I wrote the words "wow" and "unbelievable" about 50 times each in the live-blog, but really what else is there to say? The Celtics pulled off one of the biggest comebacks that I've ever seen and arguably one of the biggest in Finals history. They were down 21 at the end of the first, down 18 at the half, 20 in the third and the largest lead was 24.....on the road!

Here's the clip show....

Ray Allen just played out of his mind at the end of that game and looked like a teenager. James Posey hit one of the biggest shots of the season. Eddie House who played terrible at times, had some key rebounds and a three. And most importantly the Celtics overcame the largest halftime deficit in Finals history since the inception of the shot clock and just completely shocked the NBA World.

With all of that said, there was still a ticky-tack call on that Pierce drive and Steve Javie was at the center of it all. I told you that he is a road team ref earlier in the day, and no matter what combination the NBA puts out there at this point, there always seems to be a controversy.

That's not to take anything away from the Celtics who are now one step away from the NBA Championship. Oh and again....unbelievable and wow.

Who: Boston Celtics at L.A. Lakers
What: Game Three the NBA Finals
Where: Staples Center- Los Angeles, California
When: 9pm (ABC)
Why: So Jeff Van Gundy has a forum for his set of rule changes/or for the NBA Championship
Spread: Lakers -9, O/U 196

The fun gets underway around eight something, but feel free to leave your free throw over/unders in the comments beforehand. I'm might be a tad bit late, but I'll be here as soon as possible.
_______________________

Okay here we go. Was ready about 30 minutes ago but T-storms kicked the power out. Hopefully we're up and running for good. Let me know what I missed in the comments.

20-20 after one.

God Bless ESPN2 programming that showed the WNBA game to REALLLY get me primed for Game 3! (Via Rob In Wi)

Wait until July my friend...that's all you'll see.

OK, I know this isn't grammatically or ridiculously stupid. But Jeff Van Gundy keeps harping on the Rondo - Kobe matchup. He said "I don't think Rondo is used to guarding Kobe on consecutive possessions." Fact was he still hadn't. Again not stupid, just unobservant. (Via Anon)

Yeah it's almost as if he's not even watching the game. He's just staring off into space.

Hey Bill Walton is there! Good stuff.

"Terrible shot Luke!"- Jeff Van Gundy in his best Walton voice

Are Bennett Salvatore AND Joey Crawford refs for Game 3? This is like the 7th circle of referee hell.

"It's your turn Mark, do a Bill Walton impression."- Mike Breen
"A Bill Walton impression? No thank you. You guys are better than that."- Mark Jackson

Ooooh fight! PJ Brown vs. Jordan Farmar. Both looked ready to go at it before PJ rolled his eyes at the young buck. Good stuff. It's nice to see the Lakers show some fire.

29-22 Lakers

Luke Walton airballs a shot and I think he and Cassell both need to be banned from shooting the rest of the Finals. Garnett fouled and that was a bail out. Allen hits a three to cut it to four. Garnett now 0-7 and Kobe makes a beautiful layup....he's got 17. Joey Crawford with a questionable offensive foul call on the Celts and with Posey on Bryant he's going for 20 this quarter. Farmar for three and the lead is up to nine. Another Celts turnover and they're reeling now.

OOP TO GARNETT! Nice pass from Allen and Phil Jackson takes a timeout. 7 point lead with six minutes left.

"The bank is open for Kobe!"- Mark Jackson

I'm googling images of Chris Mihm, to remember what he looks like playing. he has not played a single minute in the playoffs. even DJ has played. (Via Nabucodonozor)

Hahaha nice. I forgot he was on the team until the Game One intros. Okay Wall*E the robot cartoon is there?!?!?! Good lord....


Cheap foul called on Garnett and he turns to Salvatore and says, "Bulls**t call." Bryant is on fire. No two ways about it and Pierce airballs a three.

I want whatever Dustin Hoffman's smoking. (Via Jeff)

The foul shots are 18-2 in favor of the Lakers but I have to agree with Mark Jackson that both teams when they're down in FTs are taking only jumpers.

Which would you rather do AA: listen to an Endless supply of Boston/LA Theme Songs, listen to 3 Doors Down, or grab a pitchfork and stick it in your eye? (Via Steve)

That's really tough. I don't mind Boston or the L.A. We Love It song, but endless would drive me insane. I would probably choose 3 Doors Down unfortunately.

10 point Laker lead and ANOTHER technical on Kobe Bryant for arguing a call. He seems to be playing pissed and like Flight and Willie in White Men Can't Jump....they don't play good when they're angry. Posey gets to the line on the other end. Here comes the "Boston Sucks" chants.

