Stock Watch: FAST-GLANCE WEEK IN REVIEW

May 24, 2004 | Dick's Stock Watch provides a fast-glance review of the past week in the world of sports, charting whose stock is up and whose is down...

STOCK UP: Big Unit, Lakers, Garnett, Reds
Randy Johnson -- The Big Unit threw a perfect game with 13 strikeouts against the Atlanta Braves.

Los Angeles Lakers -- The Lakers wanted at least a split against Minnesota in the Western Conference finals, and they got it. They won Game 1 and then, in Game 2, were humiliated by the Timberwolves, even with Sam Cassell playing less than a minute. Despite that embarrassing loss, the Lakers now have homecourt advantage.

Kevin Garnett -- The Big Ticket showed why he's the best of the best in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals as he dominated with 32 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks in the clinching-win over Sacramento.

Tampa Bay Lightning -- The Lightning are in the Stanley Cup finals against the Calgary Flames after an exciting Game 7 win against Philadelphia. John Tortorella, a fellow paison, has done a great job coaching the Lightning. Tampa Bay owner, Bill Davidson, has enjoyed great success this postseason with the success of the Lightning and the Detroit Pistons -- which he also owns. Davidson is the same person who fired me when I was coaching the Pistons, but I have a lot of respect for the job he has done.

Cincinnati Reds -- The Reds have won five straight games and Ken Griffey Jr. has been showing power again, with nine home runs this season. Also, Danny Graves has been great out of the bullpen.

STOCK DOWN: Warriors, Nets, Kings
Golden State Warriors -- The Warriors fired head coach Eric Musselman after just two seasons. Golden State totaled over 70 wins in those two years, which was an improvement over the prior four seasons. Life as an NBA coach is very difficult these days as coaches only get a year or two to prove themselves.

New Jersey Nets -- The Nets totaled 69 points in losing to the Pistons in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. With the three-point shot and the shot clock, it's hard to believe a team could be held below 70 points.

Sacramento Kings -- The Kings fell short again despite having Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller.

Shawn Green and Derek Jeter -- Both have had rough starts this season, but they are still two classy guys.

Dick Vitale coached the Detroit Pistons and the University of Detroit in the 1970s before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979 (he's been an ESPN analyst ever since). Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.