Does it really have to end?
Can we make this one a best-of-nine? Can the Celtics and Bulls keep playing until Kevin Garnett and Luol Deng are healthy again, then do a best-of-seven?
Glen Davis begs to differ.
“We want to end this series. We want to be done with this series,’’ Boston’s self-proclaimed Ticket Stub said after the Celtics exhausting Game 5 victory on Tuesday night.
Sorry, Baby. We want more.
Entertaining doesn’t begin to describe what’s going on between Boston and Chicago in their first-round playoff series. A seemingly mundane matchup between a depleted defending champion and a team going nowhere most of the regular season has turned into a must-see series full of game-winning shots, game-tying shots, physical play, coaching gaffes and everything else you’d want to see in this ‘Where Amazing Happens’ time of year.
Where this one ranks among the all-timers is still anyone’s guess. But we know this much: It’s the greatest Celtics-Bulls playoff series ever (OK, given that the three previous ones were 4-0 Boston, 3-0 Boston and 3-0 Boston, that isn’t saying much) and it already has done what no playoff series in 63 years has ever produced – three overtime games. And there still could be two more to play! (Please, basketball Gods. Two more.)
The Celtics hold the upper hand, 3-2, courtesy of their come-from-behind, 106-104 OT thriller Tuesday night, which could well have gone to a second OT (and who knows what else) had Brad Miller, an 80 percent free-throw shooter, not missed at the line with two ticks left. Or had Miller not missed the rim with his second, an intentional brick, denying the Bulls a chance at a put-back.
The series resumes in Chicago on Thursday night and, well, how about a triple OT game to add spice to the occasion? It’s about the only thing the teams haven’t done in the first five games. You have to think the United Center is going to be at Defcon 5 for this one.
Most NBA observers figured this to be a competitive series, given the Celtics’ absence of the game-changing Garnett and the fact that the Bulls are sort of the anti-Celtics: young, frisky, free-wheeling and callow. But what we’ve witnessed so far has been extraordinary.
ESPN waited one day to re-air Game 4 as an ‘Instant Classic.’ Four of the five games have been decided by a total of 10 points. There have been more than 80 lead changes and more than 45 ties.
There was the Bulls’ surprising OT victory in Game 1, with Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose scoring 36 points in his playoff debut. Only one other player in NBA history had ever scored that many in a playoff debut: Lew Alcindor, aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Game 2 brought us the vintage shootout between UConn alums Ray Allen and Ben Gordon, with the Celtics (barely) prevailing.
After a Game 3 stinkbomb by the Bulls, we had a double-OT gem in which both teams seemingly had the game in hand, only to watch as the opponent made big play after big play. Allen hit a big three (when the Bulls should have fouled) sending the game to overtime. Gordon hit a ridiculous three (when the Celtics should have fouled) sending the game to double overtime.
Coming off that one, the bar was pretty high for Game 5. But these teams just keep raising it. Another overtime. A controversial conclusion. And a vow by the loser to return to Boston one more time.
“We will be back,’’ said the Bulls’ Joakim Noah, who, like a lot of players in this series, is opening more than a few eyes. “We have another chance so it’s a learning experience for all of us. Learning experience is not an excuse because I still feel like we can win this series.”
And you know what? They can. This isn’t Atlanta from a year ago, where the Hawks were never once competitive in four blowout first-round losses in Boston and looked shell-shocked on the road. This isn’t even Cleveland from a year ago, where LeBron was MIA in the first two games.
The Bulls have won once in Boston already and they’ve been in position to win all three in Boston. They’re not playing like a group going through their first playoff series under a rookie head coach.
Speaking of the rookie head coach, did Vinny Del Negro once think it might be a good idea to double Paul Pierce in OT in Game 5? Ray Allen had fouled out. KG was wearing suit that cost more than a Camry. Del Negro already has taken heat for his use of timeouts in Games and 1 and 2, but why not run someone at Pierce when it’s clear to everyone in the building he’s going to shoot it? (They did it once in the final minute of regulation and Pierce dished it off to Stephon Marbury, who immediately turned to stone.) The Bulls never did when it mattered, however, and Pierce made them pay.
