Celtics Are No Match for Younger James, Heat

In a year where the epicenter of an unparalleled experiment assembled believably the greatest trio all-time in the history of American sports -- bigger than any prior transactions in NBA history, the only other that parallels the acquisition of Lebron James and Chris Bosh was a few years ago when Boston acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett respectively in a trade.

If there's one valid explanation for why James fled abruptly from his native homeland Cleveland and announced nationally via his narcissistic one-hour spectacle, a bizarre, self-centered stunt that killed his legacy and popularity, it was for one objective. That would be to capture his first ever NBA championship with the Heat. If there's anything less than a title, upon the gossip that the Heat are the dominant force in the league jumping into primary contention with the masterminded rebuilding by the savvy Hall of Famer Pat Riley, it would be a great disappointment when the franchise built sizable talent.

The Heat, once upon a time, were useless, too young and soft to align into quality stars, unable to vanquish any weaknesses in a flux. For a variety of reasons, for which he sacrificed his ego and ceded his legacy all while seeking a lone title, he signed the smallest deal of the most compelling free-agency bonanza, migrated to South Beach and join forces with the Heat. When the Heat implored James to become a resident in Miami, not to mention to stand as a symbol globally in a town where basketball has turned into a social event regularly, the franchise in Southern Florida wooed him away from Chicago, New York and Cleveland.

The good news is, of course, that he is playing for the hottest team in these playoffs and has had a large impact on the Heat's dominance in the postseason so far, even if he's portrayed as one of the most villainous person in sports except for the likes of Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant. That's what America desires, a sports figure who is the villainous superstar ridiculed for either a mishandled decision or for being disloyal in a town that pampered and adored him dearly. The most powerful man in the world isn't Donald Trump, not even Charlie Sheen, maybe the funniest television personality who might have lost his mind mentally.

Other than President Obama controlling the reign of power these days, it turns out that James is the most powerful athlete. This was the night for James to put a hush on the critics, carrying the Heat in the most sensational performance in which he played like a barbaric assassin to propel to 102-91 victory in Game 2 Tuesday night for a commanding 2-0 lead of Boston in the series. And together, they have played with cohesiveness and toughness, thrust in the position to increase the level of intensity and urgency if the Heat wish to surpass the hardest challenge in the postseason.

In an erratic season, of which the Heat wilted and began to frail in the shadows of others in the Eastern Conference for their poorest drought in the regular season, one of the underachieving franchises that lacked unity and trust, Miami was seemingly predicated to hit a roadblock against the Celtics, who boldly teased Miami via Twitter by unleashing, "It's been a pleasure to bring my talents to South Beach, Paul Pierce posted after Boston's statement win in Miami back in November.

Before the basketball lords mock and denounce the Heat, before the analyst disrespect James and Wade, might we suggest that Miami is scarier than ever, prepared to meet an epic battle. This clearly looks like a seven-game series, in what has flourished into an immediate rivalry. This gives Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, the protégé of Riley, every reason to breathe and not stress about his job security but uphold the coaching role and thrive to cement the Heat in every way.

It seems, after all, the Heat aren't nearing destruction but instead triumph, aren't close to being dispatched from the postseason with the exception of James, Wade and Bosh. Quite fittingly, the Big Three exist in South Beach rather than Beantown for a veteran core beginning to reveal their weaknesses. The aging bodies and tiredness is a factor in the Celtics' sluggish, sketchy breakdown as Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, the inspirational voice and defensive guru, slowly debilitates to limit Boston's usual firmness. No one ever imagined the Celtics being in the jeopardy of losing a series, now trailing 2-0 to the Heat.


For Miami, now in full control of the series, they are the hungriest and strongest equipped with a disruptive and assertive defense. In this generation, known as the era of "Where Amazing Happens," the Heat bypassed the hysteria and lives up to the hype with a relentless effort against the defending Eastern Conference champs. It was an edgy night for the Celtics, a testimony to the Heat's anxiousness and heartiness to revolutionize their intensity as the deepest and boisterous triple threat in the East if not in the league. As the Heat's youth dictates the significance of this series, a common trend noticed all of the sudden in such a startling semifinals, the older Celtics are breaking down.

The premature disrespect inspired the Heat to heal the heartaches and it has placed fear on the minds of the Celtics, fading quickly as the topflight squad. Forget about the Celtics entering the Eastern Conference semifinals with higher expectations than the Heat. Forget about Boston supposedly being the toughest unit with much postseason experience, when perhaps the reign has ended completely. But as much as everybody tries to downplay the Heat's rebound in time for the postseason, with talented star power on the floor nightly, the Heat are rising quickly.

In this one, James had the signature dunk and poured in 35 points, many of which came in the fourth quarter alone when he dominated at will and stunned all his critics. His counterpart, no doubt, scored 28 points, and on this particular night, he wasn't too worried about an ailing Pierce. No ejects or technicals, but he was seen limping to the locker room with a probable "strained foot" diagnosis. No need for a wheelchair either but, in all, the injury was revealed to be a strained Achilles' tendon.

In his return, he was limited and had a 5-for-11 performance to finish with 13 points, all while his teammate Allen accounted for seven points and ended an abysmal night in shooting. Everything, it seemed, was falling for the Heat in the final quarter after witnessing the Heat take a 14-0 tear in the fourth to complete another lopsided ending. The lack of fight in the Celtics, with the passive and careless mindset, is killing Boston and finally James and Wade are gaining closer to riding the Celtics with the last word at last.

Without a healthy Rajon Rondo, battling with problematic back ailments, the Celtics aren't nearly explosive or robust but very fragile and vulnerable that gives Miami an advantage in an unpredictable series. Early in the fourth, he lied flat on his sore back and had been worked on by trainers. Earlier in the season, the Heat were overpowered in three games by the Celtics and bullied while in uncertainty with the lack of defensive effort.

If the age was revealed, finally, it's a real notion that Miami has solid defense to halt the Celtics when Allen, the NBA's all-time three-point leader, couldn't hit a three exhausted from the Heat's speed and energy that dictated the tempo. It was ridiculous for nine voters to exclude James off their MVP ballots, given that he transcended in one of his most balanced playoff performance of his strange career. But all of this essentially fueled his capabilities to unleash his stylish attack on the older Celtics by shooting a mere 14-for-25 and collecting seven rebounds, compiling 14 of the Heat's 16 points in the third and fourth.

"I've been in moments before in the postseason where I've gotten it going," James said. "And tonight was another night where you felt like whatever you threw up or whatever play you were making for you team, it was going to work."

It will probably go down as one of his greatest games, hitting consecutive three-pointers and crossing over his opposing defender to finish on a smooth floater off the glass. When James stormed down the floor quickly, he literally flew over the top of Rondo in the fast break and slammed in a basket on the putback dunk. And he even caused damage on defense when he blocked Garnett late in the game.

This tells us that LeBron and company is no match for the Celtics.

Ray Allen Delivers to Lift Ageless Celtics into Usual Form

It was precisely the way to silence the critics after deriding and ridiculing the Boston Three Party, put aside all the whispers that the Boston Celtics are too old and undermined and vindicate to the world that they are still superior in the Eastern Conference, even if the Miami Heat are stronger, the Orlando Magic are mightier and the Bulls are defensive-driven.


He couldn't miss in desperation, not to mention that he claims to be the best shooter in existence. Long after the Celtics calmed down and reduced nerves in the most dazzling ending for a sentimental night on Causeway Street, a night when they cheered outside of the TD Garden in Boston, Ray Allen capped an 87-85 win in Game 1 of the first round in the playoffs by hitting a game-winning three-point shot with 12 seconds left.

If he's still considered the sharpest shooter in the NBA, he surely advertised it when the stakes were greater than ever before and while the raucous crowd in the stands witnessed a miraculous comeback that capped a thrilling outcome. Whether the Celtics are doomed because of the stiff competitiveness and difficult task ahead, by now, Kevin Garnett believes "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!" This was for all the people who've underestimated and ignored Allen, the NBA's career three-point leader all-time, every time he attempts a lengthy shot from beyond the arc to bury a three.

Without him, the Celtics wouldn't have survived what was almost a near-casualty by nearly dropping the decisive game of the series against the Knicks. If so, the Celtics would've been derided as the oldest and exhausted franchise in the NBA --described as a sluggish, weak-minded franchise with nothing left in the tank. Seems there is plenty left in the tank, without the team physicians needing to beckon for a wheelchair to escort an injured player to the locker room because of wobbly or ailing knees.

