Maybe it’s appropriate that the Celtics didn't sweep the Magic in Boston Monday night. After all, the Garden has not felt like home for them even in the regular season. They seem to enjoy life on the road like nomads who constantly search out greener pastures.
Now it's on to Game Five in Orlando where they could complete their plans to be in the Finals on June third. No one said that it would be easy and the Celtics for all their talk forgot for one game how to win together.
Game Four simply turned into the Paul Pierce show as if the Captain wanted to remind everyone that he is still 'The Truth.' Well sometimes it is better to take the truth in small doses and last night's debacle turned into a massive overdose on the parquet floor.
Pierce unleashed an array of shots that culminated into his best performance of the post season so far, a 32 point outburst. But as the Celtics proved time and time again just because a player is the top scorer it doesn't necessarily mean a win.
The Celtics fell into a false sense of security that rang hollow throughout the night. While Pierce followed his own tune the rest of the team suffered. Rondo suffering from leg cramps could not keep the Celtic engine from sputtering.
Though Ray Allen finished the night with 22 points it didn't seem like he was as involved in the game. Kevin Garnett looked exhausted and Kendrick Perkins botched a crucial rebound that probably could have won them the game.
The Celtics won't panic but the inconsistency bug came back to haunt them at the most inopportune moment.
The Orlando Magic on the other hand got a shot of adrenaline by this win. They looked like they were about to jump of the Charles River Bridge just days ago. They were going to be part of the playoff refuge that the Celtics had amassed during their 6 game win streak.
The magic are still on life support and the Orlando fans are ready to help them resuscitate their Finals dream at the old Amway Arena.
I hope they bring that extra defibrillator because they have not won a home game in this series. If by chance it comes down to a one possession game my bet is on the Celtics. They are quick studies and tend not to repeat the same mistakes in the next game.
Orlando on the other hand will have to continue to remind them-selves to breathe. Because life support in the NBA is a tenuous thing and the Celtics are more than willing to play the Doctor Kevorkian role in a hostile environment. They will be more than willing to give them the okay to go gently into the off-season with assistance from their team defense.
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