THUNDERCLAP

Let’s hear it for lightning-quick Bruin Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have taken the NBA West by storm and are roaring to the Finals, after washing out the Spurs 4 games to 2, coming back from being down 0-2 in the Series, and down 18 in Game 6

There will now definitely be at least one Bruin to root for in the 2012 NBA Finals.  OKC Point Guard Russell Westbrook will be on the League’s biggest stage next week, when his Thunder will face either the Celtics or the Heat.  The Celtics lead that series 3-2, with Game 6 being played tomorrow in Boston.  If the Celtics prevail, it will guarantee that a Bruin will participate in the World Championship Parade, as Bruin Center Ryan Hollins now dons the green Celtic uni.

But no matter what happens in the East, Bruin fans will have a rooting interest in this year’s Finals, thanks to the Thunder’s stunning come-from-behind effort in the West. OKC lost the first two games of the Series, both on the road in San Antonio, but came back with a vengeance to take 4 straight.  In Game 6 on Wednesday night, the Thunder fell behind by 18, and was still down by 15 at the Half.  But they turned it up a notch in the 3rd, and took control down the stretch.  Kevin Durant was the Star, scoring 34, but Westbrook added 25, making the same amount of Field Goals as Durant did.  Westbrook added 8 Rebounds and 5 Assists, and hit a huge shot in crunchtime to help put the Spurs on ice.

Speaking of ice, the L.A. Kings lost on Wednesday night, putting THEIR Championship parade on hold for at least four more days.  They still lead the Stanley Cup Finals Series 3-1, with Game 5 coming up on Saturday night, as the Kings look for their first-ever Title.

Speaking of being the BEST IN THE WORLD, here are 50 more new photos of the UCLA Dance Team Auditions, which took place a little over a month ago on campus.  After these, I have another 48 photos, which I will post soon, to finish off my coverage of the event.