Celtics Stun Lakers With Historic Comeback

Admit it. Your bed was calling you last night in the second or third quarter with the Lakers running out to a 20+ point lead, and appearing to hit everything. When Lamar Odom is wagging his tongue at you after made baskets, you know things aren’t going well.

But the Celtics never quit. They ended the third quarter on a 21-3 run to pull to within two points. The fourth quarter started, and you wondered if they would ever be able to get over the hump. Finally, an Eddie House jumper game them the lead, and they never looked back, pulling off a historic 97-91 win at the Staples Center to take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. If you stayed in front of the TV the whole time, your dedication was rewarded.

Marc J. Spears thrilled with the win, but well aware that there is still work to do. Mark Murphy has the Celtics with a comeback that you had to see to believe. Kevin McNamara has this group of Celtics writing a new, exciting chapter in the storied franchise’s history last night. Dan Shaughnessy has the front page story in the Globe. Bill Doyle has the Celtics stealing one and moving one step closer to clinching. Jeff Howe has the Celtics now just a game away.

Kevin Henkin on the BSMW Full Court Press says that Red would’ve been proud of this one. Chad Finn had another live blog last night.

Bob Ryan, who has seen plenty in his 40-plus years watching the Celtics, says that he has finally seen it all after last night. Another old-timer, Steve Buckley immediately labels this one as one of the greatest games in Boston sports history. Bill Burt has these Celtics making some history of their own last night. Bill Reynolds says that last night was basketball magic at the Staples Center. Steve Bulpett has the Celtics overcoming their brutal start to register a historic comeback for the ages.

Gary Dzen has Paul Pierce speaking up at halftime and taking Kobe Bryant on defense for the second half. Frank Dell’Apa has James Posey spearheading the comeback with his leadership, not to mention his deadly three-point shooting. Bulpett has more on Posey and his big plays in crunch time last night. Jessica Camerato has the Finals where amazing happens.

Ryan has a look at Eddie House, who has always remained ready to play in these playoffs, even when the DNP’s were piling up. John Tomase also has a piece on House, who stayed ready and was money in the clutch. Christopher L. Gasper has a look at the key third quarter, which got things turned around for the Celtics. McNamara has Ray Allen’s crossover proving to be deadly for the Lakers.

Bulpett has Rivers plugging his assistant coaches for head coaching jobs around the league. Buckley has owner Wyc Grousbeck racking up the frequent flyer miles as he balances family commitments with the Celtics title run. Howe has Rivers embracing Boston’s basketball legends.

Shira Springer has NBA commissioner David Stern addressing the fallout of the Tim Donaghy scandal last night. Reynolds has Donaghy as the smoking gun in this scandal for Stern and the NBA. I continued to be amazed at the contrasting styles of Stern and Roger Goodell.

Spears’ Courtside chatter feature has Spike Lee rooting for the Lakers, and another Ainge joining the Celtics. Laura Crimaldi notes that Paul Pierce’s history with the green and white goes back a long time.

Gasper’s notebook has a look at the injury to Kendrick Perkins, who was forced to leave the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. Murphy’s notebook has the Lakers using the Red Sox as a rallying cry after last night’s game. McNamara’s notebook has the Celtics glad for an extra day of rest this weekend. Doyle’s notebook has an update on Rajon Rondo’s ankle.

Lakers

Jeff Jacobs says that the Lakers are finished after this one. Shira Springer has the Lakers determined to stage a comeback of their own in this series. Tony Massarotti has the Lakers with no answers for this one, and Kobe Bryant ready to hit the bottle at the end. McNamara has Lamar Odom with a Rhode Island connection in his corner for this series.

Check out the coverage from LA in the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News and the Orange County Register.

Springer’s notebook has Magic Johnson glad to have the Lakers and Celtics back on the biggest stage.

Red Sox

The Red Sox wrapped up the homestand with a 9-2 win over the Orioles. Mike Lowell had a grand slam, Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew hit home runs, and Jon Lester picked up his fifth win of the season.

Gordon Edes has the Sox having a blast at Fenway last night. Michael Silverman says that the Sox are likely reluctant to leave the comforts of home after this one. Joe McDonald says that the good times roll on at Fenway Park. Paul Doyle has Lowell leading the attack last night. Joe Haggerty has the Sox bats not letting the bullpen worry about this one. Paul Jarvey has the Sox having to leave the comfort of Fenway after this one.

Monique Walker has Lowell making the Orioles pay for intentionally walking Manny Ramirez to load the bases to face him. Karen Guregian has the Sox offense keeping pace without David Ortiz, but now facing a tougher test without the DH in interleague play. Sean McAdam says that after cleaning up at home, the Red Sox will now look to show some mettle on the road.

Guregian also has Kevin Youkilis going home to Cincinnati this weekend to face his hometown Reds for the first time. Alex Speier says that it will be a bittersweet homecoming for Youkilis. Mike Fine has Youkilis giving his blessing to ex-Red Sean Casey getting the start at first base tonight.

Amalie Benjamin has a look down at the minors, where Clay Buchholz is angling for a return to the show. Mike Szostak has Jed Lowrie thriving with the PawSox. Lenny Megliola has a number of observations from a night at the ballpark.

Edes’ notebook has Julio Lugo picking up his first RBI in 18 games last night. The Herald notebook has Jonathan Papelbon issuing a warning to the Tampa Bay Rays for the next time the teams face off. In the Projo notebook, Terry Francona is not a fan of interleague play. Doyle’s notebook has more on Francona’s distaste for the format. Bob Stern’s notebook has Casey happy to be visiting Cincinnati this weekend. Jarvey’s notebook has a number of items from last night.

Nancy Marrapese-Burrell has this weekend’s US Open set up for prime viewing with the West coast location.

David Scott has The Sporting News getting ready for a relaunch.