Towards the end of last night Celtic victory over the Lakers, Lamar Odom decided he wanted to play football instead and tackled Ray Allen. Let's see what the league has to say about this move.

Well, they did it in an exciting fashion. Don't take for granted what you're witnessing here. Don't take any of this for granted. What Tom Brady and the Pats have accomplished is flat out amazing!

Here is a video with the key moments from last night's history.

Also, after every Patriots  victory, linebacker Tedy Bruschi leads a locker room celebration of the Patriots players. GO HERE to see last nights followed by an interview.

It’s the final week of the regular season, but just another game for the Patriots. 15 down, 4 to go, but this is the week where the chase for regular season records end. Will the Patriots be the first team 16 and 0? Will Tom Brady share or break the touch down record? Will Randy Moss share or break the receptions touchdown record? Will the Patriots break the scoring record? This game is all about records and whether the Patriots will be able to set them on the New York Giants. The Giants and Patriots are both stuck in their respective playoff spots. A win or loss means nothing to the place they are in the playoff brackets. Neither team is even playing for respect. Nothing good comes from this for the Giants and only records come into play for the Giants. With the Giants having nothing to play for and the Patriots likely to win regardless, the Patriots win 41 to Giants 14.

1. Records – The Patriots are playing for records that would cement them as the greatest regular season team in the history of the NFL. If they want to be the greatest team in the history of the NFL, they’ll need to win three more after this game, but this win would make them without question the best ever in the regular season. 16 and 0 is a record. 22 touchdowns for Randy Moss would tie a record. 49 touchdown throws from Tom Brady would be a record. 6 more points from the Patriots would give them the regular season scoring record. On the other hand, they could also hold the Giants to as few points as possible and have the least points scored against a team this season as well as the scoring record. Playing well, getting the win, the Patriots are playing for their place in history.

2. Giants a spoiler – The Giants sole reason to play in this game is as a spoiler. They have their playoff spot and will not get better or worse with a win or loss in this game. Do they have the pride to want to come out and beat the Patriots? Will they rest the Giants key players for the playoffs? Will Tom Coughlin and the Giants coaching be preparing for this game or are they preparing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in next weeks Wild Card weekend playoff game? What is the smart move to make, play to spoil the Patriots success or prepare for the Buccaneers and their own playoff success?

3. Resting Players – Both teams will be doing it, sitting down nicked up players and perhaps key individuals. The Patriots will have special teams performers Kyle Eckel and Willie Andrews, tight end Kyle Brady, and offensive linemen Nick Kaczur and Stephen Neal out. Depending on whether Gutierrez is active or just available as the emergency third quarterback, the Patriots will have just 2 or 3 active players inactive for this game. The Giants will likely have Kevin Dockery and Sinorice Moss out. Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress both seem to be likely to have limited play do to their injuries. One would expect that both teams would be rotating in all their players, the backups into the offensive and defensive sets. Could we see Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander playing throughout the second half on defense?

4. 60 minutes – Regardless of what the Giants do, the Patriots will be playing the entire game to try and win. Every game is an important win or loss to the Patriots and they will be playing hard every week to win it. We may see some different sets than normal, as the end of the season is when Bill Belichick experiments and attempts to mask his normal game plans and tendencies. Backups will have opportunities to play in a real situation, which could be invaluable in the playoffs or in experience for next year or in future evaluation. Antwan Spann and Ray Ventrone were both added during the past two weeks and their future will be affected by their play if they are active. The same likely goes for a number of other backups, Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, and Kelley Washington. Even the play of Randall Gay, Eugene Wilson, and James Sanders should have an effect on how the Patriots deal with the defensive backs into the future.

