CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semis wasn't supposed to be easy for the Celtics. Exhausted from over 370 minutes of basketball against the Bulls, the C's were supposed to have a hangover in Game 1. Which they did. For the first half, at least.

But the Celtics showed a lot of depth, a lot of character, and a lot of willpower in their Game 1 loss. The Magic, on the other hand, showed a great deal of vulnerability, and absolutely no killer instinct. They gave the Celtics endless opportunities to come back and win, and the C's actually missed a few of them.

Ray Allen had an off night, which is understandable after the Bulls series, especially for a shooter. Rondo could have been better. Pierce was fine with 23 points.

I would have liked to see Marbury get more than 9 minutes. He had a solid outing, contributing 8 points.

The last time the Magic beat the Celtics, I said that Orlando didn't scare me. They still don't. They have talent, but they lack all the pieces to win in a gutsy series. The Celtics may be spent, and might not win. But they have more character in their fingers than Orlando has on its entire roster.

Celtics in 7.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Charles Krupa

YANKEES OFFICIALLY SUCK

The Sox can't beat the Rays, but the Yankees are as beatable as the Orioles these days. First trip to the new Yankee Stadium and the Sox held on for a 6-4 win.

It was a bit too dramatic for my liking. Papelbon hasn't looked like himself this year. I don't know when we become worried about that, but a few more harry outings and the bullpen suddenly looks like a liability and not a strength.

The Man of the Game is Jason Bay, who was 3 for 5 with a big 2 run homer in the 7th.

Beckett vs. Chamberlain in the final game of this short series.

Source:
ESPN.com