May 18, 2009 (Part 2); Magic dethrowns Celtics; 18th banner won't be raised

The Celtics won't be able to raise banner number 18 this season.

Yes. You heard that right. The Celtics are done for this season, as they were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 101-82 in Game 7 a while ago, infront of their hometown fans.

They had a twice-to-beat advantage against the Magic when they led 3-2, but they let it slip away. Their 32-0 record when leading a series 3-2 is now tarnished, as they are now 32-1.

And another assurance we have is that the league will have a new champion this year.

But the question is, which team will it be? Could it be the Magic? the Cavs? the Lakers? or the Nuggets?

It's for all of us to find out on the next couple of weeks.

This is the Magic's first trip to the conference finals since 1996, when Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal was still their franchise players.

The Celts scored the first basket of the game via a lay-in from Rajon Rondo, but after that, they never tasted the lead for the rest of the ballgame, even trailing by as much as 23 points in the fourth quarter.

Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic with 25 points along with 5 rebounds and 12 assists, a huge surprise given that he's 6'10" tall. Rashard Lewis finished off with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Mickael Pietrus had 17 points and 3 rebounds off the bench. Rafer Alston capped off the night with 15 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.

Dwight Howard was limited to just 12 points, but he dominated the boards with a total of 16 rebounds, plus 5 block shots.

The Celtics on the other hand were led by Ray Allen with 23 markers, with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Paul Pierce only had 16 points and 3 assists. Glen Davis just made 13 pointsn and 4 rebounds. Rajon Rondo had 10 points and 6 assists, while Kendrick Perkins had eight points and 15 rebounds.

They are now headed to the off-season, bringing all their worries with them on how they could improve for the next season.

While the Magic will have two days off to prepare for the Cavs who are waiting for them in the East Finals.

Game 1 of the East Finals between the Magic and the Cavaliers will be on Thursday, May 21 at 8:30 AM from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

The Cavs holds the homecourt advantage for the entirety of the Playoffs by virtue of having the best record in the league.

Game 7
Orlando 101
Boston 82
TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
ORL: Hedo Turkoglu- 25 pts, 5 rebs, 12 assts.
BOS: Ray Allen -23 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts, 1 stl.
Magic wins series 4-3
Magic will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East Finals, which will start on Thursday.

And now, for some football news, here are the results from last night's Barclays Premier League action!

May 17, 2009

West Bromwich Albion 0
Liverpool 2
The Hawthorns
LIV: Steven Gerrard (28"), Dirk Kuyt (63")

Chelsea 2
Blackburn Rovers 0
Stamford Bridge
CHE: Florent Malouda (4"), Nicolas Anelka (58")

The loss for West Brom means that they are relegated from the Premier League. They will join the Coca-Cola Championship next season as a result of it.

Here are the fixtures for next Sunday, May 24!

Arsenal vs. Stoke City
Emirates Stadium
11:00 PM

Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United
Villa Park
11:00 PM

Blackburn Rovers vs. West Bromwich Albion
Ewood Park
11:00 PM

Fulham vs. Everton
Craven Cottage
11:00 PM

Hull City vs. Manchester United
Kingston Communications Stadium
11:00 PM

Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Anfield
11:00 PM

Manchester City vs. Bolton Wanderers
City of Manchester Stadium
11:00 PM

Sunderland vs. Chelsea
Stadium of Light
11:00 PM

West Ham United vs. Middlesbrough
Upton Park
11:00 PM

Wigan Athletic vs. Portsmouth
JJB Stadium
11:00 PM

There you have it!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here... :)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)