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Wednesday, May 15
Updated:
May 15, 8:56 AM ET
This isn't an '80s repeat just yet
By Jason Jackson
Special to ESPN.com
JaxTake
Celtics def. Pistons 90-81 (Celtics win series 4-1)
I have wondered who would have to step up if Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce get into foul trouble or don't have the best of nights from the floor. Kenny Anderson might be the answer. Each of his eight made field goals Tuesday seemed to come at the right time. The dynamic duo missed a combined 18 of 28 shots, and the Celtics won. Now, Anderson wasn't a one-man band. Tony Battie found a jumper and Rodney Rogers showed why Boston made the deal for him. This team in every sense of the word is ready to move on.
You '80s fans out there, simmer with the Boston/L.A. revival for now, but I understand your desires. For now just Love It Live!
Lakers def. Spurs 93-87 (Lakers win the series 4-1)
The Spurs scored early and often again, but this isn't an old school Chicago election. Great NBA playoff basketball games are won and lost in the fourth quarter. The Spurs led for a good portion of their games against L.A. in the conference semis, but simply could not execute down the stretch. Over the five games, the Lakers outscored the Spurs in the fourth and deciding period 125-88, and Kobe Bryant's output was one of the main reasons. He didn't rip up the stat sheet with staggering shooting percentages (he did hit for 50% on Tuesday night), but he outscored the MVP in the series' final quarters 46-31. Kobe was clutch, and as a wise man once told me, "Clutch is everything in life."
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| Stackhouse |
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| Bryant |
Gamer and Goat
Gamer: Kobe was lethal when it counted once again. He ripped the net for 10 of his team-high 26 points in the final frame.
Goat: Jerry Stackhouse got off to such a great start in this series, but he stepped on the wrong escalator, and never came back up. His series high of 26 points came in Detroit's victory. It trickled down to eight points in Tuesday's loss.
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| Battie |
Bobby Jones Award
Tony Battie's nickname is Batman. He did lead the Celtics with three blocks in their series clincher, but a prime-time super hero he hasn't been. Something came over him in Game 5. I believe it was confidence and determination. He knocked down jumpers (5 of 8 overall) and pulled down boards (9 total) validating, for now, his Hall of Justice membership card.
The Celtics have won all season without consistent production from the middle. Continued effort like this from Battie would amount to a very large serving of gravy, and Wonder Twin powers.
In Case You Missed It
The Celtics are now 21-0 all-time in series in which they have held a 3-1 lead.
Next!
Hornets vs. Nets, Game 5 (Nets up 3-1)
I think the Hornets are tired. Tired of playing without Jamal Mashburn. Tired of empty houses at home. Tired from online New Orleans real estate sites. The fatigue showed in Game 4 in their field goal percentage of 37%, and their 3-point shooting percentage of 19% (4-21). Maybe the funk-rich air of the meadowlands will provide some energy, but I doubt it.
The Nets have a date with history. Why not get the same amount of rest as the Celtics on the way there? If they are smart, this will be their finest effort of the season
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THE SACK
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Jason,
I want to know when the last time that a team missed the playoffs one year
only to make it to the conference finals the next year (most likely the
Boston Celtics this year). Has this happened before? Is it not as rare as
one would think?
Dan
from parts unknown
Dan,
I usually steer clear of the trivia, but this one got my attention. The Celtics officially joined the club on Tuesday. The last team, before Boston, was Indiana. The Pacers missed the post season in 1996-97 with a 39-43 regular season record, only to make it to the Eastern Conference finals in 1997-98. They pushed the Bulls to seven games only to lose by one in the finale.
Mr. Jackson,
I am addicted to NBA2NIGHT! I love watching your program especially when you are hosting. It is informative as well as very hilarious. I am always laughing at the comments on some of the plays. If I am not home I will tape the show or get up and watch it the next morning. The only thing I am depressed about is that N2N does not come on every night even when there are major games on. It seems that NHL Tonight, and RPM Tonight comes on every night, therefore I feel N2N should come on more often. Let's talk to administration about that.
Thank you,
Vincent
Los Angeles
Vinny,
I am with you my friend, but programming schedules are locked in stone sometimes. I imagine during the next post season, the first for ESPN/ABC in the new TV agreement, you'll see much more of the NBA 2Night plus other new and exciting programming. I hope to see you on TV!
Jason,
Please explain to me the criticism of Chris Webber. I was watching the Sport Reporters and Ryan, Albom were ripping this guy. I'm think to myself this guy posted back to back double-doubles (31 pts, 15 rebs and 30 pts and 10 rebs) in Game 3 and 4. The reason that Bibby and Jackson were so effective was due to Dallas inability to matchup with Webber. You usually have to be married to someone before you can do what Webber did to Dirk. Jason, help a brother understand the CWebb bashing.
Jerry
from parts unknown
Jerry,
If the fellas were all over him about the jumpers, they were right. Webber found out after a game or three that the Mavs couldn't handle his game in the paint, and then he controlled them. Webber has a tendency to settle for the jump shot too often. There are only a handful of guys who can defend him, and they don't play for the Mavs.
If they were crushing him on old news or personal issues, that is their right. They are the Sports Reporters!
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Jason Jackson is the host of ESPN's "NBA Matchup," ESPN2's "NBA 2Night" and ESPN Radio's "GameDay with Jason Jackson." You can e-mail him at Jason.Jackson@espn.com. Please type JaxLine into the subject line of your e-mail.
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