I really like Jeff Van Gundy on ESPN/ABC. I think he's witty, knows the game of Basketball and works well with Breen and Jackson. I've had some issues with his comedic timing in the past, but each year he gets better. That's why I thought that his issues with his brother being in the Finals wouldn't be a problem. Boy, was I wrong.

Richard Sandomir, of the NY Times, talked with Breen following the Lakers Game Five win, and the play-by-play man all but said that JVG was depressed during the whole broadcast....

“I think this was harder for him than he thought it would be,” said Mike Breen, whose command as the play-by-play voice of the finals continues to grow. “This was uncharted waters. I didn’t know how he would do it.”

You sensed Jeff’s reticence in his silence at tough moments for the Magic during Game 5.

“Will they fold their tent or fight?” asked Mark Jackson, Van Gundy’s partner in analysis. (Jeff said nothing.)

“Anxious moments at Amway Arena,” Breen said, as the camera cut to a shot of Stan. (Jeff said nothing.)

“At one point, during an incredible Lakers roll, maybe in Game 1,” Breen said during a telephone interview Monday, “I was making some loud, juiced-up calls about some Lakers baskets. I saw him sitting next to me, and he’s down. His brother’s team is getting shellacked. I hated to sound so enthused, and I told him I was sorry. He’s a longtime friend, he’s my partner, and you feel for what he’s going through.”

While I understand the ties to your family, there is still a job that you have to do, and I thought Van Gundy would realize that. Instead, he sulked and was audibly missing from the broadcast during the fourth quarter of Game Five. As Sandomir pointed out, he could have been analyzing what changes his brother could/should be making, but instead he checked out. Obviously the chances of this scenario happening again are unlikely, but ABC should really consider benching JVG if it does again.

ABC’s Van Gundy Remained Mum About His Brother (NY Times)

ESPN held its annual NBA Finals conference call today, and the topic of discussion was mostly about Jeff and Stan Van Gundy. The first question of the call came from the NY Times' Richard Sandomir, who asked JVG about his plans, and here was his response. Via ESPN PR....

Obviously I was a little bit leery of doing the games, and I remember speaking to Mike [Breen] and Mark [Jackson] about it, and I said maybe I shouldn't do the games because I'm not sure I could be critical of Stan. And Mark said, "Well that's no different, you're never critical of any coaches," so that made a lot of sense to me because I know how hard the job is, and I think Mark and I both try to say what we may do, but we don't spend a lot of time second guessing. So, I think once the game starts, I'll try to be as objective as possible. If they're fortunate enough to win, you know the Championship, I may have my bottle of champagne I pour over myself, and Mark and Mike. I definitely want him to win, no doubt, but during the games I'm going to try to be objective as possible.

I really think Jeff will be fine, and this whole thing wouldn't have an issue if he didn't make it one to begin with. I'm sure it won't be easy, but he's been around the booth long enough to handle himself in a situation like this.

The NBA Playoffs tipped off this weekend, and Jeff Van Gundy has made headlines in three different, yet very funny stories. Van Gundy not only mistakenly called Lakers' guard Shannon Brown, Chris Brown, but he chatted with Kanye West and expressed his disdain for LA's taco promotion. Here's the Brown video, and the other two stories from the LA Times and Sporting Blog....

Van Gundy Is Hip Hop: "Kanye West sat courtside at Lakers-Jazz, which led to an exchange on what analyst/former coach Jeff Van Gundy knows about the rap game. The Notorious J.V.G. responded by telling the world: "I am hip hop."

Tacos: "Geez, Mike Breen, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, let Lakers fans have a little fun. As the Lakers were concluding their easy win over Utah on Sunday, the ABC announcing trio got testy about the chanting "We want tacos" that the fans were doing at the end of the game.

If the Lakers hold an opponent under 100 points, fans get a certificate for a free Jack in the Box taco. Putting aside the fact that those tacos are really, really bad tacos, full of mushy stuff and grease, the Lakers had led basically from start to finish. It almost seemed in bad form to cheer much when the opponent was so outclassed. So they were having a little noisy fun begging for tacos. Big deal. But Breen, Jackson and especially Van Gundy made it sound as if having such promotions that caused such chanting was an affront to the very dignity of NBA basketball.

Now the Kanye thing is pretty funny, but I'm with the LA Times, when they say to let the Laker Fans have a little fun. Every team has a promotion like that, and to criticize fans for wanting something free, is a bit ridiculous. It's good to see that Van Gundy is already distracting viewers from the game at hand, and it's only the first round!

Jeff Van Gundy does read the tabloids (Outside the Boxscore)
Jeff Van Gundy Is Hip Hop (The Sporting Blog)
Lighten Up, Guys (LA Times)

ESPN puts this event on every year, and if you have some time on Friday night, I beg of you to check it out. Not for the Basketball, but rather the unintentional comedy that the game provides. Every year something crazy happens, like T.O. dunking or Reggie Bush almost blowing out his knee, and some random TV star is bound to airball a layup. It's really a blast!

Not only that, but ESPN is even giving you an added bonus. Former referee, and current ABC/ESPN play-by-play man, Mike Breen will be your zebra for the game! Here are some of the celebrities from the NBA's official press release....

Basketball Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins join actor/comedian Chris Tucker, Desperate Housewives' James Denton, and Scrubs' Donald Faison along with other stars of Hollywood, music and sports in the McDonald's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday, Feb. 13, in association with 2K Sports, Cisco and T-Mobile USA. The game will be televised live on ESPN (7 p.m. ET) from Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas.

Basketball Hall of Famers Magic Johnson (ESPN analyst) and "Dr. J" Julius Erving, who combined for 23 NBA All-Star appearances and who each earned two All-Star Game MVPs, will serve as coaches for the star-studded teams. Other celebrities-turned-hoopsters competing include Dallas Cowboys All-Pro receiver and Terrell Owens (last year's Celebrity MVP), Chuck's Zach Levi, and Prison Break's Michael Rapaport.

To add pro hoops firepower, NBA legends Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins, who combined for 19 NBA All-Star appearances, will compete with former Phoenix Suns All-Star Dan Majerle, three-time NBA champion Rick Fox, and WNBA stars Lisa Leslie of the L.A. Sparks and Kara Lawson of the Sacramento Monarchs, as well as Harlem Globetrotters "Wildkat" Edgerson, "Special K" Daley, "Scooter" Christensen and "Handles" Franklin.

Mark Jones and Jon Barry will be on the call for the game at 7pm this Friday, and again, I urge you to at least record the game and watch it later. You won't regret it.

Here we go again. Someone was trying to do something funny, and a special interest group takes offense. ESPN has apologized to both the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and the Human Rights Campaign, for an add that featured commentator Mike Breen asking for a "Fist Kiss" from Shaquille O'Neal. Not only that, but they're dropping the ad entirely. Via Edge....

ESPN thought it was being clever when it unveiled a promotional ad the cable channel that showed basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal rejecting a "fist kiss" (fist bump, really) from sports commentator Mike Breen. Instead, it unleashed a firestorm of protest.