"Which in effect are saying Boston is not very good."- Mike Breen
"Is that the Mike Breen remix?"- Mark Jackson

Is "sucks" really that bad of a word? Man The Machine isn't missing either tonight...the lead is 10. Ray Allen misses another throw after a Fisher foul, but Posey gets a steal. Travel on Garnett who looks afraid to shoot. 1 minute to go....

Ray Allen hits a three and the Lakers will get the last shot. Huge shot for the Celtics, but Kobe is fouled and will get two. 6.3 left. Miss. Miss. Six point game at the Half and the Celtics are in a good position still after terrible first half.

"Get up Bitch!"- Kobe Bryant after his 2nd missed free throw

43-37 Lakers at the half

Clearly Kendrick Perkins was stung in the face by a bunch of bees. (Via Ivan)

"Sucks" has become Taboo since people started getting fuel syphoned from their cars. (Via Monty)

Good to know. I know announcers usually shy away from it but it's not really that bad of a word.

Alrighty, after yet another PR piece on Kobe Bryant and a weird Tim Donaghy and Jeff Van Gundy moment on Yao Ming....we're ready to go! Seriously though, I don't know what I've seen more. Kobe Bryant stories about he loves his family or ABC movie promos.

Another quick question....Does Michele Tafoya ever tell us something we don't already know? I remember seeing her run back with the Pierce injury thinking she was going to do find out something groundbreaking, but she reported that Pierce was back on the court after he was on the court for over a minute.

Rondo gets hurt and Mike Breen jokes that the fans were calling for a wheelchair. Good one. Bryant with a nice running layup and the lead is eight. House misses and Kobe follows with one of his own. Allen for two. Kobe for two and the lead is still eight.

"You want a term for indefensible? Right there."- Jeff Van Gundy

How about indefensible Jeff?

Perkins gets an and one but misses the throw. Lakers turnover and Ray Allen gets another layup. Kobe is blocked by Perkins and then fouled by Perkins. Hey Michele is at the locker rooms!!! You're reading ESPN aren't you?

Joey Crawford to Bennett Salvatore: "Salvatore, I served with Tim Donaghy. I knew Tim Donaghy. Tim Donaghy was a friend of mine. Salvatore, you're no Tim Donaghy." (Via Heef)

And now a "Get Smart" preview involving the NBA!?!?! Enough already. Oh and now back to the Hancock one. Come on. That's three different ones this game!!! Anywho, four point game.....that six...Trevor Ariza hits?!?! Wow....Garnett just tried to destroy the rim and misses, but he's fouled.

Good hustle by the Celts to get an O-reb and Eddie House hits a three. Garnett hits a hook a few possessions later and we're tied! Steal by Allen....and Garnett puts the Celts up with a jumper on the baseline. Pierce fouls Bryant and he's got four! That hurts.

Kobe misses another free throw and cuts it to one. 5 minutes left. Allen for three and Jackson calls timeout! Wasn't expecting that 15-3 run at all.

I think I'd rather have Kwame Brown back right now. S... o... f... t. That's how you spell Gasol. (Via Mike T)

Odom hits to cut it to two and Garnett misses. Ariza bricks a three and Perkins hits a nice hook shot after backing down Odom. Lead back to four. House bricks and Ariza gets a bunny on the other end. Garnett is just draining jumpers now...he's missed one out of his last five. Odom again and now we're playing.

Kobe fouls Ray Allen badly on a three and decides to argue some more with the refs. Allen hits all three and the lead is back to five. Two minutes to go. Brilliant move by Kobe for the runner. Garnett travels on a Dream Shake but no call...offensive rebound and PJ Brown goes to the line. Timeout with 1 minute left in the quarter.

Great shot of the Staples Center through the LA Smog. (Via Rob in Wi)

"Who's your favorite celebrity you saw?- Mike Breen
"Alyssa Milano."- Jeff Van Gundy

PJ Brown misses one and the lead is four. Gasol spins for two and gets his first FG of the game. Brown misses a layup, but the Lakers botch the break. Eddie House and The Machine go at it in the middle of the play and PJ Brown misses yet again to close out the quarter.

62-60 Celtics.

MACHINE HIT THREE, LAKERS BY ONE! ALLEN HIT THREE, CELTICS UP TWO!!! Great start to the fourth. Farmar and Eddie House miss threes (don't think I want them shooting) and Pierce is coming back into the game. He misses his first and he's only taking jumpers tonight. Offensive foul on Odom and that's his fourth.

Powe gets to the line and hits one of two. Kobe fouled on the other end and I have a feeling this is going to be a long quarter. Bryant misses ANOTHER free throw.

"Maybe they've gotta go to the hack-a-Bryant."- Jeff Van Gundy

Charge on Pierce and that's five.

