3 & out: Sox-Yanks, June 9-11

Brett M. Rhyne

"A series doesn't mean anything unless you sweep." —Earl Weaver

So sayeth the legendary curmudgeon of the Orioles dugout; in this case, the meaning is a three-game swing at the top of the AL East: the Yanks came into town one game up, and left two games out. Ahhhh.

The good:

• Sox starting pitching. Josh Beckett continued his streak of dominance, Brad Penny pitched his best game of the year (outduelling C.C. Sabathia yet), and Tim Wakefield was predictably workmanlike. The knuckleballer continues to be the most engaging Sox story of the last 15 years.
• Sox relievers, for the most part. Shut-down performances by Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima and Takashi Saito highlighted this MLB-best bullpen. Jonathan Papelbon saved two games in dramatic fashion, thanks in no small part to some terrific defense behind him.
• Timely offense. While it was the Sox's pitching that won this series, they hit when they had to. Stalwarts Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Mike Lowell delivered; J.D. Drew continued his assault on the OBP title from the two-hole; and David Ortiz flirted with the Medoza Line, showing power to center and the opposite field.
• Timely defense. 1B Youk, 2B Dustin Pedroia, SS Nick Green and part-time CF Rocco Baldelli all made big plays when they had to, saving runs, killing rallies and winning games and the gratitude of their pitchers.
• Mark Teixiera. Truly a great player with the bat and the glove. All he does is anchor the Yankee lineup and defense; the calm eye of the chaotic Yankee hurricane. To a lesser degree, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada; special kudos to the latter for hitting without gloves, old-school style. (The same shout goes out to Wake's former C, Doug Mirabelli.)
• Sabathia. He was dominant for seven innings, even with long half-innings on the bench; it's not his fault Yankees manager Joe Girardi pulled a Grady Little.
  

The bad:

• Sox relivers Ramon Ramirez and Manny Delcarmen, both of whom imploded and needed to be bailed out. They've been stellar to this point, so we'll give them a mulligan. Hell, everyone's entitled to a bad day. Tellingly, despite their foibles, both their ERAs remain under 2.
• Yankees managing. Who else gets the sense that Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland are in over their heads? They make the wrong moves, both on the field and off. How much better would this team be with Phil Hughes in the rotation and Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen? Do it already.
  

The ugly:

• Yankees pitching. With the exception of Sabathia and Hughes' early relief of Chien-Ming Wang, the Bombers' arms were horrendous. Good thing John Smoltz is almost back. Oh wait, that's the Red Sox…
  

Who the hell plays for the Mets, anyway? and other random thoughts

Brett M. Rhyne

Random thoughts while watching the Mets @ the Red Sox, Friday, May 22:

• Who the hell plays for the Mets, anyway? We recognize Gary Sheffield, and Johan Santana, of course. Maybe that's because they're refugees from the AL. But where's Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltrán, and Carlos Delgado? And how is it these no-names are whipping the Old Towne Team?

• RhyNewSports fan David Borsykowsky — the most self-deprecaing Mets fan we know — is fond of pointing out that when the Mets signed Shef, manager Jerry Manuel lauded his "historic bat." As opposed to what he can do with it now, we suppose.

• Watching Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch makes us think he belongs in the NL, with its better defenses and weaker offenses. Maybe with the pitchers hitting, he'd last a little longer in the games. And if they had to yank him after five, the team might actually benefit, since they'd get to use a pinch-hitter or do a double-switch or pull some other such goofy Senior Loop shenanigans. Plus, Dice-K's not too bad a hitter himself.

• No disrespect to Jerry Remy, and we hope he recovers some his surgery and returns soon, but we're enjoying Eck doing color for the games. He's more, well, colorful, and besides, isn't it fun to say (or write) "Eck"? The Rem Dawg thing is getting a little old. Maybe NESN (or the radio team) could go to a three-man booth.

• Some dopey Met just tried to go first-to-third on a bunt. Did he not realize the Sox have Gold Glovers at first (Youk) and third (Lowell)? What a maroon.

• OK, Papi's now 0-3, with 2 K's and a GIDP. Way to go, slugger.

Manny Juiced?

