There Was A Basketball Game Yesterday?

Sometimes when something happens we have a tough time putting the even in persepective until years later. This shouldn't be the case with yesterday's Boston-Cleveland game 7. The Celtics defeated the Cavs 97-92 in a series finale that, for the most part, was epic. Lebron scores 45? Still loses? Talk about going down fighting (of course it doesn't help when Paul Pierce goes for 41). In the end, Cleveland just didn't have anyone else. It was really obviouis that Cleveland missed Daniel Gibson and his 3 point shooting. The corpse formally known as Ben Wallace (3 points, 4 rebounds?!) did nothing to help his team's cause.
Paul Pierce just got his ticket stamped to Springfield, MA. Although,it was funny to hear the announcers in the game yesterday debate on whether Pierce would have his number retired after his career is over in Boston (um...yes?). The ABC telecast also put up a graphic during the game stating that Pierce had played more playoff games in a Celtics uniform without winning a championship than any other player in team history. Well, it sure as hell looks like he's motivated to end that streak. Up next for the Celtics...the Detroit Pistons. Game one is Tuesday night in Boston, but thanks to the Celtics series going the full 7 games, it allows Chauncy Billups to return from his injury without missing any of the Conference Finals. Prediction? I've labled the Pistons as the East's best team all season, and I'm not going to change that now. Pistons in 7.

Another Game 7? Mmmmm...

This has been the best NBA season since I became a fan in the late 1980s. The playoffs? They keep getting better and better and now we have two game 7s. It really doesn't get much better than this. Tomorrow I will be glued to the couch as the Celtics and Cavs go at it one more time. Where is this headed? I tend to believe that if Lebron is going to be one of the best players--he will come up big tomorrow, and I don't doubt that he will.
Kevin Garnett on the other hand? He had a huge game 5, which if you're keeping track at home runs his total of big time playoff performances to...3 (maybe?). He's also looking for his 5th series victory of his 12 year career. It could be worse for him--T-Mac is still searching for his first.
I really want this game to be better than the Atlanta-Boston game 7. I can't imagine Lebron allowing Cleveland to get blown out like Atlanta did. I'll take Cleveland 92-85. Lebron: 40-12-10 (because, why the hell not?).

With No Regard For Human Life

Did you see the exclamation by Lebron James last night over the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year? Do you think Celtics fans are getting worried now? Sure, they beat Cleveland twice (both in Boston and both thanks to below average games by King James). Last night? James was getting the swagger back and this dunk (which is the video definition of "Killer Instinct") with 1:44 remaining in the 4th solidified it--James is back and if you think he's going to let his team lose the best 2 of 3, you're crazy.
The C's officially can't win on the road now and are missing some important ingredients (see also: big defensive stops, a "go to guy") --not against seasoned teams (which both Detriot and Cleveland are). The question now, is, will Cleveland steal game five or seven in Boston? Personally, I think they win tomorrow night and finish off Boston in six...but I've been wrong before and I'll be wrong again.