Now, the channel has said it is sorry and will remove the ad, reports The Advocate. After Breen called it a "fist kiss," O’Neal moves away from Breen on the couch, and says, "No fist kiss, no fiss love, no fist hump. None of that. You’re a weirdo man. Stay over there. Fist kiss. Disgusting."

It was the latter word that got the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Human Rights Campaign hot under the collar.

GLAAD, in a statement, reported that ESPN responded to its objections with a statement of its own. "None are intended to be offensive to anyone or any community of people," ESPN’s statement said of its campaign. "Our intent is to send a positive message about the camaraderie of sports and to do so as creatively as we can."

The network added that "We understand your perspective on this ad and would like to apologize to the members of the gay community. In addition, we have decided to remove the ad from the campaign’s online executions. ESPN has a long-standing tradition of supporting diversity in the workplace and beyond. We are fully committed to continuing a dialogue that welcomes and recognizes diverse perspectives. We appreciate your bringing your concerns to our attention.

I always say that people should just apologize, and move on if they offend someone, but some of these requests are getting a bit ridiculous. I guess alls well that ends well, but you would think ESPN could have changed the ad instead of dropping it entirely.

ESPN Apologizes for, Removes ’Homophobic’ Ad

Everybody seems to love this Dickie V to the NBA idea, especially ESPN, so let's take a little look back at a more subdued Dickie V calling a Celtics-Bucks playoff game in 1984....



I still contend that this is a bad idea, but if it gets people to watch the NBA, you can't really fault ESPN for the stunt. I'm personally more interested in the NBA team of Breen, Jackson and JVG calling the NCAA game tonight, but I'll be checking out both and commenting on them tomorrow.

The New York area is all about the national announcers as of late, but this seems like a smart move. Word is that YES will soon be reuniting the once NBC and occasional TNT duo of Marv Albert and Mike Fratello for the Nets' 2008-2009 season. Via the NJ Star-Ledger....

The Nets have filled the TV analyst gig left vacant by Mark Jackson, we're told, and the choice is none other than Mike Fratello (of course).

We all should have seen this coming: Mike's family is still in Hackensack, his kids are in NYC, his heart remains in Jersey, and there aren't many people better at this gig - especially when he's teamed with Marv Albert.

The announcement is still some time off, presumably because he is shopping around for a new telestrator.

The Knicks and Nets may have two of the worst teams in the NBA last season but they've got the announcer market cornered. I'm not the biggest "Czar" fan, but he knows his stuff, and when you Marv Albert, Mike Breen, Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel, Bob Wischusen, Gus Johnson, Walt Frazier, etc....New York has some pretty good leads and backups in their stable.

NJ Nets: Marv and Czar, Together Again (NJ.com)

Who: L.A. Lakers at Boston Celtics
What: Game Six of the NBA Finals
Where: TD Banknorth Garden- Boston, Massachusetts
When: 9pm (ABC)
Why: So Joey Crawford can force a Game Seven for the NBA or The NBA Championship
Spread: Celtics -5, O/U 191

The Celtics have shot number two at the Championship and this time it's at home. Is it banner number seventeen or a game seven on Thursday night? Predictions and thoughts in the comments and I'll see you later on. Until then enjoy my favorite photo of the Finals so far.....

______________________

And we're live from Boston, Massachusetts! Dwyane Wade is your guest studio host and he's about as exciting as watching the grass grow.

"If you remember when [Doc] was in Los Angeles, he had Tracy McGrady but never had Grant Hill."- Stephen A. Smith (Via Luis)

That's random. Sorry I missed that one.

My prediction: Jon Barry makes the observation that in Game 6's, the team which scores the most points wins 60% of the time. That, and I think the Lakers win by 4. (Via Mike T)

Jon Barry is a Basketball genius even though he averaged something like 4.3 ppg in his career. Don't you forget that!

Wade is the best they could do? He was hurt more than anything this season. Where is LeBron James? Where is Mano Ginobli? Where is Charles Freaking Barkley? (Via Rdmblog)

Yeah that's a weird choice. TNT goes to him a lot as well for some reason. I think he's a great player, but is boring as hell on TV.

"Coming up Jon Barry explains why he is one of the keys to Game Six for the Lakers."- Stuart Scott

Oh man....this is going to be good.

Paula Cole? Was Yoko Ono busy? (Via Heef)

Seriously. Man I've got goosebumps for this intro. Something special is going down tonight. Hahaha Kobe just broke out the devil horns for ACDC!


"The Lakers don't have a good matchup to start the game with Radmonovic [on Pierce]- Jeff Van Gundy

Why do they even play him? He gets used on defense and up until last game he did nothing on offense. Bill Russell is on hand along with Jo Jo, ML Carr, Ced Max, and Hondo. Good stuff. Lakers get the tip and we're underway....already a foul on K-Perk. Kobe hits a jumper to start LA's scoring. Ooooh and an early questionable call by Crawford. Pierce called for the block as Fisher bowls him over.

Rondo is off early but he gets a steal.....ALLEN FOR THREE! 4-3 Lakers. Odom is off and Allen draws a foul. He'll head to the line.

Charles, Kenny, and E.J. on with Leno tonight. Don Rickles also scheduled tonight. Can only imagine Rickles and Barkley on the couch at the same time. (Via Jeff The Web Guy)

Good reminder. Allen hits both and the Celtics lead. Kobe responds with a three though. Rondo is off again but he's hustling tonight....he gets a loose ball and gets fouled. Make, Make. Bryant again for three....uh oh. Pierce is off while trying to draw a foul. Steal...and a defensive three seconds. Allen hits.

"How do you break a windshield on a plane?"- Jeff Van Gundy

Rondo misses yet again but so does Odom and Garnett ties it up. Rondo....miss. Gasol has Pierce on him but fades away for some reason...brick. Slow it down people....this pace is killing me. Kobe turns it over....AND RONDO FINALLY HITS! Two point Celtics lead. KOBE WITH ANOTHER THREE! Good lord.....finally a timeout....

13-12 Boston with 5:07 left in the first

"He's the best player in the planet...on the world..."- Jeff Van Gundy (Via The Fourth)

Boston has celebrities too!

"Steven Tyler, I don't think I've ever seen him at an NBA game."- Mike Breen

"He [Kobe} has to put the kids to bed and he's certainly done that."- Mark Jackson

Huh? I'm confused. Fisher misses a three and Allen drops in a layup. Ray is hurt and got poked in the eye by Odom. He mugged him on that drive.

Lamar Odom with the Three Stooges defense. (Via Moe)

We're tied after Odom makes a free throw but Garnett breaks it with a jumper. They're letting them play as the trio points out. Walton gets two and then gets to the line on another possession. Lakers up two. Garnett hits and we're tied...again. Gasol is off and Brown rebounds. Garnett with the fadeaway and he's on tonight. Timeout Lakers....

20-18 Boston, 2:40 left

Can't wait to see Ira Newble on the second quarter tonight!!!! (Via Nabucodonozor)

Ooooh....PBJs for everyone! Pierce misses a layup after a nice drive and JVG nicknaming KG, The Big Loaf. Both teams miss and Farmar dribbles the ball of his butt out of bounds. ALLEY OOP! BROWN TO GARNETT!!! That could have been what KG was diagramming in the timeout on the dry erase board. Farmar misses but Posey throws it away. Rondo steals....no....foul called. That was a weak call. Farmar to the line....Make, Make. Boston leads by two 48 secs left....

