They say the best opportunities in life always turn out to be the ones you miss.

I missed one tonight, with IU basketball coach Tom Crean in town and me working a shift in the office.

Would have been a great chance to ask Crean how much hate mail he's getting from Pacers fans these days.

Remember what Dwyane Wade said after the Pacers ball-peened the Heat by 19 in Game 3?

Thaaat's right. He went to see his old college coach -- Crean coached Wade at Marquette -- to get a pep talk and look at film.

Maybe it's just a coincidence that Wade then went off for 30 points in Game 4 and 28 in Game 5, as the Heat seized the series by the throat. But somehow I don't think so.

Gee, thanks, Tom.