April 29, 2009 (Part 3); Bulls vs. Celtics= Classic

I posted it as the title of this post simply because it exemplifies it all. For me, it is the best series for this year's Playoffs.

Game 5 was simply a thriller. And guess what guys, it went into another overtime, thus producing their 3rd game which featured an extra period.

As we also know, one member of the Big 3, Kevin Garnett, in unavailable for this Playoffs due to an injury. But could the Celtics survive if another member of that group got down?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Ray Allen fouled out of the game with 5:27 left in regulation, making Paul Pierce the only Big 3 member active for the game.

Pierce never thought of this as any distraction, but rather used it as a motivation factor to carry his team to victory.

And so it is.

Paul Pierce did his job, hitting the jump to force overtime, and hitting three more in the final 77 seconds of the extra period, catapulting his team to victory, 106-104. The Celtics are now a game away from eliminating the Bulls and moving on to the second round.

Pierce finished the game with 26 points and 7 rebounds. But the biggest surprise of this game was Rajon Rondo, who wowed the crowd en route to 28 points and 11 assists. Glen Davis also had great night, scoring 21 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Their center, Kendrick Perkins, capped off the night with a double-double, scoring 16 points and having 19 big rebounds.

And I think that my theory for the Chicago Bulls is indeed correct.

I wrote the other day that, if Derrick Rose does not score 20 points or more, it will spell trouble for the Bulls, and so, I'm on a right track.

Derrick Rose just scored 14 points tonight. Given that he scored 20, they should have won the game.

The Bulls were led by Ben Gordon with 26 points and 6 assists. Kirk Hinrich had 19 points and 4 rebounds off the bench. John Salmons chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Tyrus Thomas pinched in 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Game 6 of the series will be played on Friday, May 1, back in Chicago.

Game 5
Chicago 104
Boston 106
TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachussetts
CHI: Ben Gordon- 26 pts, 3 rebs, 6 assts.
BOS: Rajon Rondo- 28 pts, 8 rebs, 11 assts, 2 stls.
Celtics lead series 3-2
Game 6 on Friday, May 1, time to be announced, from the United Center in Chicago.

I will be back for more!

The Wizard was here... :)