Bob Ryan and Dan Shaughnessy
recap Game 4 of the Finals

Actually Dan but the Celts lost the first three in a row after the All Star break in Feb. Three road losses at that: Denver, Golden State, Phoenix.
But, they haven't lost three in a row in the current post season.
I picked them to win it in six from the start. But I'll take it in five...or seven. Just BEAT LA!

What a deflating loss for the Lakers. Can they come back strong and win game 5?

I'm no psychologist, but I think not.

To a lesser extent, it's like what happened to the 1986 Red Sox in the infamous Bill Buckner game. It was no surprise that the Red Sox lost the following seventh game of the series to the Mets.

I believe teams have a tough time playing their best in games following situations where the team was headed for an easy win, then everything suddenly fell apart.

What does everyone else think?

Dan Shaughnessy ,
Please STOP, STOP, STOP, criticizing KG in your columns. His DEFENCE and attitude is great. Also, your calling out of Ray Allen (The Big TWO) about two weeks was so wrong.

WOW. I really suck because when I saw the yellow team led the green team by 21 pts I turned the TV off. I was like Garnett is getting mugged and Allen was hurrying his shots and Odom got it going. Where is our defense? I gloated my way to sleep and in my dream I saw Lakers tied up 2-2. I was so ticked off in my sleep.

Had I watched the I would seen probably one of the best come backs of my life. I just can't believe it that it happened and I am so shocked in a happy way!

By the way, all my predictions can go to hell.

Go Celtics!

Bob Did you get my post about thanking McHale for trading us KG? Conversation between Ainge and McHale; " Cmon Kevin you'll have a future Garnett in Jefferson, and we'll get another championship." Well ok, I'll do it for Red and Celtics nation, but you gotta promise to Trade KG back after we win it." "Deal?" Deal.
Think of it! I'm certain these guys talked about this stuff. I would have, had I been part of a great team tradition like the Boston Celtics.

Yours truly, 55 year old long time Celtic fan now enjoying the Finals in Ft Myers.

Don't count out the Lakers in Game 5 (though the series is now well under control - I expect Celts in 6).

Athletes detest losing their last playoff game at home - they have to face the local media, the fans, etc. Athletes generally come up with strong performances at home in situations like these, then lose on the road after having somewhat redeemed themselves by winning their final home game.

Moreover, it would be human nature for the C's to relax just a bit, now that they are up 3 -1. Also, pro athletes have a great ability to overcome devastating losses and turn their attention to the task at hand.

Hey, if we close them out at home, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world!

THE BEAN TOWN NBA CHAMPS WILL HAVE THERE 17TH NBA TITLE IN TEAM HISTORT-THANK PAUL PIERCE FOR STAYING WITH THE TEAM ALL THOSE YEARS AND D.ANIGE FOR GETTING RAY ALLEN AND K.GARNETT,IF I CAN ADD AN FEW IDEAS ON HOW THE CELTICS CAN WIN BACK TO BACK TITLES,GO AFTER NBA FUTURE HALL OF FAMER ALLEN IVERSON-TRADE SAM CASSELL TO THE NUGGETS FOR ALLEN IVERSON -SAM CASSELL HAS PLAYED SUB PAR SINCE THE TRADE-S.CASSELL FOR ALLEN IVERSON OR BARON DAVIS WHOM MAY OPT OUT HIS CONTRACT ON JULY 1,08-WHY NOT BRING BACK ANTIONE WALKER TO THE CELTICS.

Hey Mr. Ranson

Sam Cassell's contract expires at the end of the season so there is nothing to trade.

Why would a team with expiring cap money trade a high priced contract to us?

Antoine? You see him lately.

PS All caps are kid of rude. Hit the Caps Lock bitton once before typing.

Hey Mr. Ranson

Sam Cassell's contract expires at the end of the season so there is nothing to trade.

Why would a team with expiring cap money trade a high priced contract to us?

Antoine? You see him lately.

PS All caps are kid of rude. Hit the Caps Lock bitton once before typing.

We cannot wait to close it at Home! No Way!

Celtics have to close this out on Sunday night in LA! In front of Hollywood Celtics need to staple this series at STAPLE Center!

Great design by Doc on putting Allen on Kobe 1st half and Paul in 2nd. My fav play was Kobe getting blocked. Funny I never saw Bird or MJ getting blocked at least not in finals and not in Playoffs.

I say to Doc have same Game Plan for Game 5 as you had for Game 4. Photocopy it buddy. Let lakers take a lead but keep clawing. Carpe Diem Baby!

Take Game 5 any way you can.

Game 5... Is necessary?? Yes, but the 6th, probabily, no.

Hasta la vista LA.L..

We were watching the game at home out here on the west coast and the Celtics were just horrible in the first half. I had to leave the room a lot. Then we had to drive to a hockey game, we listened on the radio. It was sounding like they weren't going to do it, down by 20 points in the third quarter, so we turned the sound down. It seemed like a couple of minutes passed and when we tuned in again and the Celtics had pulled within 6. We couldn't believe our ears. We watched the game in the lobby of the rink and saw the last few minutes. Unbelievable turnaround. The whole Lakers team seemed to just be standing around in the second half waiting for Kobe to take over. Odum and Gasol disappeared. The Lakers only have Kobe who's kind of a punk, let's face it. The Celtics have so many players willing to step up and lead.