The United States demolished Canada in the World Baseball Classic en route to its second consecutive final. Single-elimination formats weren’t as kind to TCU, which was eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Gonzaga following Friday’s nailbiter win over Arizona State. As for the Mavs, they lost a second consecutive game against Memphis (they’ll get another crack at the Grizz tonight, albeit without Luka and possibly Kyrie, too).
Here’s what I’m watching this week.
Tuesday, 3/21—World Baseball Classic Final: United States versus Mexico or Japan—6:00 p.m., FS1
Sunday’s 14-2 rout of Cuba made U.S. only the second team in WBC history to make back-to-back finals. If the Americans win, they’ll be only the second to repeat as champions—and, as it happens, the first, Japan, might be their opponent if it can get past a surprising Mexico team in tonight’s semifinal. No matter the opponent, the U.S. should be favored. A day off will give their depleted bullpen time to regroup, too.
Tuesday, 3/21—Stars versus Kraken—7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southwest
The Stars turned in their most exhilarating win of the season on Saturday, a high-octane 6-5 overtime triumph over Calgary punctuated by Jason Robertson’s gorgeous backhanded game-winner with 12 seconds to go.
Will there be a letdown in their first game since? If not, Dallas could go on a win streak thanks to matchups against Pittsburgh, Vancouver, and Chicago on deck.
Wednesday, 3/22—Warriors at Mavericks—6:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southwest
A half-game separated Dallas from Golden State entering the week, and that half-game is the line between the safety of guaranteed playoff basketball and the ulcer-inducing play-in round.
So, yes, the stakes are high. Will Luka Doncic be back in the lineup to face them?
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