Manny is going to be suspended 50 games for taking a league banned substance. HGH? no. Steroids? no. The answer is simply not that easy. According to sources close to Manny, he was taking medicine to overcome some personal dysfunction. Not the dysfuntion he brought the Boston Red Sox, but the other dysfuntion. Erectile. Manny has apparently have been having issues, and saw a doctor. He got prescribed to these pills, which happen to have an ingrediant which is banned by the MLB. I have a different theory. Manny, who is known to show up late, leave early ect... wants to take some time off. What better way than to get suspened 50 games by taking a banned subtance. Not just any banned substance either, but one that isnt steroids and can be played off a mistake. He wont be getting paid for those 50 games, but many has already thought this one out. He has bought stock in the company that supplies the pills, and when this all goes public, the maker of the pill will see its stock go up. Manny is giving the company publicity, he makes money, and gets the summer off from baseball. Sounds to me like a conpsiracy, or is it just Manny being Manny?

Steven Orsini

Is Papi Done?

Dylan Payne

David Ortiz has been known as the Boston Red Sox most clutch hitter since he signed with the team in 2003. He put the team on his back in the '04 ALCS when they came back to beat the Yankees and has had numerous game winning and clutch hits since. However his bat has started to slow and he has yet to hit a home run this season and sports a lowly .208 average with only 12 RBI's. He is off to an awful start and unlike last year where he had injuries to blame, there are no excuses. He was said to have come into spring training in shape and ready to go. After watching him in the WBC, though, I feared that this could be the type of season he would have. His bat speed seems to be gone and he can't drive anything. I think that Terry Francona should swap Jason Bay and Ortiz in the batting order since Bay has become the new captain clutch, and it will take pressure off of Papi since he won't be in the 3 hole anymore. Whether or not he ever breaks out of this slump David Ortiz will still be a Boston legend and a huge part of 2 world series championships in 4 years.

Bruins Get Hurricane Warning----by Jason Rexinis

In game one of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals the Bruins cruised to an easy 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Leaving off where they embarassed Carolina during the regular season winning all four games against each other with the Bruins outscoring Caroline 18-6. However, Sunday night in Boston was a different story. I was lucky enough to be at game 2 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals sitting six rows back watching my beloved Bruins frustration first hand. The Hurricanes absolutley shut down the Bruins in the nuetral zone. They were intercepting every pass, making sure no offense was generated. It was frustrating watching the game because I knew excatly how the B's felt. Carolina's game plan was to shut down any offense and play a sound game defensively. They did just that.

Cam Ward stopped all 36 shots that the Bruins threw at him. He didn't have to make many big saves until the third period when the Bruins desperation kicked into high gear. The B's outshot Carolina 16-3 in the third period and still could not get anything past Ward. It looked like the old Cam Ward from the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes in 2005-2006. The goals Carolina scored were sub par and you really can not blame Thomas for any of them. Carolina added an empty net goal in the final 15 seconds of the game to put the icing on the cake. The Bruins got away from their tenacious forechek and physical play and let Carolina off the hook easy in their defensive zone. Carolina is a good team with smart defensmen and a great goalie, but in order for the Bruins to take this series, they need to get back to simple hockey. They need to play their game forecheck hard and keep the puck out of their defensive zone. Game three is going ot be very intersting in Carolina on Wednesday night.

Bruins look for another win! By Gianna Addario

On Friday night, the Bruins beat the Carolina Hurricanes in the first game of the second round. They did it with poise and intensity. The Bruins came out strong in the first period and entered the second tied 1-1. The first goal for the Bruins was scored by defenseman Aaron Ward. Marc Savard scored twice, and Michael Ryder continues to dazzle in the playoffs with another goal. Tim Thomas made 26 saves between the pipes.

If they can continue to be brilliant like this is the upcoming games, they could possibly win the series in 4 games again. But I don't want to get ahead of myself, it's only game 2. It's really amazing to see the Bruins play like the Bruins of the past.

There was some speculation that because of the 11 day rest, the Bruins might have been rusty. Maybe there was a little bit of rust in the first period, but they got rid of any as the game went on. If things couldn't get any better for the Bruins, Claude Julien was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for NHL coach of the year.

My Top 3 Boston Sports Bars - Amanda Musial

1. The Greatest Bar

Located on Friend Street, across from TD Banknorth Garden, this bar is one of my favorites for a couple of reasons. First off they have a ton of screens throughout the space showing some of the most well known moments in Boston sports; perfect to go with someone of any age. The bar/restaurant has four floors and each with a different theme. The first floor is a very laidback, dancefloor area meanwhile the fourth floor is very restaurant-like. They have great food while you wait for your game to start, and great bars on each floor. They also have great DJ's on the weekends!