Doc Rivers' new game plan: when the game is close, someone "sprain" something...come back a couple of minutes later and inspire the team to victory...and make David Stern very happy. (Via Samuel)

Vujacic hits and Machine is happy. Tie game again. Posey gets fouled on a nice drive and he'll shoot two. 8 minutes left. Make. Make. Boston up two.

"Do you know how many hustle plays Posey has had tonight? It's not going to show in the scorecard besides him being a gutsy player."- Jeff Van Gundy

That was very Morgan-like of JVG. Kobe for three! Lakers by one. Fisher hits two and the Laker lead is three with 6 minutes to go. Another Celtics turnover and Bryant is fouled on the drive. He makes both. Rondo makes a nice two in the lane after an o-reb and the lead is three. Odom misses but Gasol gets a tip in and the Lakers look in control....an Allen miss and we're under five.

Paul Pierce tried to take on the whole Lakers team on a break and get his shot blocked...might have been a foul but ABC won't show a replay.

If the lakers lose tonight, i'll shoot my mother. (Via Nabucodonozor)

I don't want no blood on my hands. 75-70 Lakers with 4 minutes or so left....

Gasol cleans up an Odom miss and the lead is seven. Pierce AND ONE! Great drive with people hanging all over him. Huge shot....but he misses the throw! Fisher misses but is there for the rebound as no one goes for it. Gasol is fouled and he goes to the line. Miss. Make. Six point game...3:30 left....

Pierce is fouled and Kobe gets called for his fourth. Looks pretty obvious on the replay. Timeout. Pierce hits the first....and hits the second. Four point game with 3 minutes left. Hahahahah. Gasol just threw it over the backboard. Oh wait he was definitely fouled with no call. Garnett hits. 2 point game....

The Machine inexplicably jacks up a three and bricks it. House misses on the other end. Two minutes. MACHINE HITS THREE! He doesn't even care. 5 point lead. Celts miss again and Fisher is fouled at the other end. Crazy sequence. Good. Good. Seven point lead for the Lakers and 1:33 left.

Great inbounds play as Garnett gets a dunk. Five point game. Kobe nails a jumper but House hits a three to make it a four point game! KOBE AGAIN!!! Great up and under and that pushes the lead to six with 38 seconds left.

OFFENSIVE FOUL ON GARNETT! That'll do it. Great win by the Lakers....Wait. Nevermind. It's over. Odom committed a dumb offensive foul but it didn't matter. Lakers win. Great win for them and a victory like that gives them even more confidence.

87-81 Los Angeles

Who: L.A. Lakers at Boston Celtics
What: Game Two the NBA Finals
Where: TD Banknorth Garden- Boston, Massachusetts
When: 9pm (ABC)
Why: So ABC can play songs from every band from Boston ever and/or for the NBA Championship
Spread: Celtics -2, O/U 192 (Series Price: Lakers -175, Celtics +155)
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So Bill Russell was just on and ABC showed a piece on Kobe walking around Boston. Both segments were special. They've won 14 combined titles so I'm not going to make fun of them here. Mike Breen has the goatee shaved off and I was told last week that the band-aid had to do with a section of skin Cancer he had removed, so I hope everything is okay there. Things get underway in 10 minutes or so, I hope at least some of you are around this fine Sunday evening.

Was that Russell laughing or one of the ESPN guys? It was way overdone whoever it was. (Via Anon)

Yeah that maniacal chuckle seemed to be coming from Bill himself, but that whole segment was terribly awkward. I'm on board as saying I love this intro, but the fact that Larry Johnson is in it makes me chuckle.

It was one of the ESPN guys. It sounded like Jon Barry. (The Fourth)

Why hating on bands from Boston? Don't you want to hear More Than A Feeling or Shipping Up To Boston again? Well, don't you? Via Steve)

No Steven....no I don't. Hi Michele! Ever since Kevin Garnett commented on her pink shirt she hasn't switched the color. I think someone has a crush! Here we go....

Boston wins the tip and Perkins picks up a foul in the first 10 seconds. Good start. Odom makes a nice cut and gets an easy two. Perkins gets an offensive board on the other end and the injured Paul Pierce hits a three. Bryant misses again and Pierce is fouled on the floor.

Kobe finally hits and the Lakers go up three, but Perkins hits a nice fadeaway to cut it to one. Pierce and one as he's looking to get to the basket early.

"He's gotten to the basket three times already."- Jeff Van Gundy

Thanks Jeff.

"Gasol tips it out and he says give me a bounce pass."- Mike Breen
"I've been there, you tell the big guy give me a catch."- Mark Jackson

L.A.'s offense is looking good early and Gasol is playing well early which helps them. A tech is called on Garnett after he argued an offensive foul called against him. Seven point lead for the Lakers. Bryant misses another shot and Ray Allen takes it to the basket for two. Timeout with 5:07 to go in the first....