However, with enough evidence in so many ways, Allen never panicked and signaled for the ball as time dwindled, pleading for the ball to transcend in a striking portent. The amazing spectacle happened all so inexplicably when the Celtics rallied back by Allen's clutch performance that sealed the deal. This was Allen telling the critics to hush, on a night he schooled the Knicks, alarmed and sent the crowd into an intense celebration as if the Celtics had raised another banner into the rafters. When the buzzer sounded in favor of the Celtics, jubilating and dancing on the floor together thrilled, Allen spiked the ball and received prolonged hugs from his harmonized teammates.

Take that world.

It certainly was an uninspired loss for the Knicks, particularly once Carmelo Anthony bricked a shot on the last chance to win it for New York. Along with all the scintillating plays in the first half, such as a perfectly executed alley-ooped that Garnett threw down on a hurling inbounds pass from Rajon Rondo or relief on a timely offensive foul on Anthony, the Celtics finally prevailed in the second half.

The calendar reads April, a month when Boston dismiss frailties to find its swagger and plays with an earnest body language, dripping sweat from their moist foreheads, breathing rapidly with signs of fatigue. And with greater weaknesses for the Knicks, aside from having two bona fide superstars to form one of the prolific tandems in the NBA, is their inexperience, youth and lack of size advantage. The Celtics, the defending Eastern Conference champions, are a team that never vanish in the final seconds and never disappear until it is over.

By his own explanation, he rescued the Celtics and looked very explosive, ready to attack the rim and deliver threes. It's too often, such as on this night when he salvaged a victory for the Celtics, that he hits his proverbial three-pointer and delights Boston fans. It's too often, nailing compelling jump shots from downtown and coming out on top as a hero in critical situations, that he's been stifled in fulfilling his role as an impacted megastar but also a marksman in the art of shooting.

The much-publicized shot came on a Sunday night, after the Celtics were muffled in deepening their style of play and having a foundation to produce on an incremental level -- bolstered the Celtics and once again rejuvenated the franchise that embodies precedence and prestige. The unexpected lift came from the more potent, talented sharpshooter Allen, fueled by a wave of momentum and, sometimes, manages to greatly cultivate certainty and faith that revokes the tension and turbulence.


Throughout his superb career, known as a three-point specialist, he has expanded the Celtics' domino effect with his mental capacity and emotions without the risk of early playoff collapses, crazed anxiety or mental deficiencies in hitting shots that could create countless meltdowns for Boston. As it seems, he has been a part of limitless playoff moments -- many of those highlighted moments coming from behind the arc -- Allen puts aside obstacles the Celtics once endured and leads Boston past the Knicks, which they quickly returned to normalcy and became a dynamic force in the postseason.

In a hurried reversal, he has built a reputation, heightening his proficiency in stepping behind the arc, quickly releasing and hitting the three, a trend he has culturally followed honestly for years in the NBA. This trend is, in principle, a classic point in time for Allen, another highlight reel in the near future and it ended in an astronomical fashion. Much like Allen in general, he'll be recognized as the star player in the aftermath of dropping in the biggest shot of the game.

And indeed he was inside the Celtics family room, where Allen stood and waited outside, greeted by many families and friends and gladly expressed gratitude for the kindhearted acknowledgement. And of all his efforts on behalf of the Celtics, he led Boston with 24 points and his veteran teammate Paul Pierce poured in 18 and aggressively hindered, bullied and pestered Anthony, particularly on his missed three-pointer as time expired to end regulation.

He rarely misses out on a brilliant opportunity in the final seconds and routinely knocks in a bucket to shift the dynamics of the game, a clutch performer with no conscience mainly because Allen is combative, experienced and poised down the stretch after being a hero in crucial moments plenty of times before. The longer the Knicks continue to play in this series, the longer the masses will talk and ponder about New York missing a great opportunity when the Bockers led for most of the second half and maintained an 85-82 advantage in the final minute.

But now, the Knicks are engulfed in a minor controversy for dropping near-convincing steal in Game 1 of the first round, for stumbling mightily in the second half and for giving the game to the Celtics in a late comeback, overwhelmed with corybantic circumstances and seen as a team that deteriorated and never had an answer for Boston's experience, tenaciousness and toughness.

There is, nonetheless, life in Beantown even without Shaquille O'Neal in the lineup or without the defensive force Kendrick Perkins, a muscular and potent center with strength and size for successively grabbing rebounds and clogging the middle courtesy of his physique and fierce presence in the paint. Suddenly, the Celtics awakened with much firepower and urgency. The events in Boston suddenly, with a basketball franchise surrounded traditionally by plenty of mystique and noteworthy history by owning 17 championships more than any organization in the NBA -- rehabilitating from a downfall when apparently the shamrocks were stolen and the leprechaun was kidnapped -- was Allen slamming the ball onto the hardwood and Garnett viciously grabbing the microphone and screaming, "BEANTOWN!!"

He didn't hesitate to launch a prayer that eventually turned into the game-winner, even vividly after Game 1 almost was an absolute downer for the Celtics, sleeping on the emergence of a genuine tandem in the NBA which has produced a ripple-effect in New York and reinstalled ascendancy and life for the Knicks. For the Knicks, considering that New York is back in playoff contention but still aren't championship-caliber, everything went extremely wrong in the second half and Anthony looked erratic in his Knicks postseason debut, finishing an awful 5 for 18 in shooting and 1 for 11 after halftime to settle for 15 points.

The night for Anthony, irritated over his lack of consistency from the look on his disconcerted face, was a testament to disadvantages, undesirable and reckless diagrams for plays late with the lack of thoughtful minds in prudent coaching. Mike D'Antoni, a mentor for many of his players as the Knicks head coach, was definitely out coached by Doc Rivers, Celtics head coach who is solid in making adjustments and designing a practical layout that instilled certitude and created stupendous plays.

Even if Amar'e Stoudemire delivered efficiently and proved to be the primary star of the Knicks, scoring 28 points and collecting 11 rebounds, the Celtics are a heavy task. This was a postseason game in the series where the Knicks unraveled defensively, softened rapidly in the end and weakened when Garnett tripped Toney Douglas, allowing Allen to find space and nail the game-winning three-point shot. This season, for the Celtics, it was unpredictable and questionable, and now, it's presumably feasible that Boston can advance out of the East if the big three play with tenacity and dominates physically.

Their rivals, the Knicks, whined afterwards disgusted with the undone calls by officials. With Allen carrying the Celtics and Garnett ratifying his inspirational leadership with an emphatic dunk in a descent performance to arouse curiosity -- from a dramatic dunk to an amusing three-pointer -- the Celtics were robust and can persist in a grueling, tiring series against a franchise of youth and raw talent.

Although the Celtics are aging, in stiffer playoffs where the competitiveness has risen to the highest level while Boston can still play effectively and out duel the opposing teams based on their experience and finesse, they still lulled the doubters of depreciating the Celtics strength, vigor and readiness to contend. The Celtics, which prepares mentally and physically to fight in the playoffs surviving in the end because of its prowess and fitness, are rightly so competitors.

It is fair to postulate, of all teams, that Boston is the team to beat in the East, although Miami assembled the superteam, an NBA all-time trio with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, although the Orlando Magic are delivering touches to Dwight Howard frequently and although the Bulls are the league-leading team in defense with an MVP candidate in arguably the most well-rounded point guard Derrick Rose.

The Celtics, along with Allen as their game-changing performer, knows this won't be an easy series and somehow handled skepticism that creeped in the players' minds following the transformation within the roster this season. This after losing Perkins in one of the dumbest trades by the Celtics, who were sluggish and outplayed against Chicago and Miami, inadequate in competing with the growth by a pair of franchises in the equalized Eastern Conference. In all, it was an ideal ending for the Celtics as the Knicks blew a monumental opportunity.

In all, the Celtics are ageless.

Luck of the Irish: Shaquille O’Neal Joins Boston Celtics for Shot at Title

 

The Boston Celtics added a new face (albeit a familiar one) to their team.

It’s a face that Celtics fans in the past probably weren’t all that thrilled to see. This is because the face I’m referring to belongs to Shaquille O’Neal.

For a good part of his illustrious career, the “Big Diesel” as he’s known to his fans, played for one of Boston’s most hated rivals, the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. And despite the fact Shaq’s Lakers never faced the Celtics in the NBA Finals like the Showtime Lakers of the 80’s, that old time rivalry still infused the more recent teams with bitter feelings toward each other.

Simply put, no self-respecting Boston fan would have ever done anything but root against those Los Angeles teams O’Neal played for.

Because of those years in La-La Land, Shaq is one of the most familiar athletes on the planet. His endorsement deals cover the gamut of merchandise, from books, to clothes and shoes, and even to video games.

From his beginnings with the Orlando Magic, shattering backboards and teaming up with “Penny” Hardaway, he was seen as one of the most lovable characters in the NBA. This led to some “regrettable” movie roles, as well as his dipping his toes in the rap record industry (again, regrettably). Yet, regardless of his failures in those mediums, he was still loved by his fans, as his quotes and playful interaction with his fans endeared him.