2. GameOn!

GameOn has won the Best of Boston every year since 2005, and for good reason. Located right on Lansdowne Street, it's a great place to get a drink before the game, or watch the game right there. They have over 90(!!) TVs to choose from! They have great events all week long including a ton of ways to win tickets to some of your favorite Boston teams. I love it here!

3. Boston Beer Works

If you love beer, obviously you WILL love Boston beer works. They have great food, my personal favorite is the clam chowder! The best anywhere that I've ever had, seriously! They have two locations; in Boston and Salem and is just a fun relaxed atmosphere. Their menu is made up of Boston-esque names; very thoughtful! They make their own beer and have a variety of house flavors and a lot of seasonal ones too. My favorite beer served all year round is blueberry (with real blueberries included!) and my favorite seasonal beer is watermelon. Check it out!

Whose Magic Will Make it to The Magics?

Sherene Abu-Hijleh

What a game last night! Three overtimes, three of our key players, Perkins, Pierce, and Davis, fouling out within the final minutes of the game, losing by one point. Now the Bulls and Celtics are making their way back to the Garden.

The series could have been over last night in Chicago. Everyone though we had it when Rondo took his jumper. But when Rose blocked it, it was total heartache for the C's. The Bulls charged through the rest of the game and overcame the Celtics in the end.

What about homecourt advantage? Did that play a factor? Some of the calls Tom Heinson named, "Chicago Foul." I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, the referees called a fair game. But, when time was winding down, there were a few calls that could have been avoided. One such call sent Miller to the line. Those 2 points that he made at the fould line could have been avoided.

Now we come to a game 7. Tomorrow night, in Boston, 8 pm sharp. This series has been the most memorable, nailbiting, ridiculous, yet amazing series I have ever seen! I can only imagine what game 7 is going to look like. I'm sure it's going to look just like games 1-6. All I can say to that is, "oh Lord."

One team is going to go home in triumph. The other, total heartache. Both teams have played their heart and souls in every game this series. All players have left their blood, sweat, and tears on that court. This is what I call true basketball.

Every single player has given it their all throughout every minute of the game. There are battle wounds. Pierce with stiches in his nose, Miller with a bloody mouth, and let's not forget the dispute between Rondo and Hinrich.

It all comes down to tomorrow night. Who has the magic to get to the Magics? Is there even any magic left for either team? This series is exhausting to watch. I can only imagine how exhausting it is to play!

We'll just have to wait and see who goes home to prepare for Orlando and who just goes home. Tomorrow night, 8pm, TD Banknorth Garden. I know i'll be watching! You should too!

Bulls Steal Game 6 From Celtics In 3 OT's BY: Jason Gasbarro

After almost having a heart attack from watching the first five games of this dramatic series, you couldn't help but hold your breath through this series altering game six between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. Just when you thought the Celtics were going to put away the game and the series an all important turnover from Celtic captain Paul Piece led to an easy dunk and a three point play. This was the momentum changer in this already dramatic series. The game was played in Chicago and the Bulls had control of the game for the most part, but did not have an answer for Ray Allen who scored a career playoff high 51 points in the game, including a couple three point shots when it seemed like the Celtics had no hope. Allen, who ended with nine three pointers hit a clutch three over Kirk Hinrich to force a third overtime in the final seconds of overtime number two. The game came down to its final possession having the Celtics down by just one and the ball in Rajon Rondo's hands. Instead of driving to the basket and either kicking it out or drawing a foul, Rondo decided to try a fade away jump shot that was perfectly played by rookie of the year Derrick Rose. Although the Celtics could not finish the series in Chicago, they will have a final chance back in Boston on Saturday. The Celtics also were without Glenn Davis Kendrick Perkins and Paul Pierce for most of the overtime since they all fouled out. You have to give it to the young Bulls players for their overall determination and effort to force a game 7. Get ready for another dramatic game in this already historic series.