Pierce...bang. Celts up four and get the two for one. Kobe misses a deep three. Celts get the last possession.....Pierce schools Walton but they had a foul to give and Luke gives it. Powe misses at the buzzer and that's the quarter.

24-20 Celtics after one

"It was a misunderstanding...I think Gasol was inviting Brown to the Opera."- Jeff Van Gundy (Via Steve)

Dumb.

What's the non sequiter of the day to come from Van Gundy? I'm guessing it has something to do with Aerosmith curing childhood obesity. (Via Mike T)

Good guess.

Am I the only one that made a PB+J after the KG segment? (The Fourth)

I wish I had one. Glen Davis comes in and the crowd goes nuts and the second is underway. A weak foul is called on Powe as he guards Kobe. Machine hits jumper! House answers with his own and Odom gets to the line on the other end.

Crawford T's up Doc and we're getting a little testy.....TESTIS? TESTIS? One, Two...Three??? Sorry....Pierce hits a nice three and the Beat LA chant picks up. Powe is off and the Celts lead stays at five. Odom to the line again. Boston's big men are getting into a bit of foul trouble. Make, Make. Powe with the lay in. Great pass from Pierce. Kobe misses a three and Farmar is called for a foul....

31-26 Celtics with 8:23 left

Michele says that Ray Allen hasn't come out of the Locker Room yet. Good report since EVERYONE KNOWS HE HASN'T! Sorry, I have an irrational hatred for her. Pierce hits two throws and the lead is six. Gasol hits a two (finally) but Posey is fouled on the other end. POSEY HITS A THREE! Boston is dominating the offensive glass.

Steal by Big Baby....HOUSE FOR THREE!!!! Timeout Lakers and the Garden is rocking...

38-29 Celtics with 6:25 left

Doc Rivers, you have been chosen to play Opportunity Knocks! All you gotta do is pretend to coach and you win a title! (Via Steve)

Hahahaha. That's a winner.

I'm pretty sure that after Game 5's Chris Mihm's fiasco, poor Chris is comfortably wearing his yellow CROCS by the bench. (Via Nabucodonozor)

He better be for the Lakers sake. Kobe is waaaaay short on a contested jumper.

"Still back here by the Celtics locker room. AHH here he is!"- Michele Tafoya

THIS is why we need sideline reporters! (via Anon)

Here comes Ray! Celtics win the tip and Fisher ends up in the camera well again. House actually got fouled on that play which I didn't see but he hits both and the lead is 11. Kobe gets ripped.....POSEY!!!!!!!! BANG!!!! Fourteen point lead. Timeout LA!

Gasol hits two free throws and we're under five minutes. Garnett with the fade...off. Garnett then almost gets a steal and dives on the court....love that. Ray is back in and Gasol hits again. He's using Davis...Garnett hits again and Rad briiiiiicks a three. Horrible shot. Radmonovic fouls Pierce on the inbounds and he's looking for a one way ticket to the bench. The Celts are getting every board tonight.

47-34 Boston, 3 minutes left

One way to stop Kobe? Play some freaking defense. The rest of the league needs to learn that. How many times did he waltz to the bucket during the western conference playoffs? Every series, unscathed. Look at him now. He's no Jordan. He's more like Gordon. (Via Rdmblog)

Oooh...good analysis there. Kobe is acting like the basket has herpes or something. He wants no part of it. Pierce hits the first....and the second. Rondo with another steal! He's everywhere....Perkins throws it away when he should have shot. Farmar gets to the line. Miss, Make. 14 point lead. Garnett with the "Dream Shake" and that's another two....7-10 from the field. Odom misses.....Rondo with a great fake and floater and this is becoming a blow out. Steal! OH MY GOD!!!!! KG WITH AN AMAZING AND ONE!!

How did he do that?! And he hits the throw....the lead is 21. 45 secs left....Odom gets stuffed by Perkins! Perkins from Garnett!!!! Wow. Kobe misses and that's the half. What a second quarter....the Celtics finish on a 26-6 run.

58-35 at the half

Wow... that play byGarnett almost made me dump my laptop... I was as excited as the Celtics bench... following what hch said... the Lakers bench has been like that ALL series... totally disinterested. (Via Anon)

Now THAT'S the Garnett I've always wanted to see in the postseason. (Via Steve)

The third is underway and bear with me while I catch up after pulling that Garnett video (it's loading). Allen hits a three and the lead is 27.

Wilbon just said the Lakers need to go small with Kobe, Fisher, Machine, Farmar, and Turiaf... and then grab rebounds. Please tell me I'm missing something? (Via Zak)

Yeah I heard that too...I thought he was gonna say jack some threes.

Did they put dwyane on the set just because he sponsors T-Mobile? (Via Anon)

Not sure but that's a good catch. Gasol gets an oop and the lead is 24. Pierce follows with a nice layup though. Radmonovic finally hits and the lead is 23....wait, 25. Rondo and one. Nice drive there. Fisher hits and can someone tell me where the hell Kobe is? I know he's on the court but he is a non-factor. Rondo with ANOTHER steal and Allen hits a three! Just pouring it on now.

There's Kobe...nice play on the inbounds with one on the shot clock. Garnett is fouled at the other end and he'll head to the line.

"Hondo lovin' what Rondo's doin'."- Mark Jackson

Garnett hits both and Kobe misses again. Garnett to the line....again. I sense a theme here. Make, Make. And Kupchak is yawning in the stands. Not a good sign. Another steal for the Celtics and a timeout.....

77-48 with 6:11 left....CUE THE BOSTON!

Why the hell is Kobe Bryant, a 1st Team All-Defensive Team selection, guarding the offensively inept Rajon Rondo, while the Radmanovic, a stiff on defense guards Paul Pierce... baffling. (Via Anon)

Remember this is the coach that put in Chris Mihm last game. Kobe misses....again. Odom grabs a Garnett miss but Garnett forces a jump ball at the other end. He then beats his chest to the crowd. Rad drains a three and the lead is just 28! Rondo gets a tip and Kobe finally gets a layup.

I'm rather upset that JVG hasn't gone on one of his famous tangents yet. Come on Jeff! Paul Pierce hits a pair of threes and the lead is 31....31! 4 minutes left in the third. I'm just waiting for the Lamar Odom cheap shot at this point. Radmonovic doesn't even care and he's just jacking threes.

84-54 with 2:57 left in the third

Wow. Rondo with another steal....

"Someone call 911, Rondo has just picked the pocket of Kobe Bryant."- Mark Jackson

If you want the Lakers' NBA Finals in a nutshell, I think it was that "post up" by Pau Gasol. (Via Anon)

I questioned the trade when it went down but he proved me wrong throughout the Playoffs until the Finals. The guy has played scared the entire Series. Kobe gets to the line and somehow has 22 points. You wouldn't know it by watching him. The lead is down to 25...under a minute to play. Rondo with another two. Kobe is swatted by PJ Brown and that about sums up the Lakers day. PJ hits a jumper for good measure. Kobe misses at the buzzer.....

