FRI 11/25
In much of the professional world, jumping from job to job while callously spurning your current employer and being openly courted by other organizations is frowned upon. For New York Knicks Coach Larry Brown, whose stop in New York marks his eighth NBA head coaching job, it results in a $60 million contract. At least he'll have to earn his keep this year with a Knicks squad that opened its season by dropping its first five and a roster so young that Brown compared it to a college team.
But don't let their early struggles fool you; Brown is widely considered the best teacher in the game, and his last seven stops resulted in playoff appearances — even with the L.A. Clippers. The Knicks are already on the upswing as they meet the Heat in the American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) at 7:30 p.m. Monday. But first, Miami will have to get through Dirk Nowitzki and a tough Dallas Mavericks squad that once again started its season strong. They'll visit the Triple A on Friday, November 25, at 7 p.m. Tickets for both games start at $10. Call 800-4NBA-TIX, or visit www.nba.com/heat. — Paul A. Leone
Should We Believe the Hype?
All hail Sidney Crosby
FRI 11/25
This week, the Florida Panthers play host to an 18-year-old first-year pro who is said to be the next Wayne Gretzky. Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, who was the first overall pick in the National Hockey League draft in 2005, is making his first visit to South Florida in a Penguin uniform. The Panthers were victorious in their first contest against the Penguins this year — a 4-3 overtime victory in Pittsburgh — but Crosby's still dangerous. He recorded nine points in his first ten games. The Panthers skate against the Penguins at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
After a Saturday-night game in Atlanta, the Panthers come back home to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. Face-off for that contest is set for 7 p.m. Tickets for either game cost $20 to $250. The action goes down inside the BankAtlantic Center (1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise). Call 954-835-PUCK, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. — Rick Smith
Get Krunk
As the Florida Pit Bulls meet Charlotte
TUE 11/29
For most hoops fans, the American Basketball Association immediately conjures up images of huge Afros, wide-open scoring, retro jerseys, and of course that trademark red, white, and blue ball. Today's ABA, re-formed in 2003, is recapturing that outlaw image and bringing back the ball as it kicks off its 2005-06 campaign. Tuesday at 7 p.m., former Heat guard Tim Hardaway leads the Florida Pit Bulls against the Charlotte Krunk (yes, that's really their name), at the BankAtlantic Center (1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise). His "killer crossover" might not be as deadly, but Timmy can still bring it. Tickets start at $12. Call 888-484-6849, or visit www.floridapitbulls.com. — Paul A. Leone
No Meals, Just Wheels
SUN 11/27
How superior are you going to feel on Monday when everybody else on the school bus says he spent the weekend engulfing turkey but your scabby knees shout, "I shredded at the Underground Surf Company's Jive Turkey Skate Derby"? Free skating (on an outdoor miniramp and street course) and free giveaways go down in front of the shop (1330 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach) from noon to 6 p.m. Call 954-428-5678, or visit www.undergroundsurfcompany.com. — Deirdra Funcheon
