Knicks-Celtics Game 3 Quick Reaction

Celtics 113, Knicks 96
Celtics lead series 3-0 

They overwhelmed us from the opening tip. Swallowed us whole. This is what I was worried about from the beginning of the series. The Knicks looked they were trying too hard. They were slow to adjust and rotate on D. Pierce and Allen were hitting their shots. The Celtics were getting every call and bounce but the Knicks didn't do anything to change that. They didn't handle the pressure of hosting their first playoff game in seven years very well. It's disappointing because I was hoping they would come out and crack some heads, but everyone looked tight. The ball was being forced to Amar'e early on and he was pressing a little too much, but he must be hurting. Nobody handled the situation well. Nobody stepped up and took charge. Maybe not having a veteran like Chauncey out there hurt. The only excuse I can offer is that the officiating was poor but that's not a good excuse. I'm not giving up hope on the series. The Knicks have to play with pride on Sunday and match their intensity of the first two games. If they keep the open shots to a minimum, get to every loose ball, and catch a few breaks, they should have a chance...with or without Chauncey and Amar'e.

Knicks-Celtics Game 2 Quick Reaction

Celtics 96, Knicks 93
Celtics lead series 2-0

That was another heartbreaker. It hurts more than the first game because they really shouldn't have been hanging around without Big Shot and Amar'e. Jeffries didn't make the best move ever on the final play but what do you expect from him? If anything, my big criticism is why is Roger Mason in the game? He did make a big 3 but Landry Fields was playing OK and isn't afraid to put the ball on the floor out there. The Knicks played valiantly. Carmelo was awesome, not only scoring but rebounding, playing D, and getting his teammates involved. Rondo created some problems and the big guys need to help out better although that does leave some of the perimeter guys open. Besides that, the defense has been really good. The guys are shifting and contesting every shot. If the team was healthy, I'd predict a big Game 3 but I'm afraid especially with Amar'e hurt. I liked the way Toney ran the team. It was quick and upbeat but he needs to stay out of foul trouble. Still, you miss Big Shot's experience. The crowd is going to need to come up huge for Game 3.

Knicks-Celtics Game 1 Quick Reaction

The Knicks probably should have won that game. Overall, I thought they played really well. They were composed. Everyone contributed. Heck, even Ronny Turiaf made a couple of baskets. It's all for naught, though. They couldn't execute in the last few minutes. Chauncey Big Shot's injury was a killer. Hopefully, he'll be back for Game 2, but not having him out there for the last play was tough. The team looked lost out there. Obviously, the offensive foul call against Carmelo was horrendous but there's nothing you could do about it. Coach D used up all his timeouts again and it really hurt on the last possession. The final shot wasn't great but Melo is the guy that's going to take it. He should have taken it earlier to make it easier for a putback. I have no problem with a 3 instead of a 2 because you might as well go for the win instead of having to go for a win in OT on the road. Amar'e played great and was fearless taking the ball to the hole. He made KG look bad. The defense was really solid. Everyone was quick to move around. Turiaf was great especially. He's really underrated. I would love it if he could give 30 minutes a game.

The jitters should be out of everyone's system now and it's clear that these two teams are pretty evenly matched. Today was a tough loss but nobody should hang their head.

Rivalry Video Weekend: Yanks vs. Sox

The Yanks and 0-6 Sox meet for the first time this season over the weekend. There are a plethora of videos out there to commemerate the fact but I went out and picked the best two.

In one corner, Jack Donaghy and Jim Halpert face off over the phone. Alec Baldwin no doubt gets the best in this one (also NBC), while John Krasinski shows his true colors like Sgt. Slaughter joining forces with Saddam Hussein. Bonus points for Baldwin apparently turning into Jack Donaghy in real life.

In the other corner, Yankees superfan Michael LaPayower spoofs Rebecca Black's Friday. The result is absolute genius. LaPayower gives a virtuoso performance despite suffering from voice immodulation.

Personally, I gotta take LaPayower on this one. KO in the ninth. I mean, he's Fenway's most wanted. I'm not going to go against him. The real question is: who ya got?

Jabroni of the Week: Zdeno Chara

The Rangers have had more up-and-downs this season than the Great American Scream Machine. They'll beat a team 7-0 and then get shut out. After winning six out of seven games to seemingly seal up their spot in the playoffs, they faltered a bit losing two of three. That combined with hot play by Buffalo and Carolina put them on the brink of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Red Sox & Queen James Go 0-6

Noted Yankees fan and traitor, LeBron James, curiously announced a marketing and sponsorship deal with the Fenway Sports Marketing, sister company of the BoSox, which includes ownership in the English soccer team Liverpool FC. Of the deal Queen James said, "It's strictly business...It's very humbling." As if the Red Sox couldn't raise their douchebaggery factor anymore, this pushes them over the top. I have so many questions. Does this mean fat chicks in Boston are going to be able to pick up pink LeBron jerseys at Fenway? Why can't LeBron stop backstabbing everybody? Aren't the Celtics and Heat huge rivals? Why do the Red Sox own a soccer team? Luckily, Queen James's affiliation with the Red Sox has resulted so far in a Heat loss and the continuation of the pesky six-game season-starting losing streak for the Sox. Looks like it's a perfect match.

ESPN

Keith Stone Is Gonna Be A Daddy!

As soon as the papers go through, I am adopting this child. His dad ranks up there with Marvin Gay, Sr. and the guy in the Mamas & the Papas who had sex with his daughter. By the way, the Red Sox are 0-3.

Beached Whale Spotted at TD Garden

Shaq returned from a two-month absence caused by a sore right Achilles yesterday. He lasted less than six minutes before leaving with a sore right calf. Good luck in the playoffs with Nenad, Boston!

Chair Throwing Madman Traded To Celtics

Today is the NBA trade deadline. It's like the Super Bowl for nerdy basketball fans. Apparently, Celtics President Danny Ainge didn't think his team had enough maniacs and gave away Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. You may remember Krstic as the balding Serbian freak who was arrested after throwing a chair during an international game.

He's no Mick Foley. You know the second KG goes insane on Krstic during practice, he's getting a trash can lid or ladder in the back of the head. No word yet on whether Paul Pierce's wheelchair was included in the trade.

ESPN