89-60 Celtics after three

PJ Brown PWNS Kobe Bryant right there... Can we skip the 4th quarter so I can go to bed? Please? (Via Anon)

I'm pretty sure every state but Massachusetts is saying that right about now. Machine hits three and Rondo misses. Machine turn ball over and Rondo is fouled hard by Farmar....intentional. Flagrant one.

What do they do with the champagne from Sunday night? You know they had some in LA in case the Celtics won. Do they fly it out to Boston or just buy more? If they buy more, what happens to the stuff in LA? Do they give it away to Lakers office staff? Who supplies the champagne anyway, the home team, the winning team, the league? I wonder how champagne goes with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Anyone else looking forward to a dopey Scalabrine wearing swim goggles on the bench at the end of the 4th? (Via Pete)

Whoa that was a lot of questions.....I actually almost bid on a game used Scalabrine jersey today. $350 though so I passed.

Javon Walker used the champagne from Sunday night. (Via Anon)

TOO SOON! Farmar hits and the lead is 27. Ray Allen.....DAGGER! AND AGAIN!

101-70....this is like a ten minute victory lap.

Somehwere, Shaq is still smiling. (Via Steve)

"Where is Kobe?" in the background. Shades of "Where is Roger?" from the '99 ALCS. (Via DanteSheppard)

Anyone know where Jeff Van Gundy went? I haven't heard him talk in the past quarter and a half. RAY AGAIN! This is just embarrassing. 36 point lead! Insane. Good move by Odom for two. Garnett pulls down another O-reb. I don't think the Lakers have one of those tonight.

Farmar hits a three but Posey answers....and Garnett swats Odom. Hey Trevor Ariza!!!! Nice dunk. WE WANT MIHM! WE WANT MIHM!!!! Ray Allen again!!! Garnett blocks an Odom dunk and he's not happy. That was not a foul. HAHA...KG points to the screen. Love him.

Does the NBA have a mercy rule? (Via Michael)

"Who was throwing bricks at local cars?" ABC NY7 News Commercial
"Kobe Bryant?" - Me (Via Zak)

My vote for Finals MVP goes to Kevin McHale. (Via Ivan)

The Na-Na-Na Hey Hey chant kicks in and Boston is starting to celebrate. The Big Three comes out and that's just a great ovation. Powe with a dunk and Kobe misses a three. 3 minutes or so left. POSEY HITS! 123 POINTS!!! 38 point lead.

F**k, put a jersey on Russell, Jo Jo, Heinsohn, Maxwell, and Havlicek (Via Boston Barry)

YES A WNBA COMMERCIAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you NBA!

2:21 left to go and Garnett is crying on the sidelines. This is awesome. Odom is still playing tough as hell though. SE-VEN-TEEN! SE-VEN-TEEN!

"Come on mother (bleep)!"- Kevin Garnett

Damn ABC caught it. Good work. BIG BABBBBBBY WITH THE JAM!!!! ALLEN WITH THE OOP!

Okay that's enough....1 minute left. Machine hits three and gets hit in the face. That about sums it up. Doc gets the gatorade shower and now the fun begins!

3,2,1 (God I hate the city of Boston).....CONGRATULATIONS CELTICS THE 2007-2008 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!

FINAL 131-92

(Videos and reax to follow)

I can't believe I didn't come up with that title sooner, but oh well. Jeff Van Gundy was all about Barber Shops and Vanessa Manillo/Alyssa Milano during Game Three, and gave the cameraman the stink eye during Game Four. So what did he have planned for Game Five? How about Bowling, childhood obesity, knife fighting and The Machine's workout program?!

As much as I want to hate the guy he just keeps reeling me back in. Sure he's distracting at times, but more often than not he's either ragging on Mark Jackson (always funny), making fun of the fact that Breen was an official once (hilarious) or going crazy about something completely random. As long as it's not in the last moments of the game, or overly forced, I'm okay with it (and enjoying it).

Who: Boston Celtics at L.A. Lakers
What: Game Five of the NBA Finals
Where: Staples Center- Los Angeles, California
When: 9pm (ABC)
Why: So Kobe can go for 60 trying to save face but still lose the NBA Championship
Spread: Lakers -7, O/U 192

This could be it people. The Celtics have three chances at the trophy and their first shot is tonight. Leave your predictions and thoughts in the comments and I'll see you when the U.S. Open finishes up.
_______________________

Hey Bill Walton is with the studio team! Good to have you back Big Red....that means you can get rid of Jon Barry and/or Mike Wilbon right? Okay we're underway. Bavetta calls a travel on Pierce when he clearly dribbled and Gasol puts in two. Kobe follows with a three.

Man... after that Open finish, i'm not sure i can take any more excitment... luckily, this is the 2008 NBA finals, not the 1984 NBA Finals... (Via Anon)

Jon Barry is that child who interrupts the adults with his "watch me, watch me" sing-song whilst the grown-ups discuss items of importance. He is now fully channeling Tom Tolbert. (Via MikeT)

Wow...Derek Fisher just went head first into the camera on the baseline....

"Hey Mike you don't have to dodge! He's not coming after you, that's a RE-PLAY. You've been in TV a lot, a long time."- Jeff Van Gundy
"Are you kidding me Mike? You're better than that."- Mark Jackson

Garnett gets Boston on the board but Fisher hits a three. And Kobe hits a nice turnaround to put the lead at eight. Garnett again for two...all jumpers though. A couple of great offensive rebounds by Rondo but he passed on a wide open layup. Bad decision. Foul on Bryant and Rondo knocks down one at the line. Gasol gets an and one after a close miss and Powe doesn't have the height to guard him down there. Bryant hits a three and that's a Boston timeout.

18-6 with 6:36 left in the first

Eddie House hits a three but Kobe drains another three. He's got 14 points just over halfway through the first. Ray Allen hits a wide open three and apparently we're only shooting jumpers tonight. Nine point lead. Kobe gets an offensive board and gets to the line.

"Do you need to chant M-V-P after a guy's already won it?"- Jeff Van Gundy

Ha. Good question JVG. Fisher gets two and House misses a three. Kobe with a beautiful pass to Rad and the Lakers lead is 14...make that 16...Odom with the layup. Another Doc timeout.

"Celtics have them right where they want them."- Mike Breen

31-15 with 2 minutes left.

ABC pulling out the Thriller music already. (Via DearLordMikeBreen

I thoroughly enjoyed that. Garnett gets a hook to fall and Walton misses (MOLE!). Garnett again and the lead is twelve, but he picks up his second foul already.

And there's Kobe commenting on his vast college experience again comparing this Game 5 as his Elite 8. Tool. (Via Steve)

MACHINE DUNK! Farmar then hits after a pair of Pierce free throws...sixteen point lead. Pierce to the line again. Miss. Make. 17 seconds left. Goaltending on PJ Brown and that's the quarter...

39-22 Lakers after one.

HOLY S**T! Chris Mihm is on the floor?!?! Wow. I guess now is as good a time as any to put in him. What do they have to lose? Lakers still up 16 after a Machine jumper. Pierce to the line again. He misses yet another free throw though. Mihm airballs a hook shot and it might be time to put in Turiaf. Pierce gets a layup to fall and Allen steals the inbounds. Nice play and a dunk to follow! Eleven point lead and Phil Jackson calls a timeout.

