Celtics can’t finish off Magic

The Boston Celtics blew their chance at a sweep with an overtime loss to the Orlando Magic.

The 96-92 loss means the series will now shift back to Orlando for Game 5, prolonging in the Eastern Conference Finals.

That’s the last thing that a veteran team like the Celtics wanted to happen, as the extra rest would have been useful.

Boston, for the first time this series, looked like a sloppy basketball team playing without any urgency.

Paul Pierce became the go-to man down the stretch, but looked tired in coming up short on a lot of his shots.

Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 8:27 am by steve

Celtics fall again to Magic, 113-92

The Boston Celtics yet again failed to clinch the Eastern Conference title in 113-92 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Boston fell behind early and never really threatened to take control of the game from the host Magic.

The Celtics could never really get things clicking offensively, and their defensive effort was the worst it’s been the entire playoffs.

Making matters worse, Kendrick Perkins was ejected from the game and could be suspended for Game 6.

If the Celtics can’t return home and take care of business, they will be in serious danger of losing the series.

Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 5:51 pm by steve

Boston up 3-0 after dominating Orlando

The Boston Celtics held the Orlando Magic to 71 points on Saturday, en route to a blowout win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 94-71. They held the Magic scored just 12 points in the first quarter to build a 15-point lead, and the game didn’t get any closer from there. The defense clamped down again in the third quarter, holding the Magic to just 13 points.

For the game, Boston forced Orlando to shoot under 37 percent, and the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team in the regular season went 8-f0r-30 beyond the arc. Boston also forced 17 turnovers while committing eight.

Dwight Howard was shut down again, finishing with seven points and seven rebounds. Six Celtics outscored him, led by Glen Davis’ game-high 17 off the bench. Davis didn’t lead the team in scoring a single time this season, but picked a good time to erupt off the bench. Paul Pierce added 15 in a total team effort for Boston, which can earn a spot in the NBA Finals with a win on Monday. No team in NBA history has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 4:25 pm by Raj Sethi

Celtics top Magic again, 95-92

The Boston Celtics won their second straight game in Orlando, 95-92, to take control of their series against the Magic.

Boston now heads back to Beantown up 2-0 in the series and could possibly finish off Orlando with two straight home games.

The Celtics have used a key strategy to force the Magic’s hand offensively, especially on the perimeter.

Head coach Doc Rivers has decided that he will make center Dwight Howard beat them on the offensive end.

The plan has worked to perfection, as the Celtics have been able to lock down Orlando’s three-point shooting attack.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 3:35 pm by steve

Celtics eliminate Cavaliers, 94-85

There were moments of doubt, but the Boston Celtics were in control much of the way in a 94-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Game 6 victory eliminates Cleveland and moves the Celtics on to the Eastern Conference Finals.

There they will face the scorching hot Orlando Magic, which is the defending Eastern Conferece champs.

The Celtics continue to click on all cylinders, as Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce seem to have chopped years off their life.

All three players have joined Rajon Rondo to form a fearsome four that will be tough to stop in the next round.

Friday, May 14, 2010 at 6:51 pm by steve

Celtics even series with Cavs

The Boston Celtics evened up their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 97-87 home victory.

The Celtics can thank point guard Rajon Rondo’s tremendous effort from keeping them out of a big hole.

Rondo finished with an incredible 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists.

The Celtics turned a close game in the fourth quarter into a double-digit lead before holding off the Cavaliers.

Boston fed off of the energy provided by Tony Allen and Glen Davis and solid defense to deadlock the series.

Monday, May 10, 2010 at 6:35 pm by steve

Rivers calls out Wallace

Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has called on Rasheed Wallace to step up his level of play.

Rivers essentially called out the veteran, saying he wasn’t doing enough to help the team win.

Wallace was given a big deal in the offseason and was expected to be a big part of the team, but it hasn’t worked out that way.

Instead, the veteran has become public enemy No. 1 because of his poor work ethic and lack of impact.

He has all of the talent in the world, but a lack of motivation often holds Wallace back from becoming great.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 6:37 pm by steve