“We talked about coming with different players but they’ve picked us apart a little bit with that on the glass (offensive rebounds) and he hits some tough fadeaway shots with hands in his face,’’ Del Negro said of Pierce. “That’s what great players do, they make big plays. That’s something we’ll talk about again, but we’ve come with double teams, we’ve come with single teams, we’ve come off bigs, we’ve come off littles, and he’s seen it all.”
Pierce put on his 2008 Finals MVP face for the end of Game 5, a face we haven’t seen much in the series. The Celtics have gotten sensational play from Rajon Rondo, who is leading them in scoring, assists and steals in the party of all Coming Out Parties. (Until Kendrick Perkins inhaled 19 rebounds on Tuesday, the 6-foot Rondo, who had 8 in the game, also was leading the team in rebounds.)
He also was the one who clocked Miller at the end of the game, preventing a layup, while the Bulls cried for a flagrant foul call. He played 55 minutes in the double-overtime game and then came back and played 49 more in Game 5, though it seems he’s never not on the floor.
Allen has hit big shots throughout after stumbling through the first six quarters of the series. Pierce has been hesitant, tentative and, it seems at time, maybe a little cooked or even hurt, even as he has been putting up decent numbers. But the Take Charge Pierce had been missing. But there he was at the end in Game 5, hitting the last two Boston hoops in regulation and the last three in OT. As Davis put it, “I think since I’ve been here I’ve seen him do it a million times, so nothing surprises me.”
But surely more surprises await for Game 6. For instance, after moaning about the officiating, Perkins, a human wrecking ball if there ever was one, managed to play 48-plus minutes and never got called for a foul. That’s like watching Hubie Brown on TV and never hearing the phase “off the dribble.” Doc Rivers already has been fined $25,000 for commenting on the officiating.
Both coaches have shrunk their rotations. Mikki Moore never got off the Boston bench in Game 5 and played sparingly in Game 4. And this is one a team desperately in need of big men. Perkins and Davis are going to play till they drop. Ditto for Rondo. Marbury might as well start researching jobs overseas they way he has played so far. For Chicago, Gordon has to stay on the floor, lest his sore hamstring tighten up. Rose and Noah are logging long minutes as well, but they’re young.
The Bulls want to bring this one back to Boston for one final shootout. The Celtics want to end it and go on. But if these teams keep playing the way they’ve been playing, two more games won’t be enough. We know it has to end. We just don’t want it to.
Porky Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 10:10 am
May I say that was an excellent article? I am a Celtic fan but give props to da Bulls. While Celts will utimately prevail (even without KG who was the cornerstone of the defense) it has been a classic series so far.
YaoMing Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Not being a fan of either team, this has certainly been the series to watch! I dont want it to end either. At the very least it needs to go the full 7 which i think it will. This is why i’m a basketball fan, this is why this sport is the best on earth!
sam fielding Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
ditto; great article. rondo is playing like chris paul should be playing… damn
W2 Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
I am a huge C’s fan and was shocked by the lack of a double team thrown at Pierce near the end of the game. Vinny is still learning his chops. The Bulls are spirited, but if Pierce has been awakend from his slumber…my guess is a Celts win at the United Center on Thursday.
Pablo23 Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
Great article. Rondo is playing really good basketball. I think the Bulls lost game 5 before OT, had many chances to close the game and decided very poorly offensively. I hope Hinrich gets more minutes, he knows how to run a basketball team
chanman Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
I think the C’s will win too..but they’re not gettin pass the second round without KG and even IF they make it to the finals they aint goin no where
oberonz Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
Great series…best series so far in 09′ playoffs. I think you miss the point though on Marbury…his lack of aggression is indicative of a mental and moral dilema. Marbury is confronted with trying to be what he has never ever been…a good team mate, a sharing and caring individual who is not the star or the most talented on the team, a role player who not only plays a role but does it enthusiastically.
They once said Pierce would never adapt and change…I saw his progression once KG and Allen got to Beantown it was not easy but once he slipped into being the Paul Pierce we all now respect he has never had to be questioned when the chips are down for the Celts. Marbury if and when he comes out of his cocoon might be the weapon that changes the game for an undermanned Celtic team…so while he looks awkwark out there now, Gosh help the other teams if he finds his new self in this series…
Porky Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Chanwoman says C’s not going past second round? Why not? Orlando or Sixers are very beatable and in fact C’s will beat either of them and face the LeBum team.
