Random Thoughts (May 5, 2010)

My predicted outcome of the Celtics-Cavaliers playoff series (Cavs in 6) looked very good after the second half collapse of the Celts in Game 1. Then came Game 2. Rajon Rondo - who has been the best player in the series so far - tied a franchise record for assists in a playoff game with 19 and the Celtics laid a true beating on Cleveland, 104-86, to tie the series at 1-1. The big story after Game 2 was the health of LeBron James' right elbow. James went off for 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 1 but followed that with a subpar line 24-7-4 in Monday's game. The two-time reigning MVP went for an MRI yesterday and if the injury is going to slow him down, the Celtics have a terrific shot at taking this series and returning the Conference Finals for the second time in two years. I personally give more credit to the Celtics defense against James on Monday for his troubles. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce did a great job of being physical with him on the wing and the C's weak side rotations reminded me of their 2008 championship run. The series come to Boston on Friday and Sunday. If the C's want to advance to play another round, they have to sweep both games this weekend... At least one of Boston's winter teams looks like they will be playing in the Conference Finals. The Bruins just finished off an impressive 3-1 win over the Flyers in Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. The one negative to come out of Philadelphia for the Bruins tonight was the injury to David Krejci in the first period. Bruins coach Claude Julien said after the game that Krejci was at a Philadelphia hospital. His status is not yet known for Friday's Game 4. Despite the loss of Krejci, the Bruins played an inspired game. Following Mark Recchi's third period goal that pushed the lead to 3-1, the B's put on a clinic on how to close out a desperate team. I can't believe that this is the same team that I gave up on almost two months ago... The Red Sox, left for dead after an embarassing sweep at the hands of the Orioles in Baltimore over the weekend, have rebounded very nicely with three wins over the Angels. My MLB preview is still in the works - I still don't have a functioning laptop in my living room - but I still believe the Red Sox will make a serious run at the Rays and Yankees in the AL East and contend for the World Series. Of course, that theory includes the Sox going out and acquiring an impact bat for their limp offense but with the pitching they have, this team will be heard from all summer... Enjoy Tim Duncan tonight...