(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Over the last four years there have been many blowouts by many teams. Most of those blowouts have been directed at Toronto, or Charlotte, but regardless of the team, few rival the fun and theatrics of a Boston Celtics blowout. Since the Celtics joined Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, with Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo at the beginning of the 2007-08′ season the Celtics have won 49 games by at least 20 points. Most notably Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals where they beat the Lakers 131-92, to clinch Banner #17.

Boston has the rare luxury of a playmaking point guard coupled with two future Hall-of-Fame shooters, and a 6′-10″ future Hall-of-Famer that loves 14 to 18 foot jumpers.

On Sunday in Game 4 of the first round matchup between the Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics held a 37 point lead early in the third quarter. 37 point lead. The Celtics won the game 101-79 to take a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series.

Ray Allen has a hurt ankle, Avery Bradley has an injured shoulder, Paul Pierce tweaked his knee during shootaround limped off the court favoring his left knee midway through the second quarter, but he returned for the start of the third, and Kevin Garnett surpassed 50,000 total minutes in the regular season and playoffs in his 17-year NBA career. With a team this banged up, and well-aged the performance they put on Sunday was tremendous.

Pierce scored 24 points in 18 minutes, and Rondo added 20 points and 16 dimes. Ray had 12, and KG finished with 15. Gino Time began early in the 4th Quarter and whenever it’s Gino Time you can guarantee the Celtics and the Garden are having a good time.

Photo By Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Lakers…like always beat the Nuggets in a Playoff game. Andrew Bynum blocked eight shots in the first three quarters before surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s franchise-record nine blocks in the fourth. He eventually equaled the NBA record set by Utah’s Mark Eaton on April 26, 1985, and matched by Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon on April 29, 1990. Bynum became just the 6th Laker to record a triple-double in the playoffs. He needs 29 more to catch Magic. Lakers lead series 1-0

San Antonio not so surprisingly won easily 106-91. The Jazz fell to 1-4 against the Spurs this year, with their only win coming in Salt Lake City when Duncan, Ginobili and Parker didn’t play. Spurs lead series 1-0.

The Atlanta Hawks got a strong performance from Josh Smith who finished with 22 points, and 18 boards. The Celtics appeared frustrated with the way things were going. No one was more  annoyed then Rajon Rondo who was T’d up after arguing a foul on Brandon Bass late in the 4th quarter. Rondo then decided to get all chesty with an official and was ejected. A suspension for Ronfo will be forthcoming, but he is known for getting away with physicality in the Playoffs. (Brad Miller, and Kirk Hinrich know what I’m talking about.) Atlanta leads series 1-0.

Memphis lead by 27 points in the second half and let the Clippers…yes, the Los Angeles Clippers fight back to a 99-98 win. Whenever POINT GOD is on the court anything is possible; also Reggie Evans rebounding everything you miss helps too. The Grizzlies wait till Wednesday for revenge, and Chris Paul sort of dissed head coach Vinny Del Negro after the game:

Clippers lead series 1-0

The season that began on Christmas day and crammed 66 games down our throats (pause) in the process has finally came to an end. Even in a shortened season there were many exceptional moments, and in this years NBA playoffs there isn’t one series that you want to miss. Okay maybe you can skip the Pacers sweeping the Howard-less Magic. Here is what to watch for in each of the first round match-ups.

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau consistent nagging of defense, defense, defense, and the unusual amount of BIGS the Bulls have, has made the loss of Derrick Rose throughout the season barely noticeable. Of course this is the year where Derrick Rose figures it all out, and carries his team to the Finals and Scottie Pippen gets to photobomb everyone in the locker room when they celebrate. At least thats how Bulls fans would love for it to go, but the Basketball Gods never make it easy. Unfortunately for the 76ers, Muppet-Evan Turner decided to throw a quick jab Chicago’s way stating that the Sizers lost to the Knicks (which helped the Sixers avoid the Heat in the 1st Round) earlier this week was “Dodging the better team.” Not like the Bulls needed any more motivation but if anything can give Rip Hamilton reason to sharpen his fingernails then watch out.

Philadelphia has been one of my favorite teams to watch this season, and I will enjoy watching them put up a fun-filled effort, but the upset is going to take a miracle, or an absentee Derrick Rose. BULLS in 5

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks

REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)

Gonna leave  @knicks247 to this one. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James meeting in the NBA Playoffs for the first time and 10 years since their high school battles…swoon.