MPG Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
If anything you understated how well Rondo has played. Its his team now. Noah, Rose Perkins and Davis have emerged as well.
kenzil Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
Rose is emerging but you can tell he has a lot to learn. Too many turnovers. I can’t wait to see how he develops over the years.
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Peter May » Does it really have to end? | TypicalGames.Com Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 3:58 am
[...] Read the original: HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Peter May » Does it really have to end? [...]
The Vision Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 7:40 am
Big time Chicago Bulls fan here! This is the greatest and most entertaining, and thrilling series thus far, and could be for the entire 2009 playoffs. Win or loose, both teams played with heart and thats what the playoffs are all about. Even though the Celtics are one victory away from wrapping up the series, don’t count out the Bulls. Beating Boston 2 times in a row seems like an impossible task at this point in the series, But I think Chicago has proven they’re capable of defeating Boston even on there home floor. So I’m gonna bite my tongue and say THE BULLS WILL WIN THE SERIES IN 7
Just to touch on that Marbury discussion; With the way Rondo is playing currently, I doubt he can keep up that pace throughout the entire length of the playoffs. He’s bound to either wear himself out or get injured. Thats when they’ll need Marbury the most!
Cordell Taylor Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Boston should be elated that Rondo is not suspended for Game 6, his clothesline of Brad Miller’s head was a clear flagrant. Stu Jackson blew this decision, which has he done time and time again regarding player suspensions. He uses almost idiotic judgement when it comes down to being a true sherrif of justice.
I can guarantee you if Pierce or Allen would have been the victim of that last second play, somebody on the Bulls would have been tossed for Game 6. Its pretty clear that the NBA does not want the Celtics to lose in the first round.
Porky Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Cordell- and there is no global warming, right?
c money Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 11:27 am
The NBA should be ashamed of itself…..why was Rondo not suspended? For fandom sake? They say that the NBA is better when the Celts are good… I guess they believed that, cause there is no reason for the guy to be playing, especially when it was CLEARLY evident that his foul had nothing to do with making a play on the ball. I am not a Bulls fan either. How was this foul any less flagrant or intentional that Dwight Howard’s foul on Dalembert? I guess its Howard’s fault he plays in a small market….sorry Howard, apparently, your team has nowhere near the fanfare as Rondo’s, or you would be joining your team for game six.
Porky Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
c Money you have bounced another check and are heading towards mental bankruptcy. Rondo went for the ball and accidently hit the big doofus who seems to bleed easily like a stuck pig. Good play as Coach Rivers correctly said. NBA made the right decision. If the Bulls cannot take the pain then they deserve to lose. Celts are winning this series- you can take that money to the bank!
c money Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
only a person with NO ATHLETIC bone in their body, who never stepped foot on a court that was occupied by anyone playing the game of basketball could think that he was going for the ball…..Guess i summed your athletic history up in one sentence huh Porky? Neways, whats done is done, on to game six.
But wait, Who are you anyways the Celtics Public Defender? The Freakin Mascot? One of the halftime entertainment pieces? What is your angle? hoping to win a free pair of KG whities? or better yet the whole PJ set?
Porky Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
Hey Mr. Confederate Dollar: Guess my college hoop experience was a mirage? No, it wasnt and yes I was a starting forward, thank you. If you were worth it, I could still take you to the hoop and then punch your nose down your throat. But, I digress. I am a real Celtics fan and will defend the greatest franchise in sports history. My gift last year was seeing banner #17 raised. There will be more, many more and I will gloat accordingly.
chorv Said,
May 1, 2009 @ 12:47 am
hey man you got it right: “The series resumes in Chicago on Thursday night and, well, how about a triple OT game to add spice to the occasion?”
And today? Bulls triple OT win?? just another great game in this really insane series…never seen better in my life…
Any suggestions for game 7?
James Said,
May 1, 2009 @ 1:33 am
“How about a triple OT game to add spice to the occasion”
Ask and you shall receive…your fortune-telling skills are impressive!!
knock knock Said,
May 2, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
haha when rondo threw kirk into the scorers table was that a good play too then porky? haha none of these plays were basketball plays and had anything to do with the bball. funny how celtics homers defend their point guard no matter what. it would be karma if the celtics lose this game 7 due to the horrible officiating–