Hardball Heaven

After having to wait almost three full days between Games 1 and 2, it's nice to have another game tonight. The universal opinion of most "experts" is that the calls and bounces go the Lakers' way tonight, and Kobe ends up going 27 of 28 from the foul line. While I do agree to some extent, I'd simply point out that you have to get to the basket to get the whistles. To my untrained eyes, it looks like the Celtics' D has figured out how to frustrate slashers like LeBron and Kobe by clogging up the lanes. No matter what happens the rest of the way, take this one to the bank: defensive guru Tom Thibodeau will be a head coach somewhere next year. But back to the very exciting present. The Celtics are in the drivers seat with a 2-0 lead, and really, all they need to do is win at least one of the three games in LA. Even if it's 3-2 heading back to Boston, you have to like the C's chances. That said, I hope they go for the jugular and try to end this thing out in Hollywood.

Just some assorted notes and observations to get you primed for Game 3:

* Paul Pierce - an LA homeboy - is averaging 28.5 points a game in his career vs. the Lakers. Great story in today's New York Times about Pierce's Cali roots...

* Rajon Rondo - 16 assists, one turnover in Game 2 (read it and weep, Toddie)

* I didn't realize how smarmy Phil Jackson can be - what a sarcastic prick

* And while we're on the subject of pricks, I also didn't realize the full extent of Kobe Bryant's douchebaggery. For some proof, believe it or not, we turn to blogger Curt Schilling, who filed this report from courtside during Game 2. Some interesting tidbits on Kobe and KG.

* I enjoy reading Bill Simmons just like the next guy, but his latest missive on his experience during Game 2 was even "too much Boston" for me.

* Sticking with the media for a moment, think the Globe regrets its decision to let hoops writer extraordinaire Jackie MacMullan go? Now we have to read Shank Shaughnessy's tired act.

* Was that not the most obvious travel you've ever seen the other night, when Vladimir Whatever quick-stepped his way from the foul line to the basket? I mean, my friggin' wife was giving the traveling sign!

* Here's hoping the high-wattage celebrities come out to play for this one. I've had my fill of Donnie Wahlberg, and various Pats and Red Sox players. I hate to say it, but I need my dose of Jack.

* And last but not least, because I don't work and don't have a family to worry about, I'm going to attempt a little live-blogging tonight during the game. Come check it out and leave comments throughout the game. C'mon - it'll be cool. Really.