Not so in Boston. As stated above, Celtics fans saw all things from “Lakerland” as the enemy, even the lovable Shaq Daddy.

Yet, that attitude the Boston fans had toward “The Big Aristotle” as he’s known to his fans began to be the view held by many throughout the land once he first went to the Miami Heat to win a title with Dwyane Wade, and then was eventually traded to the Phoenix Suns, and then traded one last time to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Somewhere along the way he wasn’t the most lovable or loved player in the NBA anymore.

A lot of this likely had to do with his eroding skills, but a great deal of it also had to do with the way he was being perceived because of comments he made about teams and teammates he’d formerly played with, including Dwyane Wade.

Wade, who he’d once called “Wonder Boy” in a subtle attempt to belittle Dwyane’s abilities, along with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and even another former teammate whose talents he’d tried to disparage, Kobe Bryant, were all being shown more love and respect than “Superman”.

When he’d finished the 2009-10 season, many considered him “too old” for the game, and unneeded.

I myself never understood this, for even at 38, there are plenty of teams that could still use an active big body like his in the paint. In my opinion, even with his skills severely diminished, he’s still a great deal more talented than most of the centers in the NBA.

Apparently the Boston Celtics agreed with my assessment, as they signed Shaq to a two-year deal to join forces with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo.

After Kendrick Perkins was injured during the NBA Finals, and it was learned he would be out for a significant portion of next season recovering, the Celtics were desperately in need of a big man. Add to their plight the fact Rasheed Wallace had decided to retire, and it was easy to see they needed help in the middle.

The first thing they did was sign O’Neal. Not Shaq, but former Miami Heat player Jermaine O’Neal. With Jermaine on the roster, they felt confident they could get by till Perkins return, and that’s telling in regard to the Shaq signing. They were not in any way shape or form desperate any longer.

Yet, they still signed Shaq.

Why? Because, as stated above, Shaq is a great active big body who is (even with his skills eroding) better than most big men in the NBA.

Truth be told, I think most would agree that had Boston had the Big Diesel on their team when Perkins went down in the Finals, O’Neal would have easily been able to contain Andrew Bynum and/or even Pau Gasol to some degree. Rasheed Wallace was pretty good stepping in for Kendrick, but Shaq would have prevented the Lakers from dominating so much on the boards and the Celtics, in my opinion, would have won the series.

Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck seems to agree with that thinking, as he recently stated, “If we get to another Game 7 down the line, I’m sure we will be glad we have Shaq on the team.”

Now, signing Shaq gives Boston five players who are above 30 years of age, all of whom will likely be Hall-of-Famers. Some may believe that is to their detriment. I, on the other hand don’t think it will hinder Boston whatsoever.

I believe it doesn’t matter what their ages are, because when the game is on the line, they can all still dominate and destroy you if they feel it.

Adding Shaq to the mix with the group of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo is going to make the Celtics an instant challenger to the “supposed” dominance the Miami Heat and their “Three Kings” will enjoy in the NBA Eastern Conference.

Add Jermaine O’Neal to the mix, along with Glen “Big Baby” Davis and Avery Bradley, and the eventual return of Kendrick Perkins, and Boston is going to have a very intimidating frontcourt this coming season. I think Celtics coach Doc Rivers is probably just as excited as most Boston fans, as is evidenced by his recent statement:

“I am very excited. Adding a player like Shaq is a major plus and it fills a void for our team. He’s a real nice piece of the puzzle and he will complement us in where we want to go this coming season.”

I think it’s easy to see that he’s finding his decision to return to coach the Celtics is paying off. I don’t think he’d want to miss out on the following season for anything, since he’s going to have probably the best shot since Boston first formed the “Big 3” to win a title this coming year.

Sure, the Heat are considered the favorite by many, but Boston just might really be the team to beat this coming season. If Miami can gel quickly they’ll be formidable, but if it takes them a little while to get it all together, the veteran leadership and experience of the Celtics could win out in the end; at least this next year.

I think Rajon Rondo and other young players for the Celtics will probably enjoy learning from Shaq as well. I’m sure he has plenty of wisdom he can dole out to them, and probably won’t be in the least bit afraid to dispense it in his usual jovial and playful manner.

For his part, Shaq seems ready to take on any role he is called on for in order to help Boston return to glory. As he said, “I am honored to be joining the Celtics. I have played against Paul, Ray, Kevin, Rajon, and Jermaine for many years, and it will be great to be able to call them teammates. I cannot wait to get to Boston to get started in pursuit of another championship.”

Of course, it’s been three years since Boston won a title. They were close to winning one last season, but in the end faltered in that quest. I’m sure Boston management hopes Shaq is the final piece to the puzzle that will give them what they need this coming year to bring home another Larry O’Brien Trophy.

As Celtics president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, had to say, “It is not every day that you can add a player of Shaquille’s caliber to your team. His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster.”

Now that O’Neal has officially joined the Celtics, he’s getting a lot of love from many fans who formerly looked upon him as the enemy. There’s even a contest trying to come up with his newest nickname, with “The Big Shaqrock” (referring to Shamrock) and “The Big Leprechaun” leading the votes so far.

One famous fan of the Celtics, Boston’s own David “Big Papi” Ortiz who plays for the Red Sox, seems to love that Shaq is now in Boston. As he said excitedly during batting practice before a game against the Cleveland Indians, “Hey, Shaq is here!”

He definitely is, and it’s probably going to take many a while to get used to seeing him in a Celtics uniform like in the photoshopped picture above.

Yet, there was a small moment there when even Shaq himself probably thought he wouldn’t be signed by anyone, and that he would never play another NBA game again.

I guess the luck of the Irish was with him, and he now has a #36 Boston Celtics uniform to don, as he goes forward, bleeding green proudly.

Celtics' Raw Bench Elevates Presumption as Lakers Raise Concerns

It wasn’t long ago when the Boston Celtics, now taunting on their home floor and staring bitterly in the faces of the Los Angeles Lakers, were whining and weeping about an awful call, but relentlessly outweighed the arch-rivals in the final minutes of Game Four Thursday night.

There’s no need to denounce or disbelieve in the Celtics, who overwhelmed and surprised the visitors in every angle on the floor, neutralizing and overmatching the energy, strength, and sloppiness of the Lakers.

This time, there were signs of relief and worshipping from a competent second unit, out-balancing the disoriented opponents and salvaging a conceivable mindset in an upcoming Game Five.

Much as the basketball populace wants to believe that the Lakers are the favorable ones to win the series, forgetting about the Celtics defensive principles, heart, and guts, the ultimate instinct is denying the possibility of an older and passive franchise.

Outside of the TD Garden, on Causeway Street, the rowdy crowd believes the Celtics are still capable of winning this entire series; presumptuous in bracing the Green Machine, as we called the winningest and most hated franchise in the ‘80s era.

It was an emotional scene on a night the Celtics were balanced and composed, erupting mini-celebrations prematurely in the fourth, sure of themselves that a victory was quickly unfolding. It was a symbolic turnaround for the Celtics, recovering from an abysmal loss in Game Three by capping a fourth quarter surge in an electric romp.

It’s fair to recognize that Boston's momentum and sentimental mode in the NBA Finals reminded us that they are fittingly a portrait of a menacing assassin, securing a 96-89 win to tie a well-balanced series 2-2 while assuring a Game Six in Los Angeles.

In the most arousing exhibit, Boston’s bench scored a massive 36 points on the night and played much of the fourth. Coach Doc Rivers had trust in his second unit and left reserve forward Glen Davis and guard Nate Robinson on the floor.

Earlier in the series, the Celtics were worthless in the lamest performance in the postseason and were criticized roughly for weeping about poor calls or committing too many fouls. They are once again back in the series, fighting back with energy and physical activity while maneuvering the flow, finally glowing on the biggest stage in basketball.


For the first time this season, no signs of exhaustion or age hindered the likelihood of the Celtics stumbling in the closure of a brief reign. It’s decorous that Davis and Robinson embodies the youth and raw toughness, a contiguous mentality that motivates teammates and even the clamorous crowd in the stands, screaming whenever Robinson excites spectators with his explosive scoring and fearlessly taunts the Lakers.

It’s amazing that he’s a little man.

Fearless in taking over and fueling the loudest crowd with his energy as he fired two three-pointers in the first half. He was brilliant on this night, averaging 12 points in 17 minutes and gave the Celtics aspiration in the series.

Suddenly, it was precisely the inferior Celtics that stayed alive with a Big Baby pushing around and abusing the Lakers seven-footers and little man hitting from long-range. It’s worth noting that no team has ever come back from a three-games-to-one deficit in the finals, and the Celtics knew it was vital to alleviate pressure and avoid a decisive loss in falling behind three games to one.


