10 quick things

1. Baby and the Kid

The kid in the white shirt did establish position, but had both feet out of bounds so it wasn't a charge. It's a no-call.


2. Baby and the Rising Level of Play

Remember all the people who wanted to trade, cut, or otherwise harm Big Baby when he played poorly the first part of the season? I'll say this again: Never judge a player when he's injured or out of shape (unless he's like Eddie Curry and never gets into shape).


3. Baby and the Shot

We've watched as his jumper has gone from unreliable, to spotty, to decent, to good, and now to STONE COLD CLUTCH. Good things happen when you practice a lot. That was a bolt of lightning straight from the cradle to Orlando's grave!


4. Pierce and the Pass

Remember it was only a few years ago when every end of game shot was Pierce against the world? No more. Paul drew the double, expertly hit the open infant, and crushed the spirit of the southern sorcerers.


5. Sam Jones

I always wondered why Sam was hardly ever around at any Celtic events all these decades. From Dan Shaughnessy's column in today's Globe: "According to Jones, he only has been to Boston twice since hanging 'em up after the 1969 championship season. "I came back for Red," said Jones, 75, who lives less than two hours from the Orlando arena. "I never go any place unless I'm invited and I haven't been invited."

Also: "Celtics coach Doc Rivers requested an audience with Jones outside the locker room before the game. "He's one of the few Celtics that I hadn't met," said Rivers. "It was pretty cool."

Huh. Somebody send Sam some invitations.


6. How Unlikely

The Celtics just beat the Magic after getting a total of 2 points from their bench, on the road, with no Garnett, no Powe, Perkins hurting, Ray Allen not shooting well, and Paul Pierce out for a critical period in the second half with foul trouble. Now that's magic!


7. Grape Fermenters

I am finding the incessant whining about referee bias in favor of