15-12 Lakers

"Get in my poster!"- Mark Jackson

Come on Mark....you used that for the Garnett dunk the other night. Let's try something new oh and also......GIVE ME SOMETHING BIG, WITHA BUNCH OF MEAT!!! I hate that damn commercial.

The trio is talking about the Paul Pierce injury while Garnett completes a nice two down low. Fisher picks up a foul on yet another Pierce drive and Allen nails a three. Tie game.

"I don't think any athlete is that smart..."- Mark Jackson (Via Dan)

Yeah that was an odd comment about Pierce's injury. Would seem pretty easy to do if you planned it out ahead of time. Allen misses a free throw but hits the second to cut the Laker lead to one. Kobe picks up his second foul after elbowing Allen and he's gonna sit for a bit I presume.....

1:50 left.....19-18 Los Angeles

Interesting fact: Phil Jackson's Finals record is 9-1 in Game 2s. (Via Anon)

Yes, very interesting and those two foul calls Kobe were definitely questionable. Garnett hits another jumper and Boston finally gets the lead.

"This is why we need a seventh foul or no fouling out at all. Why should two questionable foul calls change the entire game?"- Jeff Van Gundy

And now JVG and Mark Jackson will argue for twenty minutes. I don't care either way but whatever makes the refs stop calling fouls in this game is alright by me. Powe misses a pair of throws and Farmar nails a three to put the Lakers back up. That's the end of the first.....

22-20 Lakers

Yeah. No such thing as yellow and red cards. Putz. (Via Ed)

Good point Ed....or penalties in Hockey. They don't change the game at all.

Oh Jeff, with your no foulout rule and that comment, you are still a bitter, bitter fired coach. (Via Steve)

JVG needs to calm down, but the calls have been pretty lame today. (Via The Fourth)

Agreed and he also needs to BEND THE BULLET!

Notice how Breen completely lost track of the game clock at the end of the first quarter? He seemed surprised that the shot was coming at the buzzer. (Via Anon)

Good point and it's Cassell Mania time! Jumpers, Jumpers, and Turnovers!!! Our human interest piece hits two free throws and we're tied again.

"That's how he punished Cassell in Game 1."- Mark Jackson

Cassell gets punished by simple dribbling... and we get punished by having to watch Cassell play. (Via Zak)

Leon Powe is playing out of his mind right now. Eight free throws?! That's what Paul Pierce should have now. He hits both and Boston is suddenly up five....Make that eight! Pierce nails a three....timeout Lakers.

30-22 Boston with 9:40 left in the half

Van Gundy wants to increase the PF max to 7, to avoid questionable calls putting stars on the bench. That's a treatment, not a cure. How about improving the quality of the officiating? We're supposed to change rules to compensate for arrogant, over-reaching refs? (Via Peter Brown)

I think we need Evil Goatee Wearing Mike Breen back to keep JVG in his place. (Via Anon)

Seriously. He's out of his mind tonight and he and Mark Jackson are going at it again regarding who the best offensive Celtics are/were. This is getting old. Kobe hits a jumper but loses the grip on another.

HAHAHAHAHAHA Bob Ryan says Pierce is more explosive than Bird, McHale, and every other Celtic in the history of semi-Irish basketball... this IS a laughing matter, right? (Via Zak)

Yeah I dunno about that one. Pierce is one of the Top Five, but I wouldn't say he's the best. Everyone on that team in the 80s could put up 20 a game if they wanted to. And right now Leon Powe is making a case for himself with another score and one.

"Another pass by Cassell - wow!"- Mike Breen
"That's like two already!"- Jeff Van Gundy
(Via Dan)

Hahaha. Now that's funny. And Cassell bricks a three right on cue! Thanks Sam!!! Lead is six for the Celtics and Kobe Bryant is going gunning now. Perkins with the and one and Gasol is hurt. Quick Pau...go to the locker room for 2 minutes and run back out!

40-32 Boston under six minutes to go in the half

You know what I was just thinking? I wonder what all of the people in the U.S. who had no idea Basketball was on tonight are feeling right now as they realize Extreme Home Makeover isn't/wasn't on.

Sam Cassell must be the Mole. (Via Anon)

Hahahaha. That's a winner right there.

I think the refs called a foul on the Lakers as Leon Powe went to the bench. (Via Steve)

Yeah there's a bit of a disparity isn't there? Kobe misses again and he's just off. Perkins picks up another foul on an over the back.....foul score now 15-8 Lakers. Gasol gets to the line with a nice move and is fouled. Mark Jackson and JVG actually talk about the game and I'm stunned....only a four point lead now.