"I lost my train of though when Chris Mihm set that screen instead of Ronny Turiaf"- Jeff Van Gundy (Via GoodLordMikeBreen)

Mihm, Ariza, Tony Allen.....This the NBA Finals or the NBDL finals? (Via Steve)

Mihm, Ariza, Tony Allen, Luke Walton in the first half... if the coaches don't take thegame seriously, why should I? (Via Anon)

Those are both very valid questions that I wish I had the answer to. Tony Allen gets a nice shot to fall and the lead is single digits...and a charge on Turiaf! Here come the Celts. Pierce misses and Gasol draws Garnett's third foul. That'll hurt. PJ Brown back in. Gasol misses both though and Pierce slams one down to cut the lead to seven. Kobe misses a three and Tony Allen schools him on the other end but can't finish. PIERCE FOR THREE! Four point game.

Fisher airballs a jumper while trying to force a foul but Pierce misses a jumper at the other end. Lakers turnover and that's a timeout....

43-39 with 5:44 left in the half

I gotta say... Breen/JVG/Jax all seem to have a... dislike(?) for Cassell... I mean, they're right, but you RARELY see announcers call it like that, especially on the networks. (Via Anon)

Yeah they do, but it's okay to question a player or coach's decisions as long as you don't go overboard. Turnover on the Celtics. Fisher misses a three and a great save by Brown. Cassell misses what seems like his 14th shot and Odom follows with a layup. Timeout Doc with four minutes left.

Well, at least the Lakers blew their 18pt lead early tonight, keep the ratings up throughout. (Via Anon)

Tony Allen hits again and he's looking good but Odom gets an and one on the way back up the court. Poor defense all around. Eight point Laker lead. Pierce misses but Farmar airballs a three. Ray Allen hits one though and the lead is five...FARMAR MAKES UP FOR THE MISS! He hits a three.

Allen gets fouled and there are double techs on Allen and Fisher. Didn't seem like much.

"For some reason I don't look at either one of those guys like I look at Mike Tyson."- Mark Jackson

Odom scores and Farmar steals on the defensive end. Miss and the Celtics get the ball back. PJ scores on a bailout pass from Pierce. 30 seconds left....Lakers turnover as Bryant loses. PIERCE NAILS A THREE!!! That's the half. Another amazing comeback and the lead is just three for the Lakers....

55-52 at the half

OK - in the promo for the US Open Playoff, Breen mentions the first 9 holes being on ESPN. What about the other 9? Is Ron Burgundy going to cover it for local San Diego TV? I know its on a rival network, but c'mon. Stay classy, ABC! (Via Mal)

Good catch. That's a little bit of a low blow.

Even my grandma knew Pierce was going to take that three. Come on Fisher! (Via Sebastian)

Luke Walton was called by Larry Bird before the finals to wish him luck. You were right AA, Luke is the mole. (Via Steve)

Told you.

"You start the second quarter and you have a nice lead in the game. You sit Kobe Bryant for the first three minutes and you get nothing. You put Chris Mihm in the game, this guy hasn't played Basketball in two years! He's in the ballgame in the Finals of an elimination game?!"- Jon Barry

Whoa Jon...settle down, but yes....good point. Aw how cute, Luke and Bill looking at old pictures together. I'm going to cry. If I didn't hate on Luke Walton as much as I do then that would have got to me. Good try ABC!

Are we about to see a special Father's Day moment when, after the interview, Luke and Bill roll a doobie together? (Via Mal)

Hahaha. Luke did sound like more of a stoner than his dad.

"He just made a bowling reference. When was the last time you went bowling?"- Jeff Van Gundy

AA... the best part of that was Mark Jackson PROUDLY pointing out taht he won the bowling tounament on three of his teams... These guys annoy me in a good way, is that wrong? (Via Anon)

Oh god...and now he's talking about Childhood Obesity. Save me. Start of the third and the Celts are called for a few fouls right away. Tie game! Ray Allen hits a three after a Rondo steal. Kobe misses one and commits a foul on the other end. Pierce to the line once again. Make and that's the first lead of the game for the Celtics. Pierce misses the second. Rad misses, Pierce misses, Gasol misses, Kobe makes....and one. I'd like to know where the foul was on that one. Make. Two point Laker lead.

Garnett blows past Gasol and that's all day. Tied again. Charge on Kobe and that's three. Rondo hits a wide open jumper but Gasol hits as well. Gasol again and he gets to the free throw line! Garnett now has four fouls and that was a sketchy call. Now they switch it back to PJ Brown. Weird. Travel on Garnett. The Laker lead is three. Odom misses and Pierce drives for two. Timeout Lakers.

65-64 Lakers with 6:21 left in the third

"And the Celtics deserve to tie the game because the Lakers are playing lazy."- Mike Tirico on ESPN radio (Via Anon)

Ooooh good reporting Anon....keep me updated on that end. Kobe picks up a charge and his fourth foul. Rondo misses but forces a jump on the defensive end. Lakers get it and Fisher hits an unbelievable and one on a jumper. Four point Laker lead and a turnover....RAD FOR THREE!!!!!!! Timeout Boston.

Why did JVG make it a point to say that Derrick Fisher took the shot lefty, he is left handed after all... (Via Sebastian)

Another good catch. They can't get anything by you all tonight. Great more celebrity shots....Paula, Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, David Spade, Stallone, and Denzel. YAWN! Pierce with another blow by of Radmonovic for two. Posey gets a steal but Pierce misses.

Nice message from Mike Breen to the families of Jim McKay and Tim Russert.

It's turnover central and the Celtics finally end up with it. Allen draws a foul and heads to the line.

"Mental toughness is all up here he said, pointing to his brain."- Michele Tafoya on Doc Rivers

Hahahaha. I don't know whether to make fun of Doc, Tafoya, or both!!!

"I've played with guys like Radmonovic. Good enough to keep both teams in the ballgame."- Mark Jackson

Ha...now we're cookin'. Fisher heads to the line for two. Six point Laker lead. Cassell hits though (finally) and it's a four point game. Steal! Cassell misses a three and Garnett picks up his fourth. Gasol to the line. He hits both. Allen steps out and another Boston turnover. Machine misses, no call on the rebound, Bryant misses. Garnett is off and Machine misses a three, rebound Gasol, FISHER THREE! NO!!! Lakers ball still and there's under a minute to play in the third...

Odom gets a layup and the lead is eight. House throws it away! The crowd finally seems into the game....Gasol hits a jumper but it won't count. Foul on the floor and he'll shoot two. Make. Miss. House gets the board. Allen misses and that's the quarter.....

79-70 Lakers at the end of the third.

AA... you know, I just hope Michele and Doc can someday run away and get married... they're perfect for each other. (Via Anon)

Agreed.

Did anyone else see Cassell grab at Vujacic while he was taking that 3... Cassell from the bench? Cassell is a wily old man. (Via Zak)

Both teams have done that all Playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised to see the League hand out fines next season for those distractions. Here we go! Pierce is fouled but Odom comes out of it with the injury.