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Orlando Magic

Regardless of Dwight Howard’s back condition, the Magic wanted no part of the NBA Playoffs after the trade deadline had passed and “chocolate shoulders” was still around. This is the coming out party for the Indiana Pacers, and ultimately a first-round bye. PACERS in 4

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks

We have been overtly bias of the Celtics, mainly due to the old adage of “respecting your elders”, and this by all accounts could be the last hurrah of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. Everyone thought last year’s Playoff defeat by the Heat was the last time we would seee the Big 3 but due to the purchase of a hot tub time machine the Celtics(Spurs) are poised for yet another Finals run.  The Big 3, are now of course the Big 4 with Rajon Rondo reaching Superstar-Status. There is also Avery Bradley who should make Joe Johnson’s bones uneasy. Rondo has a knack for exceptional play when games are televised, and with every Playoff game being televised, look for Rondo to win at least 2 games by just diving for the ball a bunch of times.

Once again the Atlanta Hawks are back in the Playoffs!! The Atlanta Hawks are the NBA version of Temazepam. CELTICS in 6

 WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Western Conference, where teams over .500 miss the Playoffs (Rockets, Suns).

MAY METTA WORLD PEACE ELBOW HAVE MERCY ON US ALL! 

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Utah Jazz

This is ridiculous. How can the Spurs be the best team in the Western Conference again. Tim, Tony, Manu, and the bunch(Blair, Neal, Splitter, Leonard, Bonner, Jackson) will make easy work of the Utah Jazz. The mighty Spurs will have a tough time in the next round regardless of the team (Clippers, Grizzlies). SPURS in 4

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks

The rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, Dirk and Durant attempt to set indoor shooting records as Dallas prays that Oklahoma City doesn’t realize Tyson Chandler is gone. Oklahoma City will have to possibly play the Mavs, Lakers, and Spurs to get to the Finals. Can you imagine the Lakers-Thunder matchup? THUNDER in 6

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Denver Nuggets

I’m sick of seeing these two teams play. Same result every time…Javale McGee vs. Andrew Bynum will be entertaining. Same result every time. LAKERS in 6

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are the 5th seed in the Western Conference. Well done NBA, amazing how transformed that team is thanks to your decision making. By amazing I’m referring to the POINT GOD himself Chris Paul, who deserves to be the MVP this year but won’t get it.  Chris Paul and the Yellow Hulk, Blake Griffin will be going up against a Memphis team that knew it would be back. Didn’t think Zach Randolph would be back though. GRIZZLIES in 7

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not. ( same as last years resolution)

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to let Rondo shoot nothing but threes for an entire game, just to see what happens….

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Paul Silas resolve to survive the entire season.

CHICAGO BULLS

I, Derrick Rose resolve to continue dominating basketball, postgame interviews  and my acne.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to continue to be a horrible team until Dan Gilbert can finally complete the cloning of LeBron James, let the clone grow to 18 years of age, then draft him with the #1 pick in the 2030 Draft.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Lamar Odom will drive to Galveston Beach each off day so I can look at the ocean and remember what once was.

DETROIT PISTONS

We the Pistons resolve to find some food for Austin Daye, and to have Ben Gordons arms chopped off!

DENVER NUGGETS

We the Nuggets resolve to be extremely grateful that Coach Karl is back and healthy!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

I, Coach Mark Jackson resolve to stop yelling “Hands down, man down” to everyone on the team, every possession.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

We the Houston Rockets resolve to continue pitting Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons against each other until they are forced to fight to the death.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to let Physcho T run into the stands at least once this season.

L.A. CLIPPERS

We resolve to keep our racist ass owner away from Chris Paul, and keep Chris thinking that Frankie Muniz is indeed the owner of the team.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to plant testosterone tablets in Pau Gasol’s drinks throughout the season.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to get Tony Allen as far away from our team as possible.

MIAMI HEAT

We resolve to win the Finals, not for LeBron but for original man: Juwan Howard.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of signing of Mike Dunleavy Jr.!

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to play in Brooklyn until Brooklyn realizes that the Nets play in Brooklyn, then we haul ass to Russia! #NYETS

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say!

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Carmelo Anthony resolve to remember that I, Carmelo am the only option, and I need to shoot every single time!

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to do whatever we can to keep Russell Westbrook from becoming Stephon Marbury and eventually eating Vaseline on Twitter!

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard resolve to ask, demand, then say pretty please for a trade.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Steve Nash resolve to never leave the Suns, and continue playing until they can find a point guard better then I.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

We resolve to burn some Sage in the Rose Garden, because our team is definitely cursed!