Mark Jackson should really stick to basketball. (Via Ethan)

Ha seriously. He wasn't bad in Game One, but he and Van Gundy are waaaaay over the top tonight. Pierce nails a deep three and the Celts go up seven and Allen follows with one of his own. 10 point lead and a Lakers timeout. Rondo hit Gasol pretty hard there between the shots and yet another no call. MOOOOORE THAN A FEEEEEELING!

Radmonovic hits a three but Kobe picks up his third foul at the other end. He's not arguing this time as he ran over Paul Pierce on a screen. Pierce hits both and Kobe sits. 1:30 to go....

Gasol owns PJ Brown down low for two, but Pierce counters with a tough jumper. Rondo decides to show up to the game and gets a block and dunk.

"Rondo with the block, Garnett with the release, Touchdown Celtics!"- Mike Breen

Great call. I enjoyed that one Mike. Rondo gets to the line again and hits one. The lead is twelve and the Lakers get the last shot. No good. That's your half...

Score: 54-42 Celtics
Fouls: 17-10 Lakers

Stern's going to have to spend halftime telling the refs how to call a game fairly. I'd like to see him suit up and ref a game. (Via ifiok2567)

"Did he (Pierce) just call her (Tafoya) baby?" - Mike Breen (Via Steve)

And we're back! Second half is underway and the lead is up to 14 now after a Ray Allen jumper.

I don't know... it's been a pretty one sided officiating game... but not the worst. Nobody on the bench has been thrown out for laughing yet. That's pretty much the benchmark, right? (Via Anon)

Definitely. Hey a Kurt Rambis sighting! I miss the glasses.

"You can't get the Magic Man eating popcorn. Come on cameraman you're better than that!"- Mark Jackson

Bryant puts in two after a spin and immediately picks up a technical for arguing the no call. Maybe that will wake the refs up. Pierce hits a three and the lead is now sixteen. This one is getting out of hand. And Garnett gets fouled down low and this reffing situation is just completely out of hand. Lamar Odom might have to choke a ref.

Verne Troyer...Justin Timberlake...I smell Academy Award for The Love Guru! (Via Steve)

Me too. PJ Brown and Lamar Odom get into it a bit and the Lakers decide to try and press. Rondo gets nailed on a dunk attempt by Odom and I think that's the first right call on the Lakers today. Rondo misses the first but hits the second. 15 point lead.

Now that was a terrible call on Rondo. Make up time and Lamar Odom is getting more and more crazy as this game goes on. Kobe is heating up after that nice bankshot earlier. He's got 8 this half. Rondo misses and Gasol hits one on the other end. Here come the Lakers.

68-59 Celtics, 4:29 left

The sheer fact that Radmonovic is guarded Pierce right now should make the Lakers lose this game. The lead is thirteen and Pierce has 23. Kobe airballs a shot and PJ Brown hits a nice layup on the other end. Kobe misses a three, but Farmar gets it and misses. Hahahahaha Odom spikes the ball into PJ Brown out of bounds while he's laying on the ground.

Great three by Allen and then Rondo hits Powe for an oop on the break. The lead is 20.

PUT SCALABRINE IN (Via The Fourth)

Him playing in a suit would be hilarious. Odom picks up an offensive foul and that's five on him. The Machine turns it over and Powe jams home another two! Good lord he's playing like a madman.

OH MY GOODNESS! What a fake and pass by Rondo to Powe for the dunk!!! That's your quarter....

83-61 Celtics

"Take em to the streets Rondo!"- Mark Jackson

Farmar starts off the 4th with a three and that should help them get back on track. POWE AGAIN! On the drive this time. Rondo falls down as he shoot but PJ Brown gets the board. They can do no wrong tonight.

Farmar hits another three after a couple of baskets were traded and the lead is 18. Powe gets an offensive rebound and Garnett hits a J. Rondo has 15 assists. Wow.

Anyone else notice the much more distinguished half court line? (Playoff Beard)

Great catch! It was completely missing during Game One and the backcourt calls were tough to make. Lead is 23 and the Lakers should just pack it in at this point. Kobe misses an oop and stares down the refs on the way back up the court.

"Dr. J, wherever you are listening I apologize for my partner Mark Jackson making the statement that Leon Powe reminds him of you in a dunk contest. That could be the most embarrassing statement uttered on the ABC airwaves."- Jeff Van Gundy

"So many reality shows, so little time."- Jeff Van Gundy

Here he goes. 99-86 with under three to go. Kobe nails a three and don't look now but this one isn't quite over yet. 11 point lead. After the timeout Bryant hits a jumped to cut it to two. Pierce answers on the other end and Kobe hits another one. Nine point game 1:30 left.

Machine hits three! 104-98 with 1:22 left. Unbelievable. Radmonovic steals it and dunks it home!!!!! 4 point game. Timeout Boston.