5. Win Early – Finish this game in the first half. If the Patriots get up to a three or four or more touchdown lead, the game will be over and both teams can focus on the playoffs. The Patriots could see a couple of drives from Matt Cassell in the third quarter and another couple from Matt Gutierrez in the fourth quarter. Rashad Moore, Le Kevin Smith, Eric Alexander, Larry Izzo, and Pierre Woods would all get extended time in the second half. Kelley Washington, Chad Jackson, and Troy Brown might get to pad their receiver stats or at least get receiver stats. Heath Evans could run the ball. Set the records early. Win the game early. And we will all be a lot happier, early.

As the late, great Jimmy Dugan once said, "Have a little trouble with the bears, did ya?"

Well, I know one team who will have no bear trouble next week and one person who'll be there to bear witness (get it?  Bear & Bear -- oh, I slay me!).

Introducing the winner of the BostonsportZ Celtics Christmas Giveaway, and new owner of 2 tickets to the January 4th game versus the Memphis Grizzlies:

 

TINA RYAN!!!

Kevin Garnett scored 23 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out 2 assists for a total of 39 points.

Tina came closest on her guess with 37 -- no tiebreakers needed.

Congratulations Tina, enjoy the game and be sure to tell us how it was!

Happy Holidays and Thank You to all who participated and GO CELTICS!!

*for the record, the bear in the picture is actually sleeping -- we don't condone the actual slaughter of animals (a Laker isn't a real animal, right?  Just checking!)

 

This is YOUR LAST CHANCE to get yourself registered and involved in this tremendous contest for two tickets for the Celtics January 4th game versus the Memphis Grizzlies.  For those of you already guessing, you know the drill.  For those of you who are new to the contest, here's how it works.

EVEN IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST ENTRY, YOU CAN STILL WIN!

These are the games involved: 

Wed 19	vs Detroit	7:00pm
Fri 21	vs Chicago	7:00pm
Sun 23	vs Orlando	6:30pm
Wed 26	@ Sacramento	10:00pm
Thu 27	@ Seattle	10:30pm

 

Here's what you need to do:

Create an username and then before each game you need to login and post a comment on that day's pre-game post (comment on this post for the Final Game).  What we need in your post is this:

For each game we have designated one Celtics starter.  You will have to guess what their basic stat line will be:  points, rebounds and assists.  Add each of those numbers up to create a total.  So if you think Garnett will score 15 points, grab 10 rebounds and dish out 5 assists, your total for Garnett = 30.

Whoever is closer to the actual stat total of that player will earn 'x' number of points.  The person with the most accumulated points after the 5 games wins.  The players and points break down like this:

2nd-Tie-Breaker total points by the Celtics on the 27th

We're also giving daily prizes away to that game's winner.  Win for that game and you will receive a free BostonsportZ t-shirt - tiebreakers will be determined by guessing the Celtics final score for that day's game.

In this Final Game, You will need to post what you think the total of the stat line will be for KG and post the total points, rebounds and assists for all 5 players in tonight's game.

Only one guess per person, please.  And individual game winners and contest leaderboard will be posted following gameday. 

Alright, the fourth Game of our Win Celtics Tickets contest is over.  Paul Pierce's stat line for the night was 16 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assist, making his grand total for the night: 26 points.

For those of you new to the contest, go here to read the rules.  It's not too late to join, and there' still plenty of time to grab the lead.  We'll do another post on Thursday to give you the opportunity to make your Kevin Garnett's guesses for the Seattle game.

Our daily winner for last night, and owner of a BostonsportZ t-shirt: Jamie R!

Our Current Leaderboard for the Overall Prize:

Jamie - 12 points 

Jared - 10 points 

Steven Palefsky - 2 points

Justin Mayo - 2 points

Jamie's guess of 33 was the closest to Paul's actual total.  

Tonight's Final Game of the contest will be worth 24 points, so make sure to check back before the game to make your guesses --

*All winners will be contacted at the end of the contest.

The Celtics avenged their first loss of the year against the Magic and now head out west for Game Four of our Celtics Ticket Giveaway. 

There's still pleeeeeeeenty of time to get yourself registered and involved in this tremendous contest for two tickets for the Celtics January 4th game versus the Memphis Grizzlies.  For those of you already guessing, you know the drill.  For those of you who are new to the contest, here's how it works.