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We resolve to remind all those fans that fought to keep the team in Sacramento that the team is still in Sacramento

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to remind the Jazz players that the sign that said “Team of Misfit Players” was not funny.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to let John Wall do whatever he wants to and to continue letting Glbert Arenas in the locker room so he can shit in Rashard Lewis’s shoes.

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The Knicks starters were Toney Douglas, Landry Fields, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and newly acquired Tyson Chandler. The Celtics without the services of All-Star Paul Pierce started Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Sasha Pavlovic, Kevin Garnett, and at Center Jermaine O’Neal. The Knicks used the 1st quarter to build a 34-23 lead behind 52% shooting. The PG matchup between Rondo and Douglass had Knicks fan fuming with Rondo driving to the rim with numerous uncontested layups.  Rondo finished with 31 points and 13 dimes.  Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert scored his first points in the NBA with a layup and was fouled for a three-point play. Unfortunately for the Knicks, Shumpert sprained his knee in the 3rd quarter and did not return to the game. Initial reports have Shumpert unavailable for 2 weeks, leaving the Knicks with Mike Bibby to back up Douglass.

The 2nd quarter began with Amar’e displaying his new 3 point shot which had the Garden crowd out of their seats. Douglass tried in vain to slow down Rondo who continued to murder the Knicks on easy fast break points and wide open jumpers. Douglass was effective on the offensive side of the court but failed to effectively control the tempo of the game. Brandon Bass who was acquired for “Big Baby” in a trade with the Orlando Magic, paid dividends controlling the boards and dunking 2nd shot attempts. The 2nd quarter ended with the Knicks up 62-52.

The refs lead by veteran Joey Crawford didn’t hesitate blowing the whistle issuing a technical foul to Amar’e early in the game and that theme continued throughout the 2nd half. Early in the 3rd quarter the Knicks struggled to find their offense and settled for isolation plays for Carmelo who left the game after picking up his fourth foul early in the quarter. The Celtics continued to expose the Knicks backcourt with a 14-2 run to tie the game at 69. The Knicks offense had a complete breakdown shooting 2 for 11 until Toney Douglass was able to stop the bleeding with a jumper. Adding injury to insult, Knicks backup forward Jared Jefferies left the game with a calf injury. Shumpert went down late in the third as it seemed Knicksnation worst nightmares were becoming reality. The Celtics dominated the 3rd quarter outscoring the Knicks 35-17 in period. At the end of 3 the Knicks trailed Boston 87-79.

Entering the 4th quarter the Knicks defensives woes seemed to get the best of them. A rejuvenated Kevin Garnett began to heat up from the outside hitting dagger jumpers while the Knicks struggled to score. But great players show up in big moments and the Knicks prayers were answered by Carmelo Anthony. A Tyson Chandler dunk on inbounds pass with 8:03 left in the game got the Knicks back on track with a thunderous applause from the crowd. After Carmelo tied the game with a 3 pointer from the wing, the game was tied at century mark. KG answered back with a jumper while Tyson Chandler tried in vain to play defense on the wily veteran. Like a heavyweight fight all eyes were on Melo’ when he took the ball to the rim and got fouled, making one of two free throws tying the game at 102 with 2 minutes left on the clock. After a missed jumper by Ray Allen the Knicks gave the ball to Carmelo who gave the Knicks their final points from the free throw line at 106. Celtics coach Doc Rivers who is known for his last minute heroics failed to get Ray Allen or Rondo the ball as Kevin Garnett took the last shot of the game and bricked the attempt. With no love lost between the two teams KG and Billy Walker got in a shoving match after the buzzer, no doubt the Atlantic Division rivals will be in a heated race throughout the season.

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

The Boston Celtics needed Kevin Garnett to shake off his dismal performances in the first two games, if they were to have a chance at finally winning one against the Miami Heat.

In Game 3 Saturday night, Garnett played years younger. He finished with 28 points and 18 boards, leading the Celtics to comeback win, 97-81.

Garnett had finished with 22 points and 14 boards in the first two games combined.

Paul Pierce finished with 27, and Ray Allen had 15. Pierce, Allen and Garnett scored the Celtics’ first 23 points.

Rajon Rondo played the 4th quarter with one arm after dislocating his left elbow in the third quarter. Rondo scored 6 points and dished out 11 dimes, scoring two baskets down the stretch with only one arm.

“He showed he’s a really tough young individual,” said Kevin Garnett, “I don’t know what he’s going to be like when he’s 35, but right now he’s playing pretty well.”

LeBron James had an off night and Chris Bosh was once again missing in action. Dwyane Wade had 23 points and seven dimes, and Joel Anthony continued to contribute off the bench, scoring 12 with 11 boards. James scored 15 points as he and Wade combined to make just 14 of 35 shots from the floor.