Ronodo misses! Rebound to Kobe and he's fouled by Pierce and Bryant to the line to cut it to two. He hits both. Pierce has it up top and he drives....fouled. 22.8 left and PP is going to the line. He hits the first, and the second! 4 point game...timeout Lakers.

Machine for three! Blocked by Pierce!!! And Posey is fouled on the board. First is good....second is good. Fisher misses a three and that'll do it. Everyone can breath in Boston now.

108-102 Celtics and they lead 2-0.

"A wild finish at the Staples Center" - Mike Breen

Hahahaha. Way to end it.

The first half was rather pedestrian but after a supposed Pierce knee injury and Willis Reed-like return (nowhere near the same though) it picked up. That return energized the crowd and ultimately the Celtics as role players like PJ Brown and Leon Powe stepped up. It was KG who inserted the dagger though....

Kobe seemed to be out of it the whole game and 9-26 shooting just isn't going to get it done. The Lakers just couldn't keep up with the level of play after Pierce returned and Garnett just looked hungry. Great Game One and I fully expect Kobe to come with the fury in Game Two. Hopefully the rest of the Series plays out exactly the same as far as close game and intensity.

Who: L.A. Lakers at Boston Celtics
What: Game One of the NBA Finals
Where: TD Banknorth Garden- Boston, Massachusetts
When: 9pm (ABC)
Why: To repair Kobe's image so people forget he's such an asshat and/or to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy
Spread: Celtics -3, O/U 192 (Series Price: Lakers -175, Celtics +155)

The fun gets underway around 8 something with videos and pregame goings on (i.e.- Kimmel). Feel free to leave predictions and hate comments for Stephen A. Smith in the comments.
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So the Kimmel thing is happening after every game and I'm pretty sure that's going to get annoying quick. I remember when his show first started it game after a Super Bowl. The NBA Finals aren't the Super Bowl, but this year's numbers should be a good vehicle.

So Jimmy starts out with a humorous game of one on one with Shaq, and then we find out that Magic Johnson is on the show. Ugh. Well at least we also get the Spelling Bee champ and Puffy as well. I'm upset Bill Simmons won't be making an appearance though.

"He's like the white Larry Bird this guy."- Jimmy Kimmel on Basketball trickster Tim Nolan

Oooh Erin Andrews is there for the Spelling Bee thing and she's looking extra tan today! I would have pulled the video but it was pretty boring (outside of EA's low cut shirt).


I think Jimmy Kimmel should wait till Erin Andrews sunburn wears off before inviting her on next time....Sorry to insult the golden child AA, but now a good appearance for EA. (Via Steve)

Seriously. Magic has to be approaching Shaq-like size these days.

"Don't get me in trouble with my employee."- Magic (That would be employER Magic)

And we're live from Boston. Kobe comes in wearing a gold tie and looking pimp and Garnett looks like Morpheus with a long suit coat. Straight pimping.

"Sometimes you have to manufacture drama, not here."- Stuart Scott (So you admit it?)

Damn Magic is everywhere tonight. How did he get from L.A. to Boston in 10 minutes?!?!?! I love the Dropkick Murphys but if I never hear "Shipping up to Boston" again I'll probably be okay.

The other networks aren't even trying tonight. Two hours of "So You Think You Can Dance?" for FOX. (Via The Fourth)

Hahaha Seriously. I was just put in a trance by Bill Bellamy on Last Comic Standing. You can now add Mike Breen's goatee to the "Gus Johnson Hall of Fame for Bad Facial Hair".

"Carlos Boozer, you've got to make the Lakers pay. Boozer did it earlier in the Playoffs."- Jon Barry

Didn't Boozer have a collection of his worst games as a Pro against the Lakers? Like a commenter mentioned recently.....I don't really want advice from a guy that averaged 4.3 ppg and 16.9 mpg in his career. That James Taylor is so hot right now.

Okay, let's do this. Wait Chris Mihm is still on the Lakers? When did that happen (or not happen)???

Am I the only one who thinks the giant Larry O'Brian Trophy at mid-court is tacky? (Via Anon)

No not at all....I never understand why they make the thing so damn big.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I just got goosebumps and Brian Scalabrine just got a lot darker for this game. Maybe he's on the Erin Andrews tanning plan....


Pretty sure that's Tony Allen, ABC. I could be wrong though. And we're just about ready for the tip. HAHAHAHAHAHA, okay that really is Evil Mike Breen. The goatee and the band aid? Priceless.



Wow, Doc Rivers actually sounded inspirational for once. Simmons, eat your heart out. (Via Dan)

Seriously. That was a great speech. Okay the tip is coming up after the commercial. I'm going to try and not bog you down with game talk between the quotes, so if you have something to say....speak up and you'll see it here.