So now the Celtics are tougher and ferocious, at a time when the Lakers were vanquishing the feeble and soft personality, but were brutally manhandled after establishing a presence in the paint early, until Andrew Bynum aggravated his torn right knee that swelled and painfully limited his production to 12 minutes.

From the start, he hobbled and walked awkwardly and was scoreless in the fourth quarter.

The concept that the Lakers are different, rather than two years ago when they were humiliated in a 39-point defeat, the most disheartening loss in NBA Finals history, had us believing that the Lakers were invincible and couldn’t be denied.

But then came, Big Baby, who was dancing and scowling meaner than Kobe Bryant.

His nickname is fittingly an acceptable one, drooling after he slashed down the middle to score seven points in four minutes to topple the Lakers 62-60 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. That led to his nine points in a game-changing spurt, and moments later, he stalked off the court with teammate Robinson hanging from his back, proudly jubilating over the blazing run.

“I just felt like a beast,” said Davis during his comical post-game news conference.

Now, suddenly, the Lakers are worried and furious following a sluggish and inattentive performance on a night they could have pressured the Celtics to win the next three games. No longer were they the team we seen in the first game of the series, but a team that relapsed and refreshed our memories of the softness and lack of urgency the Lakers had in the finals two years ago.

Believe it or not, Davis out hustled and out-rebounded L.A. single-handedly. He was earnest and invincible, owning the middle and corralling every loose ball underneath the rim and drew fouls or finished on a put back to sadly torment and harass the hell out of a taller and lanky Pau Gasol and ineffective Bynum.

It was essentially the second-chance points that destroyed the Lakers for which Bynum, Gasol, and Odom combined for a staggering two offensive rebounds in over 97 minutes of play.

“They got all the energy points, the hustle points, second-chance points, points in the paint, best us to the loose balls ,” Bryant said who had 33 points and seven turnovers. "I mean, that’s how the game turned around.”

With Rivers wise choice to believe in his bench, he normally would have called on Pierce to enter late in the fourth, particularly when he delivered in the first-half as the hottest player by getting the Celtics off to a fast start.

However, it wasn’t Pierce, Kevin Garnett, or Ray Allen, but instead it was Big Baby and Robinson with the gratifying night.

“They won this game,” said Artest, shaking his head in disbelief. “I mean, they won this game.”

Yes, the Celtics won it, all right?

Boston Celtics Can't Blow This One, Need a Colossal Rebound From Rajon Rondo

My thoughts, upon watching an emerging point guard blossom and glow on basketball’s biggest stage, is that Rajon Rondo proved to the critics that much of the illusive chronicles heard about his inconsistent shooting and useless semblance was misguided and inaccurate.

Without allowing him a moment to breathe and alleviate the burdens and pressure in a premature transition to the pros, he announced that he’d forgo his sophomore season at Kentucky for an early upstart in the NBA.

You might recall critics, following his brief collegiate career, denouncing and blasting Rondo, who was viewed as a substandard prospect.

You might recall critics assuming that he was an inefficient shooter and blamed for the blemishes and failures at Kentucky, a demanding and elite program in collegiate sports.

There were points, such as four years ago, when the emerging point guard and floor general wasn’t as imperative in the Boston Celtics offense, but now he’s the epicenter to their burgeoning offense.

At the beginning of the season, the chatter was that the Celtics were much too old and aging to match the intensity level of younger and quicker opponents.

Throughout his young career, Rondo has become the centerpiece of thriving talent and is now managing the leadership role. The Celtics supporters even know he’s a mellowed and versatile floor general, praising him greatly for his improvement and strength on an aging and passive roster.

In regards to his explosiveness and savvy delivery by creating scoring opportunities or pushing the ball through the lane with his exemplary ball-handling skills, he’s one of the best point guards in the league and productive at dictating the tone of the game.

A year ago, general manager Danny Ainge ripped Rondo during an interview, and lashed out by throwing a tirade on a local radio station in Boston, bashing him as a selfish and reluctant player.

Early on, his elusive instability was considered as a wasteful draft pick with the No. 21 overall selection for his lack of maturity and unwillingness. His rebellious demeanor almost had worn out on the Celtics, who were attempting to trade Rondo at one point for irritating the front office and coaching staff, including head coach Doc Rivers.

But since he has improved and really is instrumental to their offensive strategies, he'll be Boston’s franchise guard for many years. He’s ultimately braced for a driven mindset to disrupt opponents by pressuring the ball and spreading it around to accumulate assists.

With this season alone, he’s the difference in the Celtics restoration, and ballooned as a resilient and high-profile guard, transforming an unpredictable season into a probable Finals run.

Each night, he normally presents a stronger effort and brings the intensity in every game, but in a 91-84 Game Three loss the Celtics trail in the NBA Finals 2-1, desperately needing a win in Game Four to even a renewed rivalry.

If Boston wishes to return as a championship-caliber contender, Rondo must rebound from an inferior performance and reemerged as a superstar—without blowing a defensive assignment, like the one he gaffed at when Derek Fisher dribbled down the floor quickly for an uncontested layup and a three-point play after he was fouled.

The Celtics, on the other hand, cannot win the series without resurgence by Rondo, who had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a spectacular fourth-quarter masterpiece in Game Two Sunday night at Staples Center. If Rondo is scoring and averaging triple-doubles, then the chances of the Lakers winning diminishes and may even have the tendency of unraveling a hard-driven core, including the game’s greatest closer, Kobe Bryant.


And before his frigid night, he was clearly a vital weapon and the primary ingredient in the Celtics' lone win. In these playoffs, he precisely shifted the complexion and now is discussed as a top-tier guard by executing and putting in extra time to improve his abysmal jump shot—a part of his game that has debilitated his potential to drill the outside shot or mid-range jumper.

What’s incredible about Rondo is that he can change his speed, which allows him to penetrate and toss bounce passes off the dribble. Even more useful is his vision and knowledge to find an open teammate, such as Ray Allen on the baseline or Paul Pierce beyond the perimeter.

He, indeed, has all the components, but the question remains whether he can apply it or not. His sudden breakout is a symbol of the Celtics, a signature concept as to why Boston has advanced to the NBA Finals.

All of us are glancing at an elite point guard. All of us are gazing at Rondo. All of us know he’s due for a colossal showpiece. Why not in Game Four when it's all on the line?

If Ray Allen Hits From Beyond the Arch, Beat It Lakers

What happened to the aggressiveness, the physicality in defending the perimeter? What, it all suddenly vanished at a time when the Los Angeles Lakers were in command of presumably traveling to Boston with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series of the NBA Finals.

In Hollywood, the Lakers are a sociable and ethical event in a diverse community that assembles at a venue where thousands sit in the stands and communicate on BlackBerrys or fondle with any electronic device, until Kobe Bryant reveals the most intimidating facial expression in the game and titillates the crowd with his scoring attributes.

It was a night when the Lakers had no answer in stopping Ray Allen, whose scorching three-pointers burnt out the nets. It was a night when Jack Nicholson, a lifelong Lakers fan with courtside seats, couldn’t handle the truth.

It was a night when a veteran sharpshooter refused to fall without a fight, recovering from a poor performance, as usual simultaneously, to challenge and precisely turn what seemed like a one-sided series into an interesting and a prolonged showdown. It was a night, of course, when Allen reminded us that the Celtics are still championship bound, adequate in dispatching the mystified Lakers when the Boston Celtics propelled to a 103-94 win in Game Two.

It was, I’ll admit, a night when Allen rescued his teammates of possibly facing a large deficit against their longtime foes. All the celebrities were in the stands, witnessing an ominous moment and watched Allen control the dynamics in the game. So it was Allen, riding a sensational streak in three-pointers, that slaughtered the Lakers from every angle on the floor beyond the perimeter. This time, the Lakers deteriorated in a must-needed win, ignoring and disrespecting the outside shot of Allen.


He couldn’t miss on a night when every shot scorched the nets, and as a result, he buried seven threes in the first-half, en route to eight three-pointers and shattered a Finals' record for the most threes made in a game that changed the complexion for the Celtics. This would mean that Allen is the next MJ, right? Considering that he was the hottest player on the floor and assassinated his archrivals and archenemy in Bryant with a spectacular masterpiece since Michael Jordan fired six three-pointers in the 1992 Finals against Portland, scoring incredibly 35 points in the first half and flaunted when he shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, Allen is a clone of MJ in three-point shooting in the NBA Finals.

