// After hanging around for a half, the Boston Celtics disappeared in the second half of their Eastern Conference finals opener vs. the Miami Heat. Before we vault Miami into the NBA Finals, however, let’s remember that the Celtics have had some stinkers in each of their first two playoff rounds and have bounced back rather nicely. The Celtics have the experience and character to get back in their series with the Heat, but there are a number of things
In the biggest game of the season for the Boston Celtics, the Big Four took a back seat to the Other One. All of the attention in Boston rightfully goes to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. They are the only four players remaining from the team’s last championship in 2008 and comprise perhaps the best quartet in the NBA. They are the reason the Celtics are still in the title hunt when most felt their window of
The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t react well to Monday’s thumping in Oklahoma City. Center Andrew Bynum and forward Devin Ebanks drew fines from the NBA for their actions during and after the team’s 119-90 loss to the Thunder in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal series. Bynum wad fined $15,000 for refusing to speak with the media after Tuesday’s practice. Ebanks was fined $25,000 for his part in a late-game scuffle following a loose ball that resulted in his ejection. Game 2 is
Last week, we had a book review of Don’t Put Me In Coach, in which Ohio State benchwarmer and author Mark Titus repeatedly refers to teammate Evan Turner as “The Villain.” On Monday night in Boston, The Villian was The Hero. Turner shook off a tough shooting night to make a difficult driving, twisting layup that gave the Philadelphia 76ers the lead for good, then added two clutch free throws to help them hold on for an 82-81 victory over the Celtics
Everyone wanted another glorious chapter in the Knicks-Heat rivalry. Everyone wanted the surging Knicks to catch the overconfident Heat by surprise. Everyone wanted a motivated Carmelo Anthony to outplay a befuddled LeBron James. Everyone wanted Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler to overwhelm Miami’s questionable frontcourt. Everyone wanted an ultimate game, the way these teams settled matters every year from 1997 to 2000. You know what? That was almost a generation ago. It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is the Heat have James, and Wade,
We’re not gonna get excited about Melo cracking open a 40 and the Knicks fighting off elimination, OK? Win again Wednesday night in Miami. That will make you the lead of the playoffs roundup. Here’s what everyone should be excited about: the 76ers and Celtics look like they will be playing each other in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Thirty years ago, this was the best rivalry in all of sports. Here’s all you need to know about how much these teams hated each
Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins need rest for his strained hip muscle and will get at least a few days. The Thunder announced Sunday night that Perkins underwent an MRI that confirmed a strained muscle in his right hip suffered in the first half of Saturday’s win at Dallas that eliminated the defending champions in four games. According to the team, Perkins’ return is based on his progress and recovery in the coming days, which feature plenty of days off for
Many predictions were made going into these playoffs. Some people were apparently smoking crack and boldly predicted a series victory for the New York Knicks over the Miami Heat. Others One columnist who has had doubts about the Oklahoma City Thunder since early in the season predicted a victory for the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. What the postseason has proven so far in regards to these predictions is that they are nothing but a fancy term for “guessing.” The teams mentioned above are set to