These are the games involved: 

Wed 19	vs Detroit	7:00pm
Fri 21	vs Chicago	7:00pm
Sun 23	vs Orlando	6:30pm
Wed 26	@ Sacramento	10:00pm
Thu 27	@ Seattle	10:30pm

 

Here's what you need to do:

Create an username and then before each game you need to login and post a comment on that day's pre-game post (comment on this post for game 4).  What we need in your post is this:

For each game we have designated one Celtics starter.  You will have to guess what their basic stat line will be:  points, rebounds and assists.  Add each of those numbers up to create a total.  So if you think Garnett will score 15 points, grab 10 rebounds and dish out 5 assists, your total for Garnett = 30.

Whoever is closer to the actual stat total of that player will earn 'x' number of points.  The person with the most accumulated points after the 5 games wins.  The players and points break down like this:

2nd-Tie-Breaker total points by the Celtics on the 27th

Games one, two & three are over, but if you missed those, no worries -- win game four and you jump to the lead.

We're also giving daily prizes away to that game's winner.  Win for that game and you will receive a free BostonsportZ t-shirt - tiebreakers will be determined by guessing the Celtics final score for that day's game.

So, to recap, each game over the next two, we've chosen one Celtics starter.  You will need to post what you think the total of the stat line will be for that chosen player.  You should also post your guess for the total points Boston will score that night.

Visiting daily will give you your best chance to win -- only one guess per person, please.  And individual game winners and contest leaderboard will be posted following gameday. 

 

Alright, the third Game of our Win Celtics Tickets contest is over.  Ray Allen's stat line for the night was 22 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assist, making his grand total for the night: 28 points.

For those of you new to the contest, go here to read the rules.  It's not too late to join, and there' still plenty of time to grab the lead.  We'll do another post on Wednesday morning to give you the opportunity to make your Paul Pierce guesses for the Sacramento Kings game.

Our daily winner for last night, and owner of a second BostonsportZ t-shirt: Jared! (yay Jared! WOO!)

Our Current Leaderboard for the Overall Prize:

Jared - 10 points 

Steven Palefsky - 2 points

Justin Mayo - 2 points

Jared's guess of 27 was only one off from Ray's actual total.  A few other people were two away, so a lot of close guess for last night's game.

If you missed the first three games, don't worry.  Each game the point totals you can earn, and the stakes, increase -- you have plenty of time to get on board.

Wednesday's Game will be worth 12 points, so make sure to check back before the game to make your guesses -- or else Rashard Lewis and KG are going to give you a double lap-dance (which you may or may not enjoy.....)

*All winners will be contacted at the end of the contest.

The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins … the last few years this has not been an easy matchup. They have split the season series each of the last three years with the Dolphins winning the second game. Now, though, the New England Patriots are 14 and 0, clinched homefield throughout the playoffs and a Bye. They have beaten the Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns. Will the 1 and 13 Dolphins be able to beat them? It seems doubtful, but history says that it is certainly possible. The game will once again be played in weather conditions, rain and heavy winds. Again Tom Brady may have a difficult time throwing touchdown passes. Naw, this is the team they scored 42 on in the first half earlier in the season. Patriots win 34 to Dolphins 10.

1. Chasing the ’72 Dolphins – The Patriots have gotten farther than any team has to what the Dolphins did in 1972. The Phins won 17 and the Patriots have won 14 so far, but it is the 2007 Dolphins that are now in the way of the Patriots. Both teams should be extra motivated now that they are matched up with each other. The Patriots are playing the team that symbolizes their goal. The players of the ’72 team have brought extra incentive with all the attention that they have gotten during this season. The Dolphins should also be motivated. They are playing the team that is trying to usurp the legacy of one of their great Dolphins teams. Beating the Patriots would be quite a coup for these 1 and 13 Dolphins.