If he has found rhythm and returned to streaky long-range shooting, it would be imperative noting that his ubiquity of essential offerings puts a tremendous amount of pressure and massive weight on the Lakers, now having to travel to Boston for the next three games. It’s obvious that they have to win at least one game in a hostile environment, but will have to make some minor adjustments, like defending the arch and putting a hand in Allen’s face. In retrospect, it may minimize his possibility of heaving outside shots.

How did the Lakers abandon defending the perimeter, when a dangerous shooter in Allen is proficient in lighting it up? It’s fitting to believe that L.A. disrespected his ability to shoot it from long distance, getting an assumption that he’s beginning to descend because of his age and recent travails. Earlier in the season, his scoring average devalued and it almost forced general manager Danny Ainge to listen to offers and send Allen off in a midseason trade to Golden State for Monta Ellis.

And it showed that the Celtics were fortunate in holding on to Allen, especially when he’s known for firing shots, useful in a moment when much is a stake. Of all the struggles in Game One, he recovered after a miserable field goal percentage. As it was, the Celtics weren’t worthy of winning a championship, but criticized harshly for relinquishing their solid defensive effort and not attacking aggressively.

By salvaging the first win in the series, the Lakers faltered in a game they needed badly, now forced to win at least two out of three in a hostile territory because of the 2-3-2 format. A few nights ago, the Lakers were physical, for once, and weren’t feeble and eluded softness. To his credit, Allen was very mobile and cleared himself by moving without the ball and caught it and attempted shots that fell in.


But his nemesis Bryant was frustrated and bitter. Entering the late stages, he’s slowly debilitating in his game, and hasn’t facilitated much in this series, though his teammates have stepped up the intensity. And instead of focusing on what was happening in the game, he bickered and even seemed angry when the refs whistled an awful call or no-call.

For a while, he pestered and harassed Allen in a one-on-one duel, but stopped playing defense a bit. It was obvious that he tried to avoid being whistled for a foul, and was forced to sit out much of the game in foul trouble. Sometimes, the refs make us wonder if the series are rigged, but either way, they called an offensive foul on Bryant for his third personal foul. Then, coach Phil Jackson hurried and yanked him out with 3:20 left in the half. Above all, it was a bad night for Bryant, out-dueled by his villain Allen.

If not for Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, who combined for 46 points, 14 rebounds and 13 blocks, the Lakers might not have survived. They are both flourishing and no longer have a soft personality, willing to exploit a prolific scheme inside. And when the inside presence of Bynum and Gasol makes Kevin Garnett older as if he’s leaning towards retirement, you know the inside game must be a dynamic force.

The game was over once Ray-Ray stole the Hollywood limelight.

“There’s no better place, moment or time to win a game—and to win in a great fashion,” Allen said. “I don’t know what record it is that people are telling me that I got, but it’s great to have, great to be able to look back on it and say I did that. This is definitely our time.”

It’s good to know that Allen is optimistic and has swagger.

I Speak Prematurely: Lakers-Boston Celtics in an Epic Theater For the Ages

Before the NBA season comes to a closure, the people obsessed with sports are anxiously ready to see an epic showdown among two franchises with bad blood, and wishing to badmouth each other in a physical clash.

This has been an uninteresting postseason of ills and very little excitement, besieged with all the uncertainty and uncompetitive series that lasted fewer than six games.

So save the best for last in the NBA Finals, a contest that will last approximately seven games, based on all the talent and poise each team presents. The world gazes at Kobe Bryant, arguably the preeminent shooting guard of this age, despite that he was teased previously in a Los Angeles Times photo for wearing a headband, bow tie, and a top hat, becoming the latest model in humiliating photos.


The world also stares at the Boston Celtics, a reviving franchise with three aging star players finding ways to survive and outlast opponents by playing unstoppable defense and enduring the improbable pursuit.

As of recently, the tradition and mystique has gradually resounded Celtic Pride, and the Celtics has endured the probable thoughts of winning its second championship in three seasons, en route to capturing its 18th championship possibly against the archrivals.

It would be interesting to see if the Lakers can beat the Celtics, avenging and erasing the devastating loss in the Finals two years ago. To this day, the Lakers still have a bitter and ill-natured psyche after the series ended badly in a disheartening 131-92 loss in Game Six at Boston.

Now, two years later, the Lakers have a personal vendetta against its archenemies, dating back to the ‘60s era when Wilt Chamberlain feuded with Bill Russell, then the ‘80s era when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird engendered the spotlight on the hardwood with non-stop, thrilling masterpieces.

So now, in a modern generation, one of the greatest rivalries in sports lives on. Every now and then, the Lakers-Celtics battle ascends eternal rivalries, upon gazing at the physical bouts and feuds between a pair of franchises with much animosity. It’s fair to assume that the captivating scuffles and competitive series creates a dislikable sequence, and when the two encounter each other for an eye-popping matchup, the world stares at the Lakers-Celtics.

Either way, for some, it’s good versus evil or evil versus good, whichever team fans prefer.

But it’s clear evidence that the Lakers are resentful over the way it ended, after they were humiliated and finished the season miserably, seeking revenge to remove the misery of a dreadful ending amid a winnable series.

Two years ago, Boston, a long-time nemesis, dismantled Los Angeles in the entire series, winning in a lopsided fashion by out-playing, out-hustling, and out-coaching the Lakers. In a sluggish postseason, Bryant is verified as the toughest and greatest basketball player of a modern generation, enduring injuries and severe pain in all parts of his body.

From a bad knee to a fractured index finger to back spasms and tweaked ankle, he has withstood a variety of pain, but is portrayed as the sterling finisher in the game. He’s a rare athlete nowadays, compared to the legendary great Michael Jordan, becoming a facilitator and the fiercest scorer in the game. Even though he’s hampered with injuries, he still dazzles and scores 30 to 40 points, leading the Lakers to a 2-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.

As it stands, he’s aiming at a second consecutive NBA championship for his fifth ring and would ease closer towards validating a superlative legacy, one shy of Jordan in the rings category. Perhaps in this era he’ll become one of the most decorated players in the league, but will also transcend popularity as he currently has the top selling jersey among NBA stars. It’s always good to beat the archrivals, especially when it contributes to adding another championship banner and tie the Celtics for the most titles in league history and reach a peek by winning it all.


In what has the makings of an epic theater, the Lakers and Celtics are both top-level franchises, assembled with depth, willpower, firepower, and talent to ignite a heavyweight war. Truth is, this will only become bloodier in a few weeks, with one of these teams suffering mortals. But it’s unknown which team poses as the villainous and deadliness enemy, when all of us will finally see an infatuating rematch. It’s simple to predict that it will be the Lakers and Celtics in a collision course at the finals.

This brings us to believe that it will go down as one of the most compelling series in sports, all while watching if the aging Celtics can outlast and compete against the younger Lakers or if the invigorated Celtics can obstruct the Kobe Show with constant double-teaming or defending the four-time champ of facilitating.

But now, Boston is playing like an unbeatable force that can win another championship and toy with the minds of the Lakers, just as Phil Jackson mocks opponents with his physiological mind games.

This time, the Celtics may get the last laugh, especially if the Lakers enter the series sluggish and unalarmed, then the Big Three devours Team Hollywood like a JV high school team without enough talent or self-motivation. By now, they’ve learned their lesson after getting defaced and belittled by the fans and media for a casual and unconscious performance in the finals two years ago. With much doubt, the Celtics weren’t even considered to advance to the finals this year, based on Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen's aging bodies breaking down mentally and physically.

When skeptics dismissed the Celtics of returning back to championship form and were labeled as the oldest and slowest team, all people clearly forgot that they had depth, size, and experience, which is seen in the Eastern Conference Finals as Boston isn’t a match for the Orlando Magic. Months ago, the Celtics weren’t even in conversation of sustaining triumph, but there were speculations of early retirement for Garnett and Doc Rivers was considering on taking hiatus to spend time with his kids.

But make no mistake, if the Celtics win again, he’ll be given a long-term contract and Garnett will play for a few more years. We can argue about whether the Lakers can beat the Celtics, two teams overachieving and endeared for uplifting the souls within a spectacular sport. But the Lakers consist of the Kobe Show, airing nightly at Staples Center.

He’s admired as a finisher, clutch superstar, an unstoppable shooter, and as the greatest player since Jordan retired and left his throne. With the supporting cast and contributions of the eccentric and weirdo Ron Artest finally making shots, the size and athleticism of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and the resurgence of Lamar Odom, the Lakers are unbeatable, but understand that Boston will not surrender without a fight.

My inclination is that the Lakers-Celtics is a final all basketball loyalist wishes to witness. Obviously, that’s the way it should turn out in the end. And if the Lakers win, it would be a shot of redemption, but if the Celtics win, it would be a proven theory that they weren’t so old after all.

Either way, prepare for a bloody skirmish.

