but they’ll be worn out after going seven games with Cleveland.” . . .

“In the West, there’s no question about Phoenix,” he said. “Charles Barkley is the most valuable player in the league.” . . .

Magic on the Lakers: “They’ll probably lose, 3-1, to the Suns in the first round.” . . .

Magic on the Clippers: “I thought Houston might be the surprise team in the playoffs, but not without Vernon Maxwell. The Clippers have a chance to beat them. If they do, then they’ll have a chance against the Seattle-Utah winner. Hey, you know what? They just might make it to the Western Conference finals.” . . .

Call him Stauber the Stopper. . . .

Rookie goaltender Robb Stauber’s role in the Kings’ 9-4 victory at Calgary on Tuesday night was underrated. He made some big saves early and didn’t lose his composure after the Flames crept to within 5-3 early in the third period. Besides, there is nothing wrong with stopping 40 of 44 shots. . . .

Visiting teams have won three of the five games in the series, but the 16,005 fans at the Forum tonight should give the Kings a lift. . . .

King fans are the most enthusiastic in Southern California, and the prolonged standing ovation they give the team before every playoff game always raises goose bumps. . . .

So much for those who thought Vancouver would eliminate Winnipeg quickly and get several days’ rest before facing the Kings-Flames winner. . . .

Philadelphia’s comeback from an 8-0 deficit against San Francisco the other night rekindled memories of Aug. 21, 1990, at Dodger Stadium, when the Phillies won, 12-11, after trailing, 11-1, starting the eighth inning and 11-3 starting the ninth. . . .

Leave it to a knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield of the Pittsburgh Pirates, to throw 171 pitches in 10-plus innings against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday and not damage his arm. . . .

Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Steve Finley of the Houston Astros played all 162 games last season. Only Bagwell played in each of the Astros’ first 18 games this season. . . .

Third baseman Mike Bell, son of Buddy and grandson of Gus, is an outstanding pro prospect at Moeller High in Cincinnati. . . .

John Jackson Jr., the former USC athlete, is playing the outfield for the Angels’ Midland farm club in the Texas League after being released by the Phoenix Cardinals. . . .

Seven of the 12 players on the UCLA basketball roster achieved a grade-point average of at least 3.0 for the winter quarter. Sophomore center George Zidek had a 4.0. . . .

Wayne Lukas doesn’t have the favorite in the Kentucky Derby this year, which may be a blessing. Look for Lukas’ Union City, who has been training exceptionally well at Churchill Downs, to became the 14th consecutive non-favorite to win the Derby Saturday. . . .

I met Jim Valvano for the first time last year at a testimonial dinner for his friend George Raveling. After spending half an hour with him, I felt as though I had known him all my life. I just wish I had.