The Celtics shot 50% from the field and beyond the arc. Miami was 42% from the field and 21% from deep.(This is all the recap you need)
Game 4 is Monday in Boston 7pm on TNT/ Heat lead series 2-0

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

In Game 1, of one the most anticipated Playoff match-ups in NBA Playoff history the Miami Heat flexed their muscles in their Eastern Conference semifinal series by beating the Boston Celtics 99-90 on Sunday.

Dwyane Wade averaged only 13.3 against the Celtics during the regular season, but dropped a solid 38 points on 14-21 shooting. James Jones set a Miami postseason record with 25 points off the bench. LeBron James finished with 22 points, 6 boards, 5 dimes, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

Chris Bosh was a no-show with only 7 points on 3-10 shooting. This was Chris Bosh’s first time playing in the second round of the Playoffs, so he gets a pass.

Paul Pierce was ejected with 7 minutes left, after picking up two technicals in skirmishes with Wade and Jones within a span of 59 seconds. He finished with 19 points, but the absence of Kevin Garnett offensively, had a big effect. Garnett had 6 points and 8 boards.

The Celtics appeared rusty and did not play defense at their usual level, but Miami lead by an outstanding game from Dwyane Wade refused to relinquish home court advantage, and are 3 wins from finally getting pass the Celtics. Wade and LeBron have never beating the Celtics in the Playoffs.

Game 2, Tuesday, May 3, Miami (time and TV TBD)/ Heat lead series 1-0

The Celtics dominated the first three meetings between the teams during the regular season, but lost big in Miami in their final game. During this years Playoffs the Celtics have flashed their dominant defense and Rajon Rondo has proved to be a game changer when he is aggressive. Miami rotated their starters numerous times against the 76ers, an attempt to get anyone not named Bosh, Bron, or Wade involved. Regardless of how the bench played Miami counted on their Big 3 for everything.

The Celtics were able to sweep the injury-riddled Knicks, but the Heat will go out as easy.

Here are a few questions we have for the series.

1. How will Miami defend Rondo?

Mario Chalmers, and Mike Bibby cannot defend Rondo on the break, and putting Dwyane Wade on Rondo could limit his much needed scoring. If Rondo attacks, and GOD forbid, his jumper is falling, the Heat will be in big trouble.

2. Which bench will show up?

Boston’s bench is still in the process of learning what exactly Doc Rivers wants from it. Jermaine O’Neal played years younger in the first round, and Jeff Green showed the potential that led the Celtics to trade for him mid-season. Miami rotated it’s roster numerous times in the first round, and will definitely need them to elevate some of the pressure off of the Heat’s Big

3. Will Shaq play?

The Celtics didn’t need Shaq against the Knicks, but his inside presence will be needed as Dwyane Wade and LeBron James drive repeatedly to the basket.

Schedule:

Game 1, Sunday, May 1, Miami, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

Game 2, Tuesday, May 3, Miami (time and TV TBD)

Game 3, Saturday, May 7, Boston, 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC)

Game 4, Monday, May 9, Boston (time and TV TBD)

Game 5, Wednesday, May 11, Miami (time and TV TBD)

Game 6, Friday, May 13, Boston (time and TV TBD)

Game 7, Monday, May 16, Miami, 8:00 p.m. ET (TNT)

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

In Game 2, Rajon Rondo took FULL advantage of the inexperienced Toney Douglas scoring 22 of his 30 points on field goals inside of 5 feet of the basket. Rondo scored 14 points in the 1st quarter on lay-up, after lay-up in transition, and 16 total points in transition, seven more points then the Knicks.

Ray Allen finished with 18 points, Paul Pierce had 20 points, but the game ball goes to Kevin Garnett, who also took advantage of a lesser player.

Garnett sank the go-ahead basket with 14 seconds left over Jared Jeffries then stole the ball from him with 4 seconds insuring victory. “I wasn’t really in a nice rhythm,” said Garnett, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds. “I just remained calm, went to a shot I knew I could make.”

The Knicks were without Chauncey Billups, and midway through the first half Amar’e Stoudemire was sidelined with back spasms. That left Carmelo Anthony in a familiar role, all by himself. Anthony matched his career playoff high for points(42) and set a new high with 17 boards. He was 4 assists away from his second career triple-double.

Through three quarters, Anthony had made 10-of-22 shots while the rest of the Knicks were 12-for-47.

Game 3 is Friday at New York, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ Celtics lead series 2-0