Crosby vs. Ovechkin

Dave Pazzaglia

It has been a long time since the NHL has seen two superstar players that were the face of the game such as Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky. This Saturday will mark the start of the second round series of playoffs, in journey to the Stanley Cup, with two of the most prolific athletes that the sport of hockey has long been waiting for. These two superstars are Sidney Crosby or “Sid the Kid” as known by teammates and fans, and Alexander Ovechkin, also known as “Alexander the Great.” The two are the faces of their franchises and the NHL representing their respective teams of the Pittsburg Penguins (Crosby) and the Washington Capitals (Ovechkin).

Since entering the league in 2005 together the two have once again brought excitement to the game and been linked statistically and through their personal rivalry since the beginning. Crosby, a center and captain of the Penguins was the first overall pick in 2005 and hails from Cole Harbour, NS, Canada. Ovechkin, a left winger, was drafted 1^st overall in 2004 and hails from the Moscow, Russia.

Crosby is referred to as a personality like a movie star with Ovechkin having the rock star personality. This rock star personality was shown last week on ESPN show E60 with Ovechkin whipping around his brand new Mercedes SL 65 where he admits driving 180 mph. Aside from this the clubs, drinking, and of course the women is all shown in this biography that direct relates to his style on ice. Ovechkin is 220 pounds of pure power and speed, with an uncanny amount of energy. Ovechkin celebrates goals by speeding around jumping off glass and putting the fire out on his hockey stick. Crosby a smooth skater, gritty player, with keen vision keeps his emotions in check until the two meet on the ice like during their last regular season matchup where both threw shots at each other on and off the ice.

Although it’s not the Stanley Cup, this series will forever be remembered as the first playoff battle of the two faces of their respective franchise on who comes out on top. Sports analyst are referring to the rivalry as similar to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson (especially the 1979 NCAA National Championship between the two) with Crosby having the same characteristics and composure of Bird and Ovechkin being loud, outspoken, and very confident like that of Magic. The sports world and the hockey world now have the rivalry between the Canadian star of Crosby and the Russian star of Ovechkin. Whether or not you like hockey you can only respect what these two are doing and will do for the sport of hockey. The rivalry will be at its highest peak beginning Saturday where the two meet for the first time in playoffs to mark a piece of history and many more to come.

MLB Top Five

Baseball is a tough sport to predict week to week. We had to Red sox go form an ugly start to the best team in baseball in very short time. We had the Yankees go into a downward spriral. We also still have the Blue Jays on top also. So who's the best right now?

1. Red Sox: The sox are red hot right now. They went on a 11 game win streak, while sweeping the yanks. The Yanks arent the yanks of the past, but they still play well against the sox. The Ellsbury stealing of home pretty much sums up why they are the best team to date.

2. Blue Jays: They are off to an amazing start. The only downside is that they seem to do this every year. They start out strong, then seemingly fad out into obscurity. Roy Halladay has been leading this team, and will not have much margin for error if the offense slows down.

3. Dodgers: Still winning, depsite Manny having the loest average among the starters. They are still trying to get their batting order straightened out also.

4. Phillies: The defending champs are still battling for another ring. The only thing that will slow them down or deter them would be bad news about Cole Hamil. If his injury is serious, then we will see the Phillies dropping off the top five.

5. Cardinals: The cards have been great during the regular season for the past few seasons. They have a deep offense that is producing. They also have a good closer in Ryan Franklin. If they keep up this pace, they will see the post season yet again.


Steven Orsini

Brett M. Rhyne

Jacoby Ellsbury's steal of home inspires a nice historical piece by Mel Antonen in USA Today. A couple of thoughts on the matter:

• One photo illustrating the story has the caption, "Giant mistake: Emmanuel Burriss is tagged out by the Diamondbacks' Miguel Montero on April 18, ending the inning and leaving Giants cleanup man Bengie Molina at the plate." My thought: If Bengie Molina is the Giants' cleanup hitter, they've got bigger problems than Burriss trying to steal home. (Then again, this is the anemic NL West.)

• I'm reminded of something the dearly departed Coco Crisp said in 2007, when Youk and Pedroia were batting 1-2 in the order: "Jacoby Ellsbury and I are like Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia — about the same speed. Just with really fast people."