"He took a bad shot."- Jeff Van Gundy on Odom getting hit below the belt

Farmar gets a bunny and Pierce is way off on the other end. ODOM HITS A THREE! Doc already with the timeout. Lakers up 12. Pierce picks up an easy layup after the timeout but Farmar answers with one of his own.

Life on Mars, with special guest Sam Cassell, only on ABC. (Via SS Reporters

"The crowd is fired up by Pau Gasol's play."- Mike Breen

That's a first. Machine misses yet another three and fouls Posey. Walton rolls in a jumper and the lead is fourteen. Cassell stops the bleeding after posting up Farmar and a double team almost forces a turnover.

WHOA! After the tie up Vujacic goes flying and the teams go at it a bit.

"If you get thrown down by a 38 year old, you've got to get a new strength program."- Jeff Van Gundy

Hahahahaha. Okay that's a winner Jeffery. Farmar misses and CASSELL HITS AN UNBELIEVABLE AND ONE! The lead is back down to nine. Kobe nails a jumper but Cassell hits again!!! Now we're playing. Seven in a row for Sam I Am. Gasol with the miss and the flop at the other end. No call on the Garnett shot and Kobe is short as well. Foul on Walton and the Lakers are in the penalty. Horrible foul. Make. Make.

Halfway through the 4th and it's a seven point lead. Lakers turn it over again and here come the Celts! POSEY FOR THREE!!!!!! Fisher misses and Odom knocks it out. Timeout.

90-86 with 5:28 left

This just in... Bill Walton is creepy when he smiles. (Via Anon)

Mark Jackson, calling Lamar Odom a "...guy you can trust in crunch time"... makes you wonder if he's just Joe Morgan-ing it tonight. (Via Anon)

Pierce goes to the line and no one can seem to stick him tonight. Make, Make and the lead is two. The Lakers look lost on offense as Fisher misses a three but he picks up a steal....no he was out of bounds. Pierce to Garnett and we're tied again! Foul on Pierce...dumb foul and that's his fourth. Gasol hits over Garnett and the Lakers lead by two again. Garnett is fouled and he'll head to the line. Miss, Make. One point game.

Under four.....and a foul on Garnett! That's his fifth and Pierce follows with his fifth!!!! Timeout....

92-91 with 3:31 left

NOW is when the guys with the whistles take over. (Via Mal)

I can't for the life of me figure out why Kobe isn't shooting every damn time down the court. Odom down low and he's fouled. Make, Make...three point lead. Kobe knocks it away from Pierce and Fisher gets fouled at the other end. He misses the first and makes the second. Pierce all the way and he's fouled. No one can guard him on the drive tonight. He hits both and Gasol misses at the other end. Foul on Gasol too. Tough call to make but Bavetta had no choice as Garnett goes down. Two shots....Miss! MISS!!!! Ouch.

Lakers ball....2:20 left....Bryant is fouled and Posey and Odom get into it. Now's not the time boys. Make, Make. Four point lead. Pierce misses twice and the Lakers get the board!!! Kobe misses but Gasol rebounds. Terrible shot but LA gets lucky. KOBE MISSES! Odom with the foul and he's about to lose his mind. Pierce to the line....

Good. Good. Two point game. Here we go.....one minute left! FISHER MISSES!!!! Boston ball......KOBE KNOCKS IT AWAY! KOBE WITH THE DUNK!!!!!! Huge play....four point lead.

"Kobe Bryant comes up with the steal, deflects the Basketball...Mama there goes that man. Bryant finishes at the rim!"- Mark Jackson

Huh? 37 seconds left.....

Allen misses, Garnett's tip misses....Laker ball. 26.8 left and LA is inbounding. Fisher is fouled. Miss! Make!!! 5 point game...timeout Doc and Kobe give Fisher a bit of a stare down. It's hard to tell if it's playful or not. I'm guessing not.

24.8 left...Posey inbounds to House...missed three!!!! That'll do it as Ray Allen fouls out. Kobe to the line....Make, Miss. Six point lead...15.4 remaining.

HOUSE HITS A THREE! Turnover! Whoa...no. Fisher is fouled!!! How was that not a travel? Wow.

"I know you think we're going to negative Mike by your positive response."- Mike Breen

Well at least they realize it.

"That's all they needed tonight was just to win and send the series to Boston."- Mike Breen
"They need a total different level of resolve to win in Boston."- Jeff Van Gundy

Harsh but true....and that's it! The Lakers hold on to win it and we're heading back back to Boston, Boston. Okay sorry...that was lame. It's after midnight on a Sunday.

103-98 Lakers is your final

I'm cleaning out the video inbox a bit this morning, but wanted to share this one as well. ABC came back from a break with two minutes left and wanted to get some quick analysis from Mark Jackson. Well that would have been fine if they hadn't already started playing Basketball again.

The only one who seemed to notice was Jeff Van Gundy who let the cameraman know right away....

Say what you want about the guy's crazy diatribes, but at least he cares there's two minutes left in one of the most exciting Finals games ever. Good for you JVG, but next time just interrupt Mark Jackson and call the action on the floor. No one cares what he has to say anyway (Just kidding....actually, wait...I'm not).

So after watching Kobe talk about taking 20 shots at the press conference I was just milling around ESPN when a very odd thing happened. Stu Scott threw it to Mike Breen for the announcer's thoughts on Game Four and apparently Breen wasn't the least bit ready. Stu Scott then blames and unplugged cord for the technically difficulties and everyone chuckled....everyone but Breen.

I honestly don't know if Scott really did throw things off, or if he was just taking one for the team with the wire line. It looked like Breen was on point there and then it just broke down, and he did not appear happy.

It's not really that big of a deal, but still funny. It could also be one of those pre-tapping issues that ESPN has been going through as of late. Good times!

Who: Boston Celtics at L.A. Lakers
What: Game Four of the NBA Finals
Where: Staples Center- Los Angeles, California
When: 9pm (ABC)
Why: So Jeff Van Gundy can try to pick up Hollywood women/or for the NBA Championship
Spread: Lakers -7, O/U 191

Here we go again people. I'll kick things off at 8 something and it should be another rip roaring good time.
_______________________

James Worthy is your in-studio guest today and he's doing pretty good so far. He's always been subdued so I don't expect much. Also, do you think that there wasn't a better marketing partner for the NBA than Haier? The possibilities are endless.

I demand more and newer Wipeout commercials ABC.

"The keys to a Celtics victory tonight is Kevin Garnett."- Jon Barry

Pretty sure that's just a singular "key", but I could be wrong.

Am I the only one thinking ESPN's need to lower the crowd noise so the commentators can be heard a big factor in the decline in Finals ratings? (Via SS Reporters)

I think it's more the music inside the arenas but yes. It's almost like they're yelling at times.

Happy Birthday Marv Albert! (Via Monty)

Oh wow! I had no idea!!! Everyone take a shot for Marvelous. Paul Pierce let's out a nice g'dammit during the intros and we're just about ready to go.

