Llama yes. Scapegoat no.

"Pau has got to be more aggressive."

Whaaaaaaat?

You can't be serious.

A victory in game four against Oklahoma City would have tied the series at 2 all.

With Kobe Bryant on the bench, the Lakers were up 91-78 with 8 minutes left.

But Kobe wasn't satisfied and decided to go into "Kobe-Ball".

If Kobe says "Pau has got to be more aggressive", than he certainly demonstrated how to.

Kobe returned to the court and shot 2-of-10, consequently surrendering an unassailable 13-point lead.

He missed five consecutive shots before finally passing to Bynum in the post. But by that time, Bynum who had scored 18 points, was already out-of-rhythm and missed the shot. 

Kobe's repertoire of forced shots involved double teams, turnaround jumpers, baseline traps, rushed 3-pointers- the whole works.

For Kobe to target Gasol is unexplainable.

You can call Gasol a llama but don't use him as your scapegoat.

Easy Life

I have a close friend who has the best motto, quote, whatever you want to call it.

It's simple but it says a lot.

"Easy Life".

Whenever things seem to get hard I just envision him telling me "no worries brother. Easy Life."

It puts everything back into perspective for me every time.

And believe me, I had to say it to myself about 1000 times today while I was watching the Celtics or what I like to call my-girl-next-door. (Re: previous post).

I don't even want to think about the fourth quarter again. Why must the Celtics make everything hard for themselves?

The cards are seemingly falling in favour of the Celtics in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are eliminated, the Heat are microseconds away from self implosion and the 76ers gift wrapped game four for the Celtics.

Of course, instead of winning the game to a series commanding 3-1 lead and attempt to advance to the conference finals in game five at Boston, the Celtics capitulated and somehow blew an impossible game to lose.

"Easy life."

No rest for the Celtics MASH and its aging Big 3. No recovery for Paul's sprained MCL, Ray's ankles, Bradley's multiple-dislocated shoulder, Steimsma's injured knees or Pietrus' I-don't-even-know-what-injury. 

"Easy Life."

I know these Celtics love adversity. They strive with their backs against the wall. I'm sure they will win game five by 24 points, then lose game six and probably win in overtime in game seven.

"Easy life."

Come on Doc, tell them they have every right to have things easy on themselves now. Exactly the same way the Spurs are making it look easy in the West. That's what five years of playing together and becoming familiar with the system will do- particularly when you have the best point guard playing for your team. 

"Easy life."

When they make the conference finals and then advance to the finals, they will regret not making it as easy as they could have. Believe me, there will be nothing easy about playing the Thunder or Spurs. Not to mention without home court and that's assuming they get past the Pacers or Heat firstly.

"Easy Life."

At least make it easy for myself and fellow Celtic fans.

I'm in love with the girl next door

 Wow. I mean....just wow.

Firstly, I can't believe it's been a year.

I haven't touched this blog for a year.

I feel like I have neglected one of my children-call Child Services immediately!

Looking back at my last post, I can't believe how things have changed.

The Spurs and Mavs have seemingly traded places. After the Spurs crashed out of the first round last year, they are now on cruise control. This year, it was the Mavs who were swept out of the first round after re-Dirk-ulous carried the Mavs to championship glory.  

But looking closely, have things really changed that much?

I mean, the Heat, as Dennis Green says, are who we thought they are- a duet sensation with a mediocre supporting cast. I mean, seriously, the game plan is "Lebron-have-a-turn-now-Wade-you-try".

And the Celtics.....well, what do I say?

The Celtics are still a terrible tease like the girl next door. Sometimes you get a quick glimpse at all its beauty leaving you to daydream about what could be. And at other times, you are left trying to pick up the pieces, wondering where they could have disappeared.

Except this time, KG is rejuvenating the romance with his MVP-type post season. 

This is the Celtics and I love it. I seriously do. The thrills and all the spills that come along with the experience of being in love with the girl next door.

And I can't ever leave that. Cue DMX: "We Right Here"