Hibbert and Green throw down monster jams

Before the 2013 NBA playoffs started, the running joke in media circles was that the first-round series between Atlanta and Indiana was the least compelling. The Pacers limped into the postseason, losing five of their last six games before Game 1. As for the Hawks, the franchise has never advanced past the second round in any playoff format since the elimination of first-round byes in 1967. So, not a lot of pizzazz. But that may have changed with a pair of dunks Wednesday night.

Roy Hibbert got things started in the first quarter when he elevated over Ivan Johnson for an in-your-face finish. Then, 2007 Slam Dunk Contest champion Gerald Green posterized 2005 Slam Dunk Contest champion Josh Smith in the second quarter. Both flushes were emphatic, highlight-reel stuff. Whether or not they draw more attention to the Eastern Conference affair is anyone's guess. Indiana won 113-98 to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

In other news from the "Can you believe this?!" file comes the plight of Ny-Krohnborg IL, a fourth-division Norwegian soccer club. Upon return from an off-season break, the Bergen side found a road had been built on part of its training pitch.

And from the combined worlds of good ol' American football and video games, Barry Sanders was named cover boy for the 25th anniversary edition of "Madden NFL 25". The Hall of Famer beat out reigning NFL MVP Adrian Peterson for the honor.