2. Changeover and Injuries – The Patriots have changed their roster a bit recently. Both Rashad Baker and Eddie Jackson were released while Ray Ventrone and Rashad Moore were added to the team. Kyle Brady and Benjamin Watson are both questionable for this game. We may see just one of them and Stephen Spach active for this game. The Right Guard situation is also tenuous with Billy Yates and Stephen Neal both questionable and both missing time this season. For the Dolphins, Channing Crowder was just put on injured reserve and so will sit out the rest of the season. Jason Taylor missed practice this week, but is expected to play.

3. Bill Parcells – Could he be a source of motivation for the Miami Dolphins? Could the Dolphins players specifically work harder to give the team a win in his first week as a part of the Miami Dolphins? Or will his addition to the team be a distraction, as the players have had to worry about their jobs and that of their coach instead of in preparing for the New England Patriots and cold weather football? One cannot be sure right now what type of immediate effect that Bill Parcells with have on the 2007 Miami Dolphins, but does give the 2008 Miami Dolphins and perhaps future Dolphins teams credibility that the team has lacked since Dan Marino retired.

4. Weather – Again the Patriots will be playing in terrible weather. It will rain in Foxborough and there will be heavy wind. Will it be a decisive advantage for the Miami Dolphins? It most certainly will not. Such weather favors a heavy running attack. Miami’s front seven is banged up and so is Jesse Chatman, their starting running back. The Patriots should be able to run effectively on the Dolphins and then have Tom Brady throw it. The weather may hold down the number of points that the Patriots would have put up on the Dolphins, but it certainly will not affect the outcome of this game.

5. Cam Cameron vs Bill Belichick – Cam Cameron may have been a great offensive coordinator, but he is a lousy head coach. It takes an extra special incompetence to lose 6 games by 3 points and only beat the Ravens that head its heart destroyed against New England and body destroyed against the Indianapolis Colts the previous two weeks and almost blow it to them. Cameron was half a yard and one dumb Brian Billick decision away from 0 and 14. His publicized “Fail Fast First” philosophy may have its merits in terms of part of instruction, but for the Dolphins, it just meant that he had a lousy team. The coaching matchup is overwhelmingly in the favor of the Patriots. With the other intangibles of various types of motivation, injuries, and weather, it seems more likely that Bill Belichick will be able to handle it better than Cam Cameron.

The Celtics got themselves back on track against the Bulls are are now ready to avenge their loss to Orlando during Game Three of our Celtics Ticket Giveaway. 

There's still pleeeeeeeenty of time to get yourself registered and involved in this tremendous contest for two tickets for the Celtics January 4th game versus the Memphis Grizzlies.  For those of you already guessing, you know the drill.  For those of you who are new to the contest, here's how it works.

These are the games involved: 

Wed 19	vs Detroit	7:00pm
Fri 21	vs Chicago	7:00pm
Sun 23	vs Orlando	6:30pm
Wed 26	@ Sacramento	10:00pm
Thu 27	@ Seattle	10:30pm

 

Here's what you need to do:

Create an username and then before each game you need to login and post a comment on that day's pre-game post (comment on this post for game 3).  What we need in your post is this:

For each game we have designated one Celtics starter.  You will have to guess what their basic stat line will be:  points, rebounds and assists.  Add each of those numbers up to create a total.  So if you think Garnett will score 15 points, grab 10 rebounds and dish out 5 assists, your total for Garnett = 30.

Whoever is closer to the actual stat total of that player will earn 'x' number of points.  The person with the most accumulated points after the 5 games wins.  The players and points break down like this:

2nd-Tie-Breaker total points by the Celtics on the 27th

Games one and two are over, but if you missed those, no worries -- win game three and you jump to the lead.

We're also giving daily prizes away to that game's winner.  Win for that game and you will receive a free BostonsportZ t-shirt - tiebreakers will be determined by guessing the Celtics final score for that day's game.

So, to recap, each game over the next five four, we've chosen one Celtics starter.  You will need to post what you think the total of the stat line will be for that chosen player.  You should also post your guess for the total points Boston will score that night.