The Lakers get out to an early two point lead and apparently there's only 1:11 left in the first quarter. They fix the clock problems and Rondo misses a jumper. Odom hits a jumper after a Kobe steal and the Lakers go up four. Nice layup by Pierce but he commits a dumb shooting foul on Derek Fisher at the other end.

"Hard to hear the whistle, this place is loud."- Mike Breen

Seriously. I can barely hear JVG when he chimes in. 10-8 Lakers with 7 minutes left in the quarter.......Wait, we're tied. Garnett jams one home. Great move and the crowd gets even louder. Bryant misses two shots in a row and Pierce follows with one of his own. There's are first timeout halfway through the first.....10-10.

"Garnett attacking the rim, MY GOODNESS!"- Mark Jackson

"These guys are banging quite a bit down low."- Mike Breen (Via SS Reporters)

Kobe finally hits one with 5 minutes left, and the pace is starting to slow down. Rad has two fouls and The Machine comes in. Pretty shots traded by Garnett and Gasol and we're tied again. A great move by Rondo but he misses the layup and the Lakers commit a backcourt violation which the ABC crew disagrees with.

Ray Allen schools The Machine and hits a three and there's a Lakers timeout with the Celts up 5.

And the grotesque trophy on the floor has already caused one missed call... how many more? I say the over under is 4.5 for this game. And more than a feeling? really? who the hell is picking the audio today? (Via Dan)

Yeah that was definitely a violation and I don't even think the guys got the rule right. If you have one leg over and you pass back isn't that backcourt?

Q: I survived a Japanese game show? Are TV execs even trying any more? (Via Mr. Cheekz)
A: No (Via AA)

MACHINE MAKE THREE! I don't think I've seen him miss during these Playoffs.

"I've got a play....post Garnett."- Jeff Van Gundy

Alley Oop to Garnett! He misses? His whole body was above the rim. How did he miss that??? Bryant hits a short jumper and we're tied again (I have a feeling I'm going to be saying that a lot). Wait...The Machine misses. PJ BROWN is a beast...I'm just sayin'.

That's the quarter folks and a good one at that. Celts are up two. 23-21.

I believe Mike Breen now qualifies for the first ever "announcer playoff beard". You hear that Buck, start growing some facial hair! (Via Steve)

Hahahaha. Now that would be awesome. Hey Michele is there! I don't care and subs galore come into the game. Cassell, Powe, Walton, Turiaf, Brown, and Posey are all in....I might change the channel. Does Cassell ever not take a shot when he's on the court? I mean he made it, but that was a terrible look.

"They just showed Phil Jackson, he's 80 years old and he looks great!"- Jeff Van Gundy

Oh great....here come the jokes. Paul Pierce has done nothing this game at all but the Celts are still up five. They need to make this lead bigger with Kobe on the bench. Wait, "Start Me Up"? Who does ABC think is watching these games???

That was Tex Winter Jeff mentioned AA, not Phil Jackson. (Via Steve)

Whoops...my bad. Anywho, Celts up two still but Pierce is going to the line. I'm not gonna lie but this game is kind of boring. Garnett hits two and Boston is up three. Does anyone know if Derek Fisher's shots actually cause rain to fall? Bad call by Bavetta on Gasol there.

Offensive foul on Kobe Bryant who absolutely wanted to destroy Cassell there. Sam then conveniently misses a three. Time for Rondo to come back in. Lead is 5 for Boston.

By the way Adam Sandler...I will mess with the Zohan. You may have your most retarted character since Billy Madison. (Via Steve)

Ouch. Paul Pierce picks up his third foul. Actually he's not really doing anything so it might not be bad to get him a break. Gasol with the dunk and the lead is one. Posey misses a three and this is the time of the game where Boston looks completely lost offensively. Lakers take the lead.

"Very poor pick and roll coverage tonight by the Celtics."- Jeff Van Gundy

You think? Two dunks in the last five possessions might have been a hint. Timeout Boston with the Lakers on a 10-2 run. 45-42 L.A. with 3 minutes left in the half. And thanks to SD we've got our first retarded Boston fan of the Series! I give you "Guy in Pink Garnett Jersey"....



ABC is going through some audio problems now. Great. The Lakers are controlling this thing now as Mark Jackson tells us that Magic Johnson is the best point guard ever and it's not close. Oscar Robertson was pretty damn good.

And that's your half. The Lakers turned it on at the end there and lead by 5. I could care less about the Halftime Show and those jokers so I'll probably see you in 15 or so. Keep those comments coming....

51-46 Lakers at the half

Damn. Sorry about that delay I tried to pull that Magic-Bird commercial and my computer just completely shutdown on me. We're back on now and Paul Pierce just went down with a crippling knee injury to both himself and the Celtics. That's not good.