So Sweep

This was one of the best series I have seen, every game was exciting. The Red Sox are on fire. This weekend they swept the Yankees 3-0, swept a 9-0 homestand, and are 10 for 10 in their last 10 games. They scored 25 runs against the Yankees and 80 runs in the last 10 games. However, they are still one game down to Toronto.
This weekend the Sox had so many amazing plays I thought they were going to sweep SportsCenters top 10. Jason Bay hit a 2-run shot to center field in Friday’s game to send the Sox into extra innings. Then Kevin Youkilis slammed a homer for a walk-off in the 11th inning. The sox won the first game 5-4.
Day 2 the sox weren’t looking as good. Josh Beckett was struggling giving up 6 runs in the first four innings while A.J. Burnett’s pitching was shutting down the Sox. However, that all changed in the bottom of the fourth when the Sox put up 5 runs. The next innings were back and forth (Sox went up 8-6, Yanks tie it up, Sox get another run 9-8, Yanks get 2 more, Sox get 3 more 12-10, Yanks get one more, then Sox finish them off with 4 more resulting in a 16-11 win.)Day 3 the game went by faster than the others. Each team got seven hits. Instead of home runs the Sox earned their runs a little different. For a game that wasn’t that excited a rare thing happened. Jacobi Ellsbury with Andy Pettitte’s back to him was able to steal home Sunday night. The Sox went on to win the game 4-1 sweeping the Yankees.

-Robin Lash

If Nick can do it, I can too! - Micaela Hersee

This weekend  I had the opportunity to attend a 5K in the town next to mine. The 5K in Bellingham took place Sunday morning at ten in the morning. On a normal weekend in April the weather would be in the mid 60's with a chance of rain. Not this weekend. As we all know this weekend was a taste of summer. It had already reached 80 by the time the race started.

Now I am not a runner, but the people running this race really motivated me. There were children, teens, young adults and older adults. I couldn't help but thinking if they can do this I can do it too! As I continued to watch the crowd run past at the start I couldn't help but notice a older couple at the end sporting a neon green shirt that said " If Nick can do it , we can too!" I had no idea who Nick was but I was impressed that this couple was walking holding hands in support of whoever Nick was.

Twenty minutes later runners are beginning to trickle across the finish line. Both young and old seemed unaffected by the heat as the crossed the finish line in under twenty minutes. Participants were given an hour to complete the race and as it inched closer and closer to that time alloted I could not help but wonder where the people in the neon green shirts had disappeared to.

Moments later the you can see a handful of people wearing green shirts coming down the final stretch. Leading the way was a young boy, running as fast he can towards the finish line. As it turns out this young boy was Nick and he could not have been more than 8-years-old. As Nick crossed the finish line pumping his fist in the air it became apparent that Nick suffered from a disability. The exact disability but it seemed as though he had Downs Syndrome. This amazing little boy had completed a 5K road race in under an hour with his family by his side supporting him. The look on both his face and his Dad's said it all. It showed strength, courage, happiness and pride. The mood and feel of the whole crowd was indescribable as Nick and his family completed the race. You can not help but feel proud of this little boy and feel his happiness. He surely brought a smile to my face!

Next year I hope to run the 5K road race. I am not a runner but if Nick can do it, I can do it too.

10 Things to do in a Red Sox Rain Delay - Joanne C.

I received Red Sox tickets for Wednesday night’s Minnesota Twins game as a gift. Keeping in mind the two days of howling rain in Boston, I decided to share my list of 10 things to do in a rain delay at Fenway Park…

10. On the T: Wonder why they play games in April in New England – it’s always a crap shoot on weather, it’s cold and rainy… I suppose that if you end in October, you have to start in April, but it always makes me wonder why I have to break out the winter coat and fleece lined jeans to enjoy a ball game in person.

9. On the Street: Look at all the different ponchos – I swear, none of the ponchos I saw Wednesday night were the same. I was particularly fascinated by an ankle length one I saw on a woman on Yawkee Way.

8. In Kenmore Square: Double check the news provided by local teens – Two kids walked through Kenmore Square yelling the game has been called for rain – might as well go home; called home instead to hear that the game was going off as scheduled.

7. At Game On: Count the people who are leaving vs the people who are getting in – Takes about 15 minutes on a lousy game day (combine that with people who stayed from the first game of the double header). They let in 20 people (I know, fire code…), let in 10 and then close the line. We count as 25-30 people leave, and two sneak in and wait another five minutes before being let inside.

