SUN 2/13
Tim Duncan and Shaquille O' Neal are the two most dominant players in the NBA, with apologies to Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. The pair has claimed three of the past four MVP awards, and four of the last five NBA titles. They'll battle this week when the Spurs, sporting the best record in the association, visit Miami on Sunday for a 1 p.m. matinee affair at American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). Although the Heat has been red hot out of the gates this season, boasting the best record in the East, their Achilles heel so far on the campaign has been the West, posting just a 10-10 mark versus the conference. One of those losses came against Duncan's squad -- a 93-84 setback at the Alamodome in November. That's par for the course in San Antonio; the Spurs have lost just once this season on the home floor. The other factor affecting Sunday's outcome will be guard play, with super sophomore Dwayne Wade taking on the best backcourt tandem in the league, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli. This game comes down to whether Miami's Dynamic Duo can topple the Spurs' Triumvirate. Tickets range from $10 to $220. Call 786-777-HOOP. -- Russ Evans
Enjoy the Sun, Damnit!
If you don't, the Canadians will
BY RUSS EVANS
SAT 2/12
Ever wonder why so many snowbirds with Canadian license plates clog up our infrastructure every winter in South Florida? It's the weather, stupid. But we natives tend to take our tropical climate for granted. This Saturday, get out of your air-conditioned house and get on the water at West Lake Park (751 Sheridan St., Hollywood), home of Paddlefest Broward. Here, participants can paddle vessels of all shapes and sizes, including kayaks, canoes, rowing shells, dragon boats, and more. You can also bring your cell phone, dial your pals in Manitoba, and holler, "It's February! And I'm in my bathing suit!" The free event is open to all ages, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. Canucks are welcome too, as long as they leave the Speedos at home. Call 954-926-2480. -- Russ Evans
Appealing Headbanded Figures
Swing for charity
SAT 2/12
The International Tennis Hall of Fame says about Argentinian legend Guillermo Vilas: "An appealing headbanded figure of the 1970s and early 1980s, his chestnut hair flowing below his shoulders, Vilas was the epitome of strength and fitness endurance." On Saturday, Vilas -- alternately known as "Young Bull of the Pampas" or "the Fabio of Tennis" or simply "Studmuffin" -- leads Dick Stockton, Gigi Fernandez, Tom Gullikson, Harold Solomon, and Brenda Schultz-McCarthy into town for the Wimbledon at Wellington Legends of Tennis Classic, a charity match at Palm Beach Polo and Country Club (11199 Polo Club Rd., Wellington). It costs $400 to play against the pros, $10 to watch. A gala, auction, and "Argentinian Barbeque" costs $150. Call 561-753-2681. -- Deirdra Funcheon
It's Racquetball! It's Ping-Pong! No...
SAT 2/12
It's paddleball! Saturday and Sunday, thank our forefathers for having built paddleball courts 75 years ago at Garfield Street and North Surf Road, Hollywood. To celebrate the courts' birthday, the police and fire departments will play a match, T-shirts will be given out, there will be contests and prizes, and an airplane with a banner reading "Happy 75 Years" will fly overhead. Call 954-987-7143. -- Deirdra Funcheon