Lakers are up three halfway through the third and now Perkins is hurt too. Good lord. Ray Allen hits a three though and we're tied again. HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT'S PAUL PIERCE'S MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's not exactly Willis Reed-esque but that was awesome (and probably staged).

AA, you're getting a little too much Simmons lately I think... although it's "Good lord" or a variation of that rather than "Holy Crap," haha. Playing on a sprained knee (or sprained anything, really) takes a lot of guts, it'll be interesting to see how Pierce responds. (Via Dan)

You're right....I apologize. Boston has pushed the lead to four near the end of the third, but Garnett fouls The Machine on a three. Perkins is coming back, but I'm pretty sure he's not going to get the ovation that Pierce did.

WOW! Alley oop to Kobe....now we're playing. L.A. up one with Rondo on the line.

"Rondo to Pierce.....BANG!"- Mike Breen

Celts up one......AND ANOTHER PIERCE THREE! Now this is what I'm talking about. Kobe hitting oops, Pierce nailing back to back threes.......Welcome to the Finals!

Kobe misses a three and PP hops on the bike. That's your quarter....and unbelievable shot by The Machine which doesn't count.

77-73 Celtics

Leon Powe with a great offensive rebound and he gets fouled. Mike Breen with best wishes to Senator Ted Kenneday and count that as something I'd never hear during an NBA broadcast. Whoever called Sam Cassell missing key shots late in the game was right....that was nasty.

Huge work by the bench players and the Celtics go up eight with a Posey three. And yet ANOTHER Boston song going to the break. I think that was "Smokin'".

Someone get Sam Cassell off the damn court. That last shot was terrible....well not as bad as Turiaf's jumper just now. Derek Fisher is like the anti-Cassell. He hits another jumper. Boston up six. Hahahahaha and now Cassell lets the clock expire....come on Doc.

Machine hit jumper, lead go to four. Here comes the Lakers' bench! Timeout.

86-82 Celtics, 5:48 left

Way to slide a Hancock promo in there ABC. Bryant is off again and Pierce hits yet another fadeaway. Gasol misses a wide open jumper and Rondo misses on the other end, but Brown is there for the O-Reb and the foul.

I feel like this announcing team has no heart tonight, especially for the situation. I'm barely feeling any excitement watching this, and I was excited for Spurs/Lakers. And I have no real favoritism here (/half-hearted Knick fan). Breen doesn't do much for me, especially how he played damage control when Pierce got hurt. I actually like Van Gundy, just... not feeling it tonight. Just kinda... going through the motions. The Game 1 motions. (Via Zak)

I hear you to a degree Zak. They're calling a pretty good game, but the energy isn't exactly translating.

"I can't believe you're trying to get brownie points with the camera crew."- Mark Jackson to JVG

WOW! An And One from Odom cuts it to six and keeps the Lakers in the game. Six point lead. Make that five. 3 minutes to go....

Gasol to the line after what looked like a good block. Six point lead still. Miss. Make. Rondo gets to the line for the Celts after a nice move at midcourt. Make. Miss.....out of bounds on the Lakers. 1:45 left....

DAMN! Kevin Garnett comes with the THUNDA!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's a video. Wow.

"GARNETT ON THE FOLLOW!" - Mike Breen (Via Zak)

Still a six point game though. Garnett is feeling it though and he's fouled on the drive. Makes both....eight point lead with a minute left. Kobe misses a three and Garnett grabs the board. KG misses on the other end and L.A. brings it back down. Fisher misses the three and the Lakers finally foul with only 16 seconds left.

Ball Game. Game One goes to the Celts. Great second half and a good job by Breen, Jackson, and JVG. Videos and such to follow. Thanks for sticking around and I'll see you Sunday night.

98-88

I was skeptical at first when I read that someone was trying to mix Kobe and Garnett clips with the Dark Knight preview but this is pretty damn good. Check it....

Kevin Garnett is really freaking me out in that vid, and I take issue with Kobe being Batman, but still very good. Also, does anyone else get really creeped knowing that this was one of Heath Ledger's last movie role?

Reminder: Live-Blog tonight!

Nothing exciting to write about this afternoon (Spring Training Baseball is putting me to sleep), so I thought I'd put up this hilarious video with Kevin Garnett imitating the newest Celtic Sam Cassell.

He sounds like the cookie monster.

Kevin Garnett's Sam Cassell Impression (Fanhouse)

Man is there anything Boston isn't good at this year? Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Fashion advice??? Wait a tic....

"Well you're trying to bring back the glory of the Celtics, I was bringing back..."- CS
"As you see it's working, and that is not."- KG

Oh snap! No you didn't Big Ticket!!!

Kevin Garnett Wants to Talk About This Outfit Choo Got On (Hugging Harold Reynolds)