6. At the Bar: Order two beers each – This one is key, because it’s so crowded you may never get near the bar again. Two beers (at $5.50 each) will hold you long enough to see if the game is going off on schedule or if it is delayed or cancelled.

5. Watch the Bruins playoff game – What better way to forget about the pounding rainstorm than to be at Game On and watching the Bruins beating (literally at times) the Montreal Canadians.

4. Make friends with other patrons – Met a girl and her friend, a Twins fan who flew in from Minnesota just to go to the game. Tried not to hold the “Twins fan” thing against them, as they were otherwise nice people.

3. Discuss who will be taking your tickets for the next afternoon’s game while you’re at work – Our friends were on school vacation week with their kids, and the one with the Pats season tickets won out.

2. Game Begins, order one more beer – Gotta wait out that first inning or so after a rain delay; they’ll get you into the park and then pull another two-hour rain delay once the game has begun – in order to combat this and avoid spending $7 per beer, watch the first inning from where you are.

1. At the Game: Keep an eye on the clock – the MBTA does not care about rain delays or extra innings – the last train runs at 11:45, no matter what; giving you with the option of leaving early or jockeying with 20,000 other fans for a crushing ride out of Boston. We made it to the bottom of the 7th and got home in time to see the final score, wondering why they play games in April in New England.

Red Sox 5, Yankees 4 — 4/24/09

Brett M. Rhyne

Tonight's game had all the makings of an anti-climax, with neither team being able to do much against the opposing starter. When the Sox knocked out Joba Chamberlain in the sixth, I thought for sure they were going to pull ahead. But Sox starter Jon Lester was gone after shortly thereafter, and instead it was the Yanks who scratched out a couple of runs to take the lead. With one out in the ninth and Mariano Rivera on the mound, Kevin Youkilis drilled a single up the middle (nearly taking Rivera out in the process). J.D. Drew made the second out, leaving it up to Jason Bay. Bay promptly dinged one off the top of the Monster in centerfield, sending the game into extra innings and Rivera to the showers — his 14th career blown save against the Olde Towne Team, by far the most against any opponent. A couple of innings later, Youk put the Yanks out of their misery with a walkoff blast onto Lansdowne Street.

The good: Jason Bay, who sparkled at the plate and in left field; Youk, whose torrid bat and steady glove are carrying this team; and Jon Lester, who has returned to form as the Sox' most consistent starter.

The bad: The bullpen, no members of which looked sharp tonight; Jacoby Ellsbury, who may have manufactured a run in the first but then disappeared; and manager Terry Francona's decision to pinch run for Mike Lowell with two out in the ninth, after he'd gotten on following Bay's dinger — come on, Tito, we all knew the game was going into extra innings, and wouldn't you rather have Lowell's glove and bat in there?

The ugly: Hideki Okajima was the first and the worst of the bad relievers, throwing batting practice, coughing up the lead and getting himself on the hook for the loss until Bay's heroics; and David Ortiz took some pretty ugly swings, too.

A Statement Made in Game 3

Kristin Kennedy

After two close games at home against the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics showed the young Bulls what championship basketball is all about in game 3 in Chicago. The Celtics jumped out to early lead Thursday night and never looked back as they dominated the Bulls for an entire 48 minutes in a 107-86 blowout. Captain, Paul Pierce scored 13 points in the first half, shooting 6 for 7 from the floor, hitting an array of shots that gave Boston the momentum they needed to finish out strong. The Celtics, who are known for their defense, struggled in games 1 and 2, allowing the Bulls to score over 100 points in both games. In game 3 however,the Bulls had already racked up 14 turnovers at halftime, thanks much in part to the active hands of Rondo and big man Glen Davis. Rondo had two steals and Davis four in the first half. Chicago managed to shoot only 32.4% in the first half and tallied only five assists as a team, well off of their pace of 20.0 APG this series. Pierce's quick start helped him finish as the team's leading scorer with 24 points and was limited to only 27 minutes of play. Allen also pitched in 20 and Stephon Marbury scored 13 points to go along with five assists and three rebounds off the bench. After such a convincing performance, the Celtics will need to savor the victory last night, but quickly put it behind them today and focus on the road ahead. Boston has two days to prepare for a Game 4 that could potentially give them a commanding lead in the series. That game will take place at 1 p.m. EST Sunday afternoon in the United Center and will be broadcast on ABC.