It’s where amazing happens, remember.

Boston Celtics Have Ideal Weapons to Relive Green Pride: Boston Unbeatable?

These days, the masses gossip about LeBron James’ future, whether he’ll re-sign with Cleveland or depart emotionally to Chicago or even New York or wherever he decides to land come July 1, we are forced to neglect the undervalued franchise of the Eastern Conference.

It’s fascinating that basketball lords deems the Boston Celtics as an aging, old, unhealthy and washed-up franchise, without enough in the tank to win its second championship in three seasons and deepen mystique, a tradition symbolizing the Celtics winningest brand for nearly 50 years.

Based on shakiness and health issues in the regular season, the Celtics, once discredited as the oldest and most broken-down team both mentally and physically in the NBA, withstood anguish and despair between Kevin Garnett’s wobbly knees and Paul Pierce strained foot.

For that matter, any team would be doubted when it gradually begins to recede and age, lacking physical toughness and starts off sluggish nightly.

But this is not the case for the reviving Celtics, simply exposing the Orlando Magic weaknesses with a physical defense that has been unstoppable in the postseason.

All praise to the Celtics, an older team with a wise state of mind, showcasing its wisdom and experience in the Eastern Conference Finals to prove a dominant force. And we underestimated Boston.

It truly was an understatement to eclipse a tradition of shamrocks and victory cigars, a team that owned the limelight in the ‘80s era when Larry Bird anchored an irresistible dynasty.

We all know this team is old and sometimes debilitated with injuries, but coveted in adding an NBA-leading 18 banners in the rafters and smoke victory cigars, a ritual fulfilled when the Celtics rejoices after an accomplished conquest.

This, of course, is not the fully robust team we witnessed two years ago win on the grandest stage, but a team that knows how to survive and outlast a possible meltdown.

More than ever, the Celtics have neutralized every opponent it has faced in the postseason, bringing a similar counterattack to frustrate and pester Dwight Howard, the Magic’s seven-foot center who isn’t Kryptonite in a series he’s held to very little productivity.

Then, as usual, he cries and whines over cheap fouls handed to him, irritable of the refs' whistles sounding to charge the big man with a foul.

At 24, he lacks maturity and hasn’t fully developed into an elite center, unable to stay out of foul trouble and overpower the middle with his wingspan and height advantage.

But the Celtics were supposed to be too old to take away his energy and self-composure in a series much physicality wasn’t expected from the senior citizens of the postseason.

Even if this seems like a stunner, it really isn’t staggering, considering the Celtics' monstrous defense, which is emphasized by coach Doc Rivers, who never sits down and shouts from the sideline for his team to tighten up defensively.


As it appears, the overmatched Celtics are favored to win an unchallenged series with a 2-0 commanding lead in the Eastern Conference Finals and forced the Magic to lose home-court advantage in a 95-92 win, stunning all Orlando fans in attendance.

Now, in the series, the Celtics won their fourth straight postseason road game, and never lost a playoff series after advancing to a 2-0 lead. So fortunately, history is on their sides, traveling home to try and close out the series in a sweep on their home floor.

It’s possible to believe the Celtics won’t force a six game or allow the Magic to take it back home for a chance to regain momentum and slowly maneuver its way back in the series, unless the NBA seniors' legs give out and suddenly becomes fallen stars in a disastrous collapse.

But recently, the Celtics are dynamic in bombarding and clogging the inside by adding pressure on Howard. Despite the defenders he has drawn, he had 30 points on just 13 shots from the floor. He was even solid from the charity strike, and converted on 12 of his 17 free throws.

Without a doubt, he could have finished the night with a double-double, but the Celtics sent the center to the line instead of allowing him to grab an offensive rebound. In a game, he had eight rebounds and made the C’s deliberate before sending him to the line.

Nonetheless, the Celtics still managed to escape Orlando with two wins and leads the series, capable of returning to the NBA Finals and convincing the world that they’ll be crowned the champions in basketball, a familiar achievement for the Celtics.

It has become an alarming team, finally reviving and having all the instrumental pieces every team needs to win, such as defense, willpower, balance and firepower, good enough to slow down the invincible Magic.

Simply, the Magic have the younger and faster team, but cannot endure the physical balance of the well-experienced and well-rounded Celtics.

The difference clearly in the series and postseason is the strong effort of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, a pair of star players known as the Big Three alongside Garnett. In such a turnaround at a crucial point of the season, Pierce had 22 points in the Game Two, getting off to a fast start with 22 points in the first half.

He’s deeply reestablishing into a primary star, dating back to the days he carried the team with a chip on his shoulder as a lone superstar. And normally when he compiles huge numbers on the scoreboard, it results in a win.


But nowadays, the Celtics survives on the flourishing of Rajon Rondo, a floor general and versatile point guard with the ability to score and make pocket passes to teammates, credited for an assist on designing well-executed play inside.

He’s agile and explosive, respectively, becoming the top scorer and second leader behind Garnett. Before he even arrived at the pro level, he was criticized for his porous shooting and was doubted after departing his collegiate career prematurely, and wasn’t fully developed.

He silenced all skeptics by becoming a top-notch player and true point guard. There he was again on a night when his presence made it easier for the Celtics. He scored 25 points, had eight assists and five rebounds, all while dominating the second half and drove Boston to an insurance win.

In this particular game, Garnett had 10 points and Ray Allen posted four points in 39 minutes.

The Celtics, meanwhile, still managed to survive and beat the Magic to move inches closer to the NBA Finals for a potential rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers, archenemies who dismantled the Phoenix Suns in Game One of the Western Conference Finals.

In many ways, Orlando’s coach Stan Van Gundy understands it takes a team effort, but also knows his team is struggling to make adjustments, suddenly seeing his team lose twice at home in the quarterfinals to the Celtics, the same team the Magic knocked off a year ago.

Even the fans are frustrated, provoking an altercation with officials during games. Joe DeRosa was harassed by fans before leaving the court at halftime and snapped during the game.

He tossed the ball uncharacteristically across the scorer’s table at a petulant fan, who tossed it back and was thrown out of the game.

That says a lot about the series, a best-of-seven series suddenly unraveling for the Magic, who believed getting back to the NBA Finals was likely, but are faced with trouble having to capture a win on Boston’s home floor to stay alive.

For now, the Celtics are the best team in the playoffs, even though it’s the oldest team standing on wobbly knees and ailing feet, but have just enough to slow down any team crossing its path.

Celtics Rejuvenates To Championship Form, Despite Aging Bodies

It’s all a familiar scene in a town that prides itself on basketball when the Boston Red Sox season has barely begun and when the New England Patriots are revamping a stagnant team to rebuild a top-notch franchise. Not long ago, the Boston Celtics were crowned champs, celebrated in a parade and smoked victory cigars.

Only one year prior to their NBA title the C’s were doubted and forgotten, given the hapless season, when it finished with a horrible record, but revamped incredibly to contend in the undermined Eastern Conference. Here we are again, underestimating a team with heart, self-belief and sizable weapons to win its league-leading 18th title. Two years ago, the Celtics won the NBA championship for the first time since Larry Bird buried threes and Kevin McHale trotted down the floor in his stylish short shorts, a faddish now outdated.

Earlier in the year the Celtics looked outdated, but even in a generation when competition is steeper and an influx of NBA stars have emerged on a perennial platform, Boston isn’t outmoded. Of all the drama, it was shocking that we’ve written off the C’s, and labeled the franchise that famously practices a proverbial tradition by smoking Red Auerbach cigars, piling championships and constituting dynasties as an aging and old roster of superstars. There’s an indicator that the Celtics are a rejuvenated core rising to championship form with unstoppable conquests, partly for the balance, experience and self-confidence.

Finally, this late in the season the Celtics escapes all the downcast struggles earlier in the season when Boston was hampered by injuries and lacked chemistry. But ever since winning its first title in nearly 21 years, the Celtics were driven to reach the biggest contest in sports. Inside the C’s locker room, there’s an inspirational leader and defensive specialist by the name of Kevin Garnett, reminding his teammates that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!” He shouted those words to the heavens when he won his first championship and celebrated with an elite franchise, known for collecting wins and mustering fame.

As the postseason winds down, the Celtics will attempt to reestablish a potential dynasty in probable rematch against archenemies the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s no coincidence that in one season the Celtics can cast further humiliation in a town cursed with sporting failures, in what could have ended LeBron James’ tenure in Cleveland after coming so close, but faltering in the biggest moments. It almost feels as if Celtic Pride absorbs all the focus, verified as the hottest team in the postseason.

For much of the season, it has been about survival for the Celtics. Although the Big Three in Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are aging, the Celtics contain suitable ingredients to finish on top and attain all emphasis as NBA champions. What Boston epitomizes is an older unit surrounded by veteran experience and determination to persist in achieving splendor.

