EC Finals Game Three - Boston 94-Orlando 71 - Boston Three-Party

by AncientMariner on May 22, 2010 10:18 PM CDT

Could the Boston Celtics join their brethren, the Bruins, and find a way to lose a 3-0 series lead against Orlando, as the Bruins recently did against the Philadelphia Flyers; could there be two monumental playoff collapses in the same city and in the same year? Yes, it is, of course, possible. It is also possible that there could be a blizzard on Boston Common tomorrow.

Neither is likely to happen.

In a crushing defensive display that made the offensive numbers Cleveland put up against Boston in our late series resemble the numbers Golden State used to routinely put up by comparison, the Celtics routed the Magic tonight in Boston, 94-71, to move to the brink of the NBA Finals. The Celtics will attempt to administer the knockout blow in the series on Monday night.

The game was not even as close as the final score, as the Magic put a dent in the lead in garbage-time in the fourth quarter - a dent about as effective as a rock against the turret of a tank.

Orlando ended up shooting 37% for the game, a number also aided by the fourth quarter. And the Most Feared Center in the World, the Center Able To Make Another Team Remake Its Roster to Attempt to Beat Him in the Playoffs? Three of 10 from the field, one of four from the line for a cool 7 points, with seven rebounds.

These Eastern Conference playoffs have resembled the plot of a Stephen King novel this year, and the only horrors are being suffered by the Celtics' opponents. Could things still change?

Yes, they could. But to reiterate, if the Celtics end up losing this series, please make sure Boston Common has snow shovels on stand-by.

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you were better than orlando. i dont think anyone doubts that now.

by spinz on May 22, 2010 11:55 PM CDT reply actions

Indeed.

"At least they got a couple of games" -eltharion_doa

by Simmsinns on May 23, 2010 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions

O Hai Thar!

by Lex L. on May 23, 2010 1:41 AM CDT reply actions

Reading the Magic blog sounds just like what we were saying here last series: lack of effort and desire, we need a Rondo-type PG, we are getting out-coached, etc. The Celtics are just on fire right now and cant be stopped.

by rockybrown on May 23, 2010 1:58 AM CDT reply actions

Funny Orlando-fan cannibalism:
(Quoting actual Magic fans.)

Yes, it was Jameer’s fault.
If only we had a good PG, we would’ve only lost by 19.

We ALSO need a GOOD Point guard, one who actually LOOKS for the open man AND makes the RIGHT pass, at the RIGHT time.

This gimmicky offense of having 4 guys spread the floor for 3’s and Dwight ready in the paint doesn’t work

Is anybody else wondering how much Dwight’s tampons would fetch on Ebay?

That’s a bit harsh
Most girls would play harder than this.

Even Cleveland seemed better than the Magic
We probably would’ve lost to them as well

Ok, well that last one is obvious.

"At least they got a couple of games" -eltharion_doa

by Simmsinns on May 23, 2010 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions

I still can’t get over the fact that….. Kenny Smith was right talking about the Celtics a few months ago.

Then again, he sighted “playoff swagger” as his reason for thinking they’d contend for the East. But, depending on your definition, is that not exactly what we’re seeing here?

The sky is falling.

"At least they got a couple of games" -eltharion_doa

by Simmsinns on May 23, 2010 2:24 AM CDT reply actions

Ok, I wasn’t gonna watch the rest of the playoffs just being a bitter fan, but it sounds like the Celts are playing near flawless team basketball. As a fan of the game, I still appreciate hustle, hard nose D paired with unselfish matchups and offensive savvy. If they whoop on the Lake show this bad, no one should feel bad about losing to a great TEAM.

by allovertheplace on May 23, 2010 8:13 AM CDT reply actions