Visiting daily will give you your best chance to win -- only one guess per person, please.  And individual game winners and contest leaderboard will be posted following gameday. 

 

Arnold says, "Don't be a girlie man and miss this great contest.  Join now!  Run!  Go!  GET TO THE CHOPPA AND VOTE!" 

Alright, the second Game of our Win Celtics Tickets contest is over.  Rajon Rondo's stat line for the night was 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assist, making his grand total for the night: 18 points.

For those of you new to the contest, go here to read the rules.  It's not too late to join, and there' still plenty of time to grab the lead.  We'll do another post tomorrow morning to give you the opportunity to make your Ray Allen guesses for the Orlando Magic game.

Our daily winner for last night, and new owner of a BostonsportZ t-shirt: Jared -- possibly from Subway?! 

Our Current Leaderboard for the Overall Prize:

Jared - 4 points 

Steven Palefsky - 2 points

Justin Mayo - 2 points

A lot of close guesses for Rondo last night, but Jared is the only one who nailed it.

If you missed the first two games, don't worry.  Each game the point totals you can earn, and the stakes, increase -- you have plenty of time to get on board.

Sunday's Game will be worth 6 points, so make sure to check back tomorrow to make your guesses -- or else KG the Tickle Monster is gonna getcha!

*All winners will be contacted at the end of the contest.

Boston didn't trail once all game, had their way up and down the court, and (hopefully) shut up all their critics crawling out of the woodwork.

The Big 3 were big, the C's bench played fantastically, but the story of this game was Boston's defense.  Only one Bulls starter cracked the 10-point barrier - Ben Gordon (with 19).  Heinrich and Joe Smith were each held to 2 points, with Nocioni and Deng each scoring 8.  Just another terrible shooting night for Chicago at 36% as a team.  Boston, on the other hand, shot 44% from the field, 46% from downtown and 79% from the free-throw line.

"The loss to Detroit left a bad taste in our mouths," said Pierce. "It didn't matter who we played tonight, we were going to come out and take it to them. It didn't matter who was in the building."

Take it to them, they did.  Ray Allen logged 37 minutes on his way to an 18 point, 3 rebound, 4 assist game (including 3-7 for 3).  A few points on Ray Allen have me giddy.  First, his ankle has to be fine because Doc has been playing him big minutes two games in a row -- including this blowout.  Second, he seems to have his shot again after being cold for much of the first month.  I don't know if he spent his few games off pouring over game film to fix his shot, but whatever he's done it's worked.  Glad to have him back in form.

BOXSCORE

Garnett didn't play much last night, but when he did he was great.  He only took 6 shots during his 25 minutes, finishing with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.  I don't have the time, energy or desire to look this up... but is it possible that while with the T'Wolves, there was a game in which KG took only 6 shots and his team still won?  (Just throwing that out there).  But what really made me happy with KG's game tonight was his defense.  Unlike the Detroit game, KG nabbed 4 steals and was active and in position all night (like most of the C's).

Rondo had a decent game with 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.  Perk was big, racking up 12 points.  Posey was huge off the bench, knocking down 3 three's on his way to 12 points.  The most surprising performance, however, came from Tony Allen.  He was aggressive with the ball, great on defense and played with confidence.  He scored 12 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and swiped 3 steals.  Glad to see him put the Detroit game behind him.

MVC:  Paul Pierce.  During the 3rd quarter Pierce single-handedly buried the Bulls, scoring 15 of his 22 points during the period (including going 4-4 from downtown).  He also had 7 rebounds (all of which came in the 1st quarter, oddly enough), and dished out 3 assists.  My favorite moment of the game came during the 3rd quarter.  Nocioni was covering Pierce and did his patented Euro-flop, getting Pierce called for a ticky-tack foul.  Pierce was furious, so on his next possession he got the ball and drove to the rim, making sure to shoulder Nocioni on his jaw on his way to the bucket. 