Two years later, the Celtics are renewing its pride with a privilege to add another banner in the rafters and revitalize mystique. So now, it’s possible that Boston can win the title being on the verge of winning its second Larry O’Brien Trophy in three seasons. As we’ve witnessed in prior weeks, the Celtics are impressive and appears unbeatable, built with a plethora of weapons led by Rajon Rondo, a flourishing floor general who is explosive and driven to design plays and take over if necessary.

During the postseason, Boston has been on the best stretch and possesses all the components it takes to win a championship. The Celtics are destined of hoisting the honors in a few weeks because of defense, firepower, depth, balance and poise, all elements contributing while aiming for eminence. Based on having three future Hall of Famers and coach Doc Rivers, the Celtics are back in usual form after pounding Miami, thrashing Cleveland and now beating the younger and faster Orlando 92-88 in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

No one has seen the ferocious or cohesive Celtics in the regular-season, but one that survived the near-loss. No one saw the superb Celtics, but a team hindered with flaws and unforeseen blemishes. Somehow the Celtics survives a dynamic series when winning is meaningful to walk away victorious and closer to a title.

“We got outplayed,” Stan Van Gundy said. “It’s as simple as that.”

That means Orlando was outplayed in all departments. They were bullied under the basket, they were defended tightly and they were beaten down as soon as the ball tipped off. The Celtics demolished the Magic before a silent crowd sitting in the stands helplessly. So, on the road, Boston managed to steal the most critical game of the series, now dictating the setting of the series.


In the game, of course, Dwight Howard drew bodies and suffered the physical contact inside, held to 13 points and 12 rebounds with seven turnovers. He wasn’t getting it done inside the paint, with Boston’s sturdy defense stopping and trapping the seven-footer inside and even River’s adjustments on defense contributed to Magic’s shooting deficiencies from the perimeter.

For much of the season, critics dragged down mystique of a franchise with aging players. But more than ever, the Celtics are healthier and robust, eager to sustain triumph in June. Even if Boston lost all three games in four days late in the year and lost twice in two days during the season, doesn't mean the Celtics will translate similar blemishes in the postseason when the mentality level suddenly becomes alarming.

At the right time, Allen has emerged as a lethal scorer and scored 25 points four times in 12 games, matching that total in Sunday’s showdown by attacking the rim early on and fired his customary three-pointers to break away from the Magic. There was Pierce executing to the rim and drew fouls to earn a myriad of points from the charity strike, finishing with 22 points on merely eight shots and grabbed nine rebounds and had five assists.


Allen and Pierce have combined to score nearly 41,000 points, and combined for 47 points Sunday. In fact, Pierce started off scorching with a three-pointer and Allen drove in for a layup at the end of the first quarter to set the tone. Rasheed Wallace and Garnett are aging as well, but are big men stepping up in big moments.

Garnett is older and has bad knees, but had eight points, 11 rebounds and five assists. In what was there most solid game in the postseason, the Celtics aren’t too old, able to still play together and outshine their opponents, telling doubters that they are still a dominant force to be reckoned with.

They are incredibly 9-3 in the postseason. That’s a victory cigar for you.

You still think they’re old. If so, think again.

After Wild Blowout Over Celtics, Cavs Victory Remains Inevitable

In a speechless, cheerless, fatigued venue at downtown Boston, a Nightmare on Causeway Street embodied the worst-case scenario, forging a horror movie in a sporting town known for winning its fair share of titles in pro basketball.

Of the thousands sitting nervously in the stands, who stared in hopes of witnessing the resurgence of the Boston Celtics, observed a massacre when a believable evening turned into a pulverizing beat down.

It’s common to postulate that LeBron James is harmless and certain to botch at any given situation nursing a sore elbow, an injury downsizing his mental mindset to drive as if he’s invincible or limiting his ability to draw contact under the rim and be awarded a three-point opportunity.

The world is obligated to know LeBron’s next destination, if the Cleveland Cavaliers fail to win a title during his reign, just as the world is obsessed with the worldwide icon for his breathtaking exhibits and impact within a professional league of blossoming superstars.

He’s compared to Michael Jordan and wears his jersey No. 23, but what’s unique about James is that he’s a refined sporting figure and embraced globally.

Because he’s precautious about his bruised elbow, then maybe he’s not as effective or electric of dashing to the paint protecting himself of serve damage as it gradually heals, but it’s an understatement to discount James and the Cavs.

Any team can topple another team in one game, but purging them in an entire series is a whole different story.

For the everlasting failures and usual instincts of falling apart in critical situations, LeBron is attempting to win a championship in his hometown, healthy or unhealthy.

In recent years, the Celtics vs. Cavs is a renewal rivalry producing raw blood on the hardwood and could last seven games, depending whether the Celtics can avenge an embarrassing loss and recover to purge any nightmarish afterthoughts of relapsing before a home crowd.

After encountering a 104-86 loss in Game Two to Boston at home, it was vital to win one on the road and take a commanding lead in the series, despite blowing home court advantage.

Very quickly, the Cavs revitalized certainty with every reason to believe they can win a championship and increase a sense of happiness in a town that hasn’t experienced much triumph, but has suffered mockery with all the draining fiascoes smudging sensibility.

As expected, LeBron stepped onto the court with realization and led the Cavs. On this night, he played with heart and energy, demonstrating a crafty and savvy style of play in his arsenal of shots.

The Cavs also relied on their two-time MVP to attack with his body and set up teammates by making incredible passes on most possessions.

They rely more on his talent and upper body strength, in which James is unstoppable in dashing through the lanes and slashing inside to finish on the easy deuce, unless he’s battered with nagging pain of his banged up elbow.

He’s playing through an injury and still strives towards a title as an inestimable superstar embraced heavily in a good-natured town.

Although James has been nixed with a minor injury with prolonged publicity raising a level of concern, he appeared fine amid a limitless farce and reasserted his status Friday night when the powerfully built 6-8, 255-pound forward outplayed Boston single-handedly.

With all the dubious thoughts of James’ injury, it's almost inevitable to dismiss the Cavs, who dismantled the Celtics, 124-95, at the Garden, to hand Boston its worst home loss in playoff history.

So much for shamrocks, victory cigars or seas of green remaining in the stands, when the majority of Celtics’ faithful made their way to the nearest exit and stayed silent for much of the night.

Because of their poor outing, the rowdy fans even serenaded loud and unpleasant boos, disappointed of the staggering letdown and sudden turnaround. It’s too bad there are no refunds.

But no team desires ending the season for an early vacation and a fishing trip with Kenny and Charles, certainly not James and the Cavs, a championship-caliber franchise that is angling for a glorious prize.

They retaliated from a lousy Game Two, avoiding the careless lapses and bounced back with a conscious attitude in attaining its share of deference. His famous elbow injury wasn’t an ill-effect as cynical believers began doubting James' ability to guide the Cavs back to the NBA Finals.

Perhaps, it was misguided headlines when he showed off in a brilliant showpiece, exploding and silencing doubters in a hostile environment with a dazzling performance. He had the swagger to pulverize the Celtics in the conference semifinals, with clear evidence on why he’s the Most Valuable Player.


The world suddenly became curious of his response while battling an injury in the postseason, knowing he’s the superstar of a franchise that relies on his productivity. James scored 21 of his 38 points in the first quarter and summarized a demoralizing defeat, to implant a historical mark.

The Cavs record-setting 59.5 for points and field-goal percentage was the difference in their manhandling over the Celtics, who never had an answer or stood in the face or stopped a vintage James from pestering them.

For three days, he received plenty of rest and practiced without feeling pain in his elbow. On a star-studded evening, he played with emotion and knocked down jumpers without grimacing in pain. He delivered in a critical way and nailed eight of his 10 shots in the first quarter alone.

“We had three days to sit and feel the pressure and then bounce back,” said James. “Rest helped me and we were able to have a complete game.”

During an intense practice Thursday, he was evidently fine without grimacing in agony. He tried out a jump-shooting secession. And he wore a Kobe-like scowl on his face at game time, ready to lead his team to a different outcome unlike the other night when they were massively routed.

“It was a really important game for us; it was my mindset from the jump,” said James. “It started with me and everyone else saw my aggression.”

He was aggressive, indeed, by making 14 of 22 shots for driving to the rim. He also grabbed eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocks to finish off a well-rounded night. As it seems, the Cavs are unbeatable whenever his teammates compile points on the scoreboards.

Such as Antawn Jamison, who had a stellar game as a Cavalier, had 20 points with 12 rebounds and won the skirmish with Kevin Garnett. It was as if he was an undersized forward standing in the middle, when Jamison outhustled and frustrated KG.

