Another game, another epic battle

I'm at a loss for words. Literally speechless.

The consensus among the talking heads here in Boston is that this Celtics team isn't going too far this year. They're getting literally less than nothing from their bench? Check. Their defensive captain and the unquestioned heart of their team is out for the playoffs? Check. Their opponent is a young, athletic team with a lot of poise and a nasty streak to boot? Check.

In tonight's game, you can add to the list that they were on the wrong end of a lot of calls that probably shouldn't have been made, as Tommy Heinsohn was quick to point out in his signature growling manner.

But damn if they didn't put forth one of the most ballsy efforts I've ever seen. 

There are no two ways about it - the captain is gassed. After carrying the team on his back for 26 games in Kevin Garnett's absence, it's understandable that Pierce doesn't have much left in the tank, and he has shown it several times in this series, including a couple of shots that were VERY short early on in the game. But in typical Paul Pierce fashion, he was there when the team needed him the most. It's moments like these where the greatest players shine, and Pierce's taking over the game in the final minute and a half really display the type of player, the type of leader, and the type of heart he has.

Rajon Rondo had another double-double, and Kendrick Perkins definitely lived up to his moniker (Perk IS A BEAST!) by grabbing 19 boards and swatting another 7 shots. This was undeniably Perkins' best performance, and he continued his consistent level of play through the whole game. Glen Davis came up with some big shots and boards, and this series as well as the last 3 months in KG's absence has given him a great deal of confidence. You can see it in his body language and his knack for coming up with a big jumper.

Ray Allen was a victim of some highly questionable calls, most notably the double-foul call involving a moving screen with Brad Miller. If I'm not mistaken, Miller's move would be considered assault in 32 states. You know that the officials are a little off when Ray Allen of all people is fouling out of games.

At the end of the day, the talking heads are probably right. AFter all, they are PAID to have an opinion, so it should be close to accurate. The Celtics probably won't be raising banner 18 this year. 

Just don't tell them that.