Anybody else notice the intro montage they edited out Johnny Most's intro. In previous intros he calls it "The World Series of Basketball Championship" and the last two games they've left edited out the "World Series" part. Interesting. (Via Anon)

I hadn't noticed, but I don't see what the problem would be leaving that in. I do love that intro though (minus the Miami Heat part). Okay we're ready for the tip. Lakers get it to start and we're underway. Two for the Lakers but Allen counters with a layup. Fisher picks up two free throws and Pierce turns it over and Allen misses a three. Kobe is fouled with the Lakers up two early. He misses the second but a lane violation is called on K-Perk. Wait, a foul. Lakers ball. That was random. Gasol on the dunk after a nice cut....five point lead.

TECH ON DOC! That was quick. Javie Ts him up as he was arguing about a non-call on Kobe. Fisher misses though...no harm no foul. Garnett misses two down low and a beautiful pass to Odom for the slam! 9-2 to open. Rondo stops the run though with a jumper. Odom again and he's 3 for 3 and Perkins answers with a short hook. Rad bangs down a three and the lead is eight for LA. And Odom hits again and Doc needs a timeout. Wow....that's how you start a game.

16-6 with 6:31 Left....

For those interested, Sideout is on MyNetworkTV, a nice choice for commercial breaks. (Via Playoff Beard)

Monnnnnnroooooooe Clarrrrrrk! C. Thomas Howell's finest acting work. Good call. Garnett misses yet another jumper and this might get ugly soon. Kobe misses but Odom rebounds, goes to the line, and draws Garnett's second foul. Time for some PJ Brown action. Odom misses the first, hits the second.

"This is where the Lakers are a dangerous basketball team."- Mike Breen with the Lakers up 14

Right, because most teams when they're up by 14 are at their most vulnerable, cheezmo. (Via Heef)

Pierce throws it away and Rad hits a three!!! 20-6. Kobe swats PJ Brown but a foul is called....looked like all ball. Enh, he got some of the hand.

"Guess what? That's not a foul. That's a good block right there."- Mark Jackson
"What are you talking about?! That is a blatant foul!"- Jeff Van Gundy
"I just wanted to see if you were paying attention."- Mark Jackson

House is off and the lead is thirteen still...make that 15. Fisher hits a jumper. Perkins misses, Odom hits and this is a rout. House bricks another three and Phil Jackson calls a timeout.

24-7 with 3:20 left in the first

TNA has midget wresting on SpikeTV. (Via Swany11)

No way! And Odom hits again....this guy is killing it. Pierce finally hits a jumper to end the drought but Kobe is fouled on the other end. 14 point lead for the Lakers. Another Celtics miss and Gasol is fouled on the shot.

"Mike I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say 2-2."- Jeff Van Gundy

Way to make the viewers change the channel. I'm sure ABC is happy with that one. Ariza to the line. Ariza misses the second but he gets an offensive board.....AND HE NAILS A THREE!!! Good lord. 30 seconds left and House gets a runner to fall. Lakers get what will presumably be the last shot. Gasol is fouled though with 4.7 left and he'll go to the line. Miss. Make. Ray Allen misses at the buzzer and that's the quarter. A 21....21! point lead for the Lakers....

35-14 Lakers after the first quarter

JVG sounds like billy pack calling this game over already. (Via Anon)

This Taco Bell commercial with the rappin dudes is driving me insane. (Via SS Reporters)

Seriously. Aren't they supposed to shorten commercials like that after 2 months?

"When do you bring back Kevin Garnett?"- Michele Tafoya
"Right Now!"- Doc Rivers

Another Celts turnover to start the half and Powe fouls Gasol. Machine misses and Trevor Ariza shoves Posey in the back to collect the board and two. That was a blatant miscall. Ray Allen is swatted by Ariza and he almost picks up another steal....he's all over the place! Garnett finally hits a shot and the lead is 20. KG again and he looks to be on a bit of a roll. Walton hits a three though after missing what seems like 10 of them.

40-19 with 8:13 left in the half

Obligatory Luke Walton is the mole joke (Via Anon)

It's not your night when Trevor Ariza looks like a 4 time NBA All-Star. (Via SS Reporters)

Oooooh Michele Tafoya has Will Smith for a Hancock promo. Greaaaaaat.

Robert Horry is looking thinner and much more peculiar. (Via Avinash)

"The Celtics need some Hancock type energy right now. They need that guy to start to jump up to the sky. Now Hitch was a great movie. Now Kevin James, if there's anyone funnier than Kevin James, I want names."- Jeff Van Gundy

Ugh. Here we go. JVG talking about crappy movies. Another Celts turnover and Kobe is fouled. MACHINE HIT THREE! 24 point lead.

Nooooooooooooorm!!! (Via Anon)

Hahahaha. Was that from Last Comic Standing or is he at the game? Posey misses a three, Kobe misses one as well and Garnett hits a turnaround. Give him the ball every damn time. It's not that hard Doc. Or Allen...who hits the three. The lead is cut to 19 with 4 minutes left and Phil calls another timeout.

Bryant misses and Posey gets to the line. Let's make it interesting guys...please don't make it like a Jacksonville MNF game! Gasol misses and Posey hits a three!!!! A 14 point lead....that was quick. A bad pass for Fisher and a Lakers turnover. Pierce hits a J and it's just a 12 point lead!!! D-Fish ends the run though with an and one. That was fun though. 2 mins left in the half.

Allen misses and Gasol dunks on him at the other end. Posey hits a three and Garnett blocks a Radmonovic shot at the other end. Fisher heads to the line and hits both. Pierce drives and gets Kobe to commit his third foul. He hits both and the lead is thirteen. Another Lakers turnover but PP misses a bank shot. GASOL AND ONE! That was huge. 9 seconds left.....and Rad fouls Rondo for no apparent reason. He misses the first and hits the second. 5.2 left....FARMAR HITS A RUNNING SHOT AT THE BUZZER!!! That hurts and that's the half...

58-40 Lakers at the half

"The Lakers came out to play tonight cause they didnt really play in Game 3" - Mike Wilbon (Via Steve)

What is the definition of "really playing"? Isn't a win a win.

Stu Scott: "We will show you footage of the Zen Master you have never seen before." And I thought the Phil Jackson-Jeanie Buss sex tape was only a rumor. (Via Anon)

Hahaha. That better not be out there. And we're back! Second half gets underway with the Celtics looking to make a game of it. I missed a bit but Garnett hits a layup and the lead is down to twelve. Perkins is hurt...looks like a shoulder. Celtics can't help but turn the ball over and Garnett misses yet another jumper. Kobe hits a three and just like that the lead is back to 18.

68-48 with 7 minutes left in the third

"Flea!...I'm told he's from the Red Hot Chili Peppers"- Mike Breen (Via Sam)

Mike Breen sounds so optimistic whenever Boston gets within 15. (Via The Fourth)

James Worthy: "And how many Finals did you play in?"
Jon Barry: "Well, none.'
James: "And they PAY you?"
(Via MikeT)

And we've got ourselves a game! The Celts cut it to 11 with three minutes left. Another Lakers miss but Garnett commits an offensive foul. PIERCE AND ONE! And he can cut the lead to 9. Unbelievable drive. It's nine. Gasol misses and Garnett is fouled. L.A. isn't in the penalty though...1:30 left.

