Saturday, June 12, 2010

Bill has an update on the NBA Finals, which are down to a best-of-3 series after unlikely heroes Glen Davis and Nate Robinson led the Celtics to a much-needed Game 4 victory.

With the World Cup underway, millions of soccer fans have fixed their attention on South Africa. But the significance of the once-divided country playing host to the tournament isn’t just felt in Cape Town or Johannesburg, it is important to Africans all over the continent. Only A Game’s Anjali Nayar reports from Africa.

Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl joins Bill to discuss early matchups for the World Cup favorites, a hot start from the hosts and more from the first weekend of action in South Africa. For more on the World Cup, check out WBUR's coverage here.

The World Cup isn’t the only international sporting event happening this week. Golfers from Great Britain and Ireland are facing a team from the United States on one of America’s oldest golf courses. Only A Game’s Doug Tribou reports on the future stars of women’s golf competing in the Curtis Cup.

Bill looks into the Only A Game electronic mailbag to answer listeners’ questions.

Charlie Pierce takes a break from chasing the Stanley Cup around Chicago’s crowded streets and even more crowded bars to talk with Bill about another week in sports.

Helped by international superstars like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Yao Ming, the NBA has made a determined effort to spread its influence globally in recent years. In Pacific Rims, Rafe Bartholomew looks at basketball’s surprising rise to popularity in the Philippines. Bill chats with the author about his new book.