I'll take the more positive approach and credit the Celtics for showing exceptional resiliency and determination by coming back from a 24-point road deficit to overtake and defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91.
The stunning comeback pulled Boston to within one win of claiming the NBA title. Game 5 will be held on Father's Day in LA.
Things started well for the Lakers as Lamar Odom made all six of his shots, leading his team to 35-14 lead in the first quarter. And with Kobe Bryant concentrating on playmaking duties, the Lakers led by 18 at intermission although the MVP didn't make a single field goal in the first half.
The Lakers were up 70-50 midway through the third period when the Celtics locked down defensively and received major offensive contributions from Ray Allen as well as reserves James Posey and Eddie House. Allen had 19 points while playing all 48 minutes. Posey scored an unexpected 18. House hit the go-ahead basket.
And all this took place after Boston coach Doc Rivers was forced to improvise when it became evident that starting point guard Rajon Rondo was still severely hampered by a bum ankle and young center Kendrick Perkins left for good with a shoulder injury.
But Boston's biggest hero was Paul Pierce, who finished with 20 points and played exceptional individual defense after volunteering to guard Kobe after intermission. Bryant finished with 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting.
No team has ever come back to win the title after trailing 3-1 in the Finals. But, then again, no team had ever come back from a 24-point deficit, either.
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