By the end of the night, he settled for 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting, but more stunningly, he was held merely to four rebounds and a lone assist.

Finally, there was some life from Shaquille O’Neal, instead of producing rap lyrics. Though he’s aging, he produced 12 points with nine rebounds to add to the lopsided rebounding margin of 45-30 and points in the paint by a differential of 50-32.

Did you believe in LeBron? I did.

The scene reminded us not to discount the Cavs. It’s inevitable to wave farewell and rule out Cleveland. And with LeBron anything is possible, especially when his royal court comes to James' aid.

Boston Rolls V. Heat, 100-98; Lead Series 3-0 of Buzzer-Beater

CELTICS 100     Heat 98

We all know how important Paul Pierce is to the Celtics. Tonight, he was really important, helping the Celtics slip by the Miami Heat in a 100-98 thriller. Pierce buried a 21-foot-jumper as Dwyane Wade watched horribly from the bench.

This win not only brought a 3-0 advantage over the Heat in the series, but also the momentum. The Celtics need one more win for the sweep. They're making this Heat time look like they never want them coming back to the playoffs again.

Pierce saved the day.

"That's a shot I hit a number of times in playoffs and regular season," Pierce said after the game. "I told the coaches, 'Give me the ball on the right side.' I got to my sweet spot, made sure there wasn't any time left and drained it."

 

Paul Pierce had 32 points. Those points he hit in the closing seconds of the game were the ones that really mattered. This game could easily wrap up the series now. No team has ever came back and win from an 0-3 deficit. And the way the Heat have been playing, it seems highly unlikely of them accomplishing a feat like that. 

Ray Allen put up 25 points, Rajon Rondo 17, and 16 for Kevin Garnett. Dwayne Wade had 34 points and five rebounds, along with eight assists for the Heat. Udonis Haslem put up eight boards. Kendrick Perkins had twelve.

"We certainly fought the fight in terms of bringing the appropriate level of intensity to the game," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That was there. Couldn't ask for much more in terms of effort plays and just bringing the fight."

It was a tough loss for the Heat, indeed. But can they come back? It can be possible, you never know. We'll see.

But another great showing of the Celtics. They are sending a message to all the other teams right now: Watch out.

NBA Playoffs 2010: Watch Out! These Celtics Can Make a Run

It was Game One with the Heat and the Celtics. Some people vote for the Heat. Some for the C's. Most people expected this: Dwyane Wade vs. Paul Pierce, who comes out on top?

That's definitely and totally not the case here.

The Celtics had this with them: they are gonna dominate your freaking ass! They know about the comments and the criticism people have been lashing at them throughout the regulars season.

We heard them:

"They're getting old, they're getting slow, they're just not what they used to be, they only had one good season: 2007."

Now Boston is going to shut all of y'all up. Shut you up good. I believe in them. Sure, the stats don't show as much in the regular season. But after what the C's displayed during Game One, they mean business.

Especially since it's the postseason.

This is when they mean business. Though Kevin Garnett will be suspended for Game Two, he showed heart. He won't back down. He will do everything get in your face, get you pissed, make you feel intimidated.

Make you feel that you already lost this battle.

He showed that in Game One. He has it in him. He wants another ring, and bad. He's not like those other guys who don't mind if they don't win another championship since they already got one before.

He will keep climbing on for more.

Rajon Rondo will keep being himself as a top point guard. Paul Pierce will continue with driving down the lane for breaking layups, big shots, dunks, etc. Ray Allen will be the sharpshooter and can make a difference during the postseason.

Garnett will be the key of all of this. And plus, don't forget the X-Factor: Tony Allen. He killed it in Game One. He can continue to do that. He's underrated, and that's what you want. People won't expect it, but when it's playing time, they will see it: "Goddamn, where the hell did this guy come from?"

It was just like Mike Singletary last year in College Basketball with Texas Tech. Nobody knew who he was, until that amazing performance. What did he score, like over 45 points or something? But at one point, he hit 28 straight points I believe. None of them missed. All in a row.

And now it's Tony Allen's time. Time to bring his name up.

James Posey helped big for the C's during the 2008 Playoffs. Now it's time for Allen in the '10 Playoffs. It just fits.

The Celtics won't back down. I expect them to dominate Miami. I can see Boston easily in the Eastern Conference Finals. But can they show their greatness there to reach the big show.

Can they return as champions like two years ago?

We'll find out.

But right now, don't underestimate this team.

We're looking at a really hungry Celtics team here, my friends.

Shaq or No Shaq, Boston Celtics Still Put Fear into Cleveland Cavs

Your average basketball loyalist fails to understand that the Cleveland Cavaliers might not be mighty after all. Because they now consist of the Man of Steel, Superman, the Big Catus or the Big Diesel, doesn’t legitimize pure dominance over a menacing team in the most compelling conference.

But when the Celtics rejuvenated and returned to precedence two seasons ago, reaching a climax that Boston vastly owned in the 1970s and '80s, Kevin Garnett smoked a victory cigar and emotionally lifted his head skyward. Moments later, he shouted to the heavens "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!"

Words are similar for the Cavs, too. But we must remember, it’s an understatement not to fear the Boston Celtics, when lately most of the hype is centered on the revamped Cavs. In their respective offseasons, the front office made a desperate transition, when general manager Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert were decisive in adding physicality to mitigate fragile and soft toughness inside.

One reason upgrading the roster was greatly relevant to build a forceful and contending core around NBA’s most attractive superstar LeBron James was a solution for bribing the reigning Most Valuable Player to remain in a Cavs uniform.

The last thing to imagine is James departing to New York and suiting up for the Knicks, undoubtedly expanding revenue as a distraught town will easily transform into a cheerful environment and detach from a disoriented era, which left a horrid stain.

Meanwhile, in such an active locale, an intense crowd is accustomed to high-flying dunks, the baby powder toss, and surprising tricks.

The engaging fans are attached to LeBron's finesse plays that no player could match, and bringing in Shaq is obviously an annex for aspiration in the near future. Aiming for a championship in a town where fans and winning championships rocks, the hype is worth dwelling on.

There’s no excuses now, with a forceful center who at one point in his career was known as the most dominant center, right? Well, there’s a few excuses you can simply make. There are tough obstacles taunting the Cavs, vastly becoming archrivals in a much-competitive conference.

Obviously, an entire season could be menacing, longer and exhausting, when a bloody matchup in likelihood could ruin a potential year for the Cavs and force LeBron to seek a change of scenery.

Considering his next destination is a flattering home, where contending for multiple titles is a top propriety, LeBron will finally sense a clear understanding on what winning the grandest prize is like in his proud career, rather than attaining awards for individual excellence.

If there’s one team capable of dismantling strong beliefs or corroding superiority, the Celtics are fitted to persuade LeBron to leave town and force Shaq to retire.

To start with, the Celtics are introducing a new vision of Celtic Pride. For now shamrocks and victory cigars are earning praise, as analyst and basketball devotees anoint the Boston Three Party, more than giving credit to purple and gold.

Although it’s early to tell which team is equipped, admittedly you can predict the Celtics will be competing for the shining Larry O’Brien Trophy, attempting to win their second title in three seasons.

The regular season launched tonight, and the Celtics body language defines a starved group, still bitter of the significant injury of Kevin Garnett, which paralyzed last season and dismissed satisfaction.

No longer was the general public optimistic, giving the Cavs a slight advantage as Garnett missed the entire postseason by nursing and recovering from a serious knee injury.

Whenever the Big Ticket, punches in his ticket, the Celtics are a legitimate powerhouse and tough to defeat. Garnett is their inspirational leader, their defensive expert, putting on a show for spectators who purchased a ticket. Being healthier than ever, his presence inside gives them a chance of reclaiming prevalence.

Yet on nights like this one, the Celtics leaned on their top-notch point guards, demolishing Shaq’s debut and LeBron’s assurance of owning Boston and their residences.

Late in the game as minutes trickled, Pierce was clutched and nailed two crucial jumpers with 1:03 remaining. That tallied a final score of 95-89 to scratch out a victory over the new-look Cavs.

Then again, most could have a mutual notion about the Celtics, after adding depth inside and building a fierce tandem. Most predict that Boston will win it all because of the addition of Rasheed Wallace, who scored 12 points in his debut, known for his toughness by clogging the middle and making it difficult for opponents to drive the lane smoothly.

As for the Cavs, King James posted an usual 38 points. Of course, it's not good enough to overthrow a fortunate team like the Celtics, having all the ingredients to reclaim the spotlight and possibly meet their archenemies in a rematch in June.

As we know, the Celtics-Cavs are bloody, meaning it will be a hard-fought war throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are scarier and bloodier. Guess anything is possible!