Lastly, this was just a brutal beating by the Celtics.  They lost last game by 2 free-throws with .10 seconds left to the 2nd best team in the East and the media couldn't wait to pounce, claiming that they've been  overrated all year and they're not that good and yadda yadda yadda.  Hopefully they'll shut up again after this game.

The big question coming into this season was the point guard position, specifically the back-up spot. While Eddie house has done well, he has had some trouble handling the ball under pressure as you saw the other night vs. Detroit. Many have called for a grizzled vet to fill that roll, It appears that old friend Gary Payton wants to be that man. Marc Spears reports:

Ex-Celtics point guard Gary Payton watched on television from his Las Vegas home Wednesday night as his former team lost to the Pistons. And once Chauncey Billups hit the winning free throws with a tenth of a second remaining, Payton called his agent.

"He called me and said, 'Hey, I'm reminding you that the Celtics are a team I feel like I can help,' " said agent Aaron Goodwin.

The Celtics have been pleased with the play of second-year point guard Rajon Rondo. But there has been a feeling that Boston still needs a veteran backup at the position.

The Celtics have Eddie House, a 3-point threat who isn't considered a true point guard, and rookie Gabe Pruitt. And when the Celtics struggled to bring the ball up the court because of the Pistons' pressure defense when Rondo was out in the fourth quarter, the issue again presented itself. The Celtics also had trouble stopping Billups, a big point guard, who scored 28 points.

While it seems some in the organization aren't that interested in GP, Doc isn't one of them.

"I loved [Payton]," Rivers said. "Gary was great. He was a professional. He's a veteran, he knows how to play, and he's tough. So I always liked him and he knows that. That's probably why he wants to come. We had a terrific relationship."

Personally, I think he could help this team in a back-up roll down the stretch, we'll see

We've put the Detroit Debacle behind us and are ready to take down Chicago and move on to Game Two of our Celtics Ticket Giveaway. 

There's still pleeeeeeeenty of time to get yourself registered and involved in this tremendous contest for two tickets for the Celtics January 4th game versus the Memphis Grizzlies.  For those of you already guessing, you know the drill.  For those of you who are new to the contest, here's how it works.

These are the games involved: 

Wed 19	vs Detroit	7:00pm
Fri 21	vs Chicago	7:00pm
Sun 23	vs Orlando	6:30pm
Wed 26	@ Sacramento	10:00pm
Thu 27	@ Seattle	10:30pm

 

Here's what you need to do:

Create an username and then before each game you need to login and post a comment on that day's pre-game post (comment on this post for game 2).  What we need in your post is this:

For each game we have designated one Celtics starter.  You will have to guess what their basic stat line will be:  points, rebounds and assists.  Add each of those numbers up to create a total.  So if you think Garnett will score 15 points, grab 10 rebounds and dish out 5 assists, your total for Garnett = 30.

Whoever is closer to the actual stat total of that player will earn 'x' number of points.  The person with the most accumulated points after the 5 games wins.  The players and points break down like this:

2nd-Tie-Breaker total points by the Celtics on the 27th

Game one is over, but if you missed that, no worries -- win game two and you jump to the lead.

We're also giving daily prizes away to that game's winner.  Win for that game and you will receive a free BostonsportZ t-shirt - tiebreakers will be determined by guessing the Celtics final score for that day's game.

So, to recap, each game over the next five four, we've chosen one Celtics starter.  You will need to post what you think the total of the stat line will be for that chosen player.  You should also post your guess for the total points Boston will score that night.

Visiting daily will give you your best chance to win -- only one guess per person, please.  And individual game winners and contest leaderboard will be posted following gameday.  

 

David Ortiz is voting* -- you should too!

Good Luck, Happy Holidays and Beat Those Bulls!

*no, no he's not.  but it'd be pretty cool if he was... 

 

Alright, the first Game of our Win Celtics Tickets contest is over.  Kendrick Perkins stat line for the night was 5 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, making his grand total for the night: 12 points.

