The Celtics were too old. A Game three, 124-95 home loss to LeBron James and the Cavaliers surely signaled the end was near. Two weeks and six consecutive playoff wins later, the Celtics look reborn, and never more so than last night’s dominant 94-71 victory. Isn’t that what’s great about sports? You think you know the story, you think you know which way things are headed, but you don’t. Look no further than last week’s Flyers-Bruins series. Boston coughed up a 3-0 series lead to the 7th seeded Flyers…you think you know, but you don’t.
As old as KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are, it’s one of their youngest players leading the charge. Rajon Rondo, just 24 years old, seems to get better every time we see him. 11 points and 12 assists last night, including what will go down as the play of the series. Rondo dove on a lose ball, popped up and drove to the hoop for the basket all in one motion. The Celtics aren’t too old, they’re coming to the wire like a thoroughbred.
Everyone got in on the fun last night as six Celtics scored in double figures. Glenn “Big Baby” Davis led the way with 17 points in just 27 minutes. Paul Pierce scored 15 on 6-12 shooting, and grabbed 9 boards. Ray Allen scored 14 points and had 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace each scored 10.
The Celtics defense was once again stifling, holding the Magic to just 36.9 shooting and a measly 71 points. The game marked the ninth time in these playoffs that a team has failed to score 90 points vs the Celtics.
Dwight Howard, who’s legacy is taking a serious hit in this series, scored just 7 points. Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson each scored 15, and the only other Magic player in double figures was Mickael Pietrus, who scored 12. This was a pathetic performance by a team down 2-0 and needing a win. Credit the Celtics, as they know how to play in big games, but Stan Van Gundy’s Magic looked like they had already checked out last night.
The Celtics will go for the series sweep Monday night at 8:30 (ESPN).
Ray-Ray’s Dunk of the Night :
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Ray with some big shots in OT but not enough for the sweep.
Pierce with the final possession in regulation was ugly.
Pierce was awful in the 4th and the OT, and Rondo was brutal all game (muscle spasms in leg(s) ?) Still, with all of that it still went to OT. The C's need to close it out in Orlando…they've been a great road team all season…no reason to stop now.