HOUSE FOR THREE!!!!!!! Six point game. Wow. Kobe misses...Allen with the rebound and he's fouled at the other end. Make. Make. Four point lead with 40 seconds left. Farmar airballs and the Celts get the last shot....OHHHH!!!! PJ Brown just dunked on Kobe's dome!!! 2 point game! Wow....just wow. 21-3 run to end the quarter.

73-71 Lakers at the end of three

"You have Kobe Bryant vacillating from the greatest player in the World and the greatest player on the Planet. What's the difference?"- Jeff Van Gundy to Mark Jackson

Machine misses three and House misses but PJ Brown gets the rebound. Machine commits a foul on Ray Allen with a scissor hold. Interesting tactic. Powe ties it!!! Kobe misses but Powe also misses on the other end. Bryant for two. Great move. Pierce answers and now we're playing! Still tied.

75-75 with 8:47 left.

Odom misses a three and House rebounds. Mike Breen points out how quiet the crowd is....he's right. Garnett misses. Ooooh...pretty jumper by Kobe. Lakers up two. House misses a jumper but Kobe misses a bunny on the other end. Garnett ties it. Odom gets the lead back.

BTW...Simmons called it. A classic. (Via Ed)

Well I think everyone was feeling that, but yes he did. Pierce gets his ankle broken and he's down and Kobe slams one home! 4 point Laker lead with 5:47 left. Posey hits a three and Bryant misses badly at the other end. Still Lakers ball though....Gasol scores. Garnett is fouled down low and he heads to the line. He hits both and the lead is back to one.

The Celtics lead for the first time tonight! Unbelievable....four to go and there's another turnover!!! Celts call timeout.

84-83....3:48 left.

Pierce misses a three but Allen skys for a board. Allen to the rack...GOOD! Three point lead. Machine misses but Odom gets a board...Farmar! Off...Pierce gets the board. Garnett scores!!! 88-83 2:10 left. Insane.

I think Bill Simmons's head just exploded. (Via Tim)

I think mine just did too. Hahahaha JVG just freaked out as they went to Mark Jackson when play started back up. Too funny. Kobe to the line...he hits both. 3 point game. Pierce is fouled and he gets two shots. MISS! Make! Four point game. Pierce commits the foul to give...still Lakers ball. KOBE HITS! Great shot. Two point game...1:20 left....

POSEY FOR THREE! Five point lead.....Fisher hits! Only a two!!! Wow. Under a minute. Pierce draws another Bryant foul. Timeout. 46.8 left...92-89 Celtics. Javie on that foul call...it was a foul but it wasn't much.

Pierce to the line....Make. Make. The lead is five. Gasol get a quick two. Allen with the ball....OHHHHH! What a drive! Allen schools the Machine!!! 5 point lead with 15.7 left. UNBELIEVABLE. Ray Allen just blew by Vujacic! MACHINE IS PISSED!

Here we go...

Machine misses, O-rebound, Kobe misses....rebound Celts....GAME! Unbelievable. I'm at a loss for words.

97-91 Final....CELTS WIN from down 22 in the first, 18 at the half, and 20 in the third. Amazing. Videos to follow.

So a funny thing happened on the way to get Van Gundy to announce his celebrity crush on-air last last night....he got her name completely wrong. I wonder last night as to why he even brought up Nick "Latchey" when talking about Alyssa Milano, and now we have the answer. He was trying to mention ex-MTV VJ Vanessa Minnillo who is currently dating the ex-Boy Bander.

Hot Clicks' Jimmy T talked to Van Gundy this morning and this was his response....

UPDATE: 11:49 a.m.: We just got off the phone with Jeff Van Gundy. He says he did mean Vanessa Minnillo, not Alyssa Milano. He said Minnillo was sitting behind the broadcast team and "her beauty made me starstruck and I just choked" when Mike Breen asked him which celebrity he wanted to meet. We also asked Van Gundy if Milano was there, would he go with Minnillo or Milano. "Minnillo. That girl, wow," was his answer. When asked if he pronounced Nick Lachey's name wrong on purpose, Van Gundy said, "no, I had no idea how to say his name." Lastly, we figured we'd get a prediction from Van Gundy. "I said Lakers in 6 before the series and I still think it'll be Lakers in 6.

Completely understandable getting choked up by the beauty of either of them if you ask me and no one cares about Nick Lachey anyway. Too funny. Now the only question left to answer is....Who would you choose?

Van Gundy's Blunder (Hot Clicks)

The guy never ceases to amaze me with his rants. Game One it was making friends with the ABC camermen, in Game Two it was adding a seventh foul to a player's total, and Game Three it was Alyssa Milano and how it costs him full price for a haircut. Enjoy this spliced together clip from Game Three!

Mike Breen's chuckling at the beginning of the setup says it all. This guy's scatter-brainess is become stuff of legends. I admit it throws me off at times but as long as he's not distracting people with two minutes left in the game (*ahem* Kornheiser! *ahem*) then I don't have a problem with it. I also don't have a problem with him liking Alyssa Milano even though I called her first. Well technically Tony Danza, Carl Pavano, Justin Timberlake, Barry Zito, Brad Penny, and Fred Durst called her "first", but....ummm yeah. Nevermind.

P.S.- Michael Clark Duncan scares me.

The Rest of Your Game Three in Quotes:

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

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

"Get up Bitch!"- Kobe Bryant after just about every free throw

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

"Maybe they've gotta go to the hack-a-Bryant."- Jeff Van Gundy after Kobe's fifth miss at the line

"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

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

Well Mike Breen shaved the goatee and got rid of the band-aid for Game Two, and I posted at the Sporting Blog that there was a rumor of Skin Cancer being removed. Well the same place that had the Cancer item on Friday has gotten the real answer from Breen himself. And while Breen did have Skin Cancer removed from his neck recently the bandage was for something totally different....

In this case, however, it wasn't as life threatening.... and for him, just more embarassing.

Breen told us this morning that he'd smacked his head against the corner of the bathroom door in the hotel room as he shutting off the lights and leaving for the game, and the scalp wouldn't stop bleeding. He was across the street from a hospital, but didn't think it was necessary to go there. He ended up getting a couple stitches from the Celtics' team trainer and had to wear the bandage because it continued to bleed. No makeup could fix it -- in fact, if makeup had gotten into it, there could have been infection.

Well then. That solves that then huh? Good to hear it didn't have anything to do with the Cancer and it was someone just being clumsy like the rest of us.

Mike Breen update (Inside So Cal)
Reason For Breen’s Band-Aided Standup Revealed (Sports By Brooks)

I've become a huge Mike Breen fan over the past year or so and I thought the lead had yet another great game yesterday. His line about Cassell passing twice "already!" cracked me up and the guy does a great job babysitting for his wacky analysts.

With all that said, he still forgot where he was at the end of the game last night and I had to post the video....

Mistakes happen but it always amazes me how in the same statement you could say "Staples Center" and "now the Series shifts to L.A.". Also ESPN's live shot of the Staples Center late in the fourth quarter could have confused him just a bit. I think everyone wants to be in L.A. this time of year.