For those of you new to the contest, go here to read the rules.  It's not too late to join, and there' still plenty of time to grab the lead.  We'll do another post tomorrow morning to give you the opportunity to make your Rajon Rondo guesses for the Bulls game.

Our daily winner for last night, and new owner of a BostonsportZ t-shirt: Steven Palefsky!! 

Our Current Leaderboard for the Overall Prize:

Steven Palefsky - 2 points

Justin Mayo - 2 points

Both Steven and Justin guessed that Kendrick would end up with a total of 12 points, rebounds & assists, but Steven was one point closer on the Celtics Total Points scored to earn him the daily prize.

If you missed the first game, don't worry.  Our coach even sent us a little message for those who missed out on game one.  "C'mon, man! It's not too late to join the contest... Do it for the kids!"  Right on, Doc.  Right on.

Friday's Game will be worth 4 points, so make sure to check back tomorrow to make your guesses!

*All winners will be contacted at the end of the contest.
 

As soon as the game was over, my buddy Chris (who's a Spurs fan) sent me a text message:  "I want to see these 2 teams in the conference finals".  Me too, Chris.  Me too.

All the credit in the world to the Pistons, and specifically Chauncey Billups, who knocked down two free-throws with a tenth of a second left to seal the win, 87-85.  They gave the Celtics everything they had and handed Boston its first home loss of the season.  Detroit played tough on both ends of the court, let the Celtics go on a few runs throughout the game, but wouldn't be put away.  This was an endurance test, and Detroit came out on top.

The bad news for Pistons fans is that the Celtics didn't play their game.  Yes, part of that goes to the great Pistons defense.  But the C's shot only 60% from the free-throw line, and were cold from beyond the arc -- 1-10 at one point before Ray Allen knocked down a few (Boston finished 4-14).  I can guarantee that they won't let that happen next time.

We had the two best teams in the Eastern Conference go to war tonight, and while I'm pretty upset at the outcome, I just watched two great teams play an amazing game of basketball.  While the score was low, the intensity and execution were not.  Both teams were unselfish on the offensive end and unforgiving on defense.  I hope we do meet in the Eastern Conference finals, because it looks like it may be a 7-game series I'll be telling my grandkids about.

BOXSCORE

I have no complaints about how any of the Celtics played tonight.   Boston came out a bit flat to begin the game, but Raaaaaaaajoooooooooon Rooooooonnnnnndooooooooooo stepped up and ran off 10 consecutive points, including a disgusting fake on Rasheed Wallace.  Rondo left his guts on the court tonight, but was outplayed by the stronger, veteran-savvy Billups.  Rondo finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.

Pierce was never really able to get himself going.  I blame it more on Pierce trying to do too much than Detroit's defense.  Covering him for most of the game, Tayshaun Prince was unable to contain Paul.  Pierce used his strength to bull past him, and despite Prince's weird-long arms, Pierce had no trouble getting his shot off.  His shots just weren't falling.  He ended up shooting 5-16, tallying 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 turnovers.

You can tell that Kevin Garnett thrives in these big games.  He lead Boston with 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.  He was a little sloppy with the ball, turning it over 5 times, and was unable to come up with a steal or a blocked shot all night.  He was knocking down 20-foot jump shots all night, which is great, but he didn't seem to venture down-low too much.  I would've liked to see if anyone on Detroit could've handled KG on the post.  Maybe we'll find out next time.

MVC:   Ray Allen came back from his injury and was huge for the C's.  He had a hot hand all night, and I think Boston should have put the ball in his hands more often.  He was on the court for 38 minutes, so his ankle must have been feeling fine.  He ended up scoring 24 points (with 3 3's), grabbed 5 boards and had 2 assists with no turnovers.  He shot 9-13 from the field, including a game-tying 3 pointer with just under 19 seconds to play.

This is going to be the first, and hopefully last of my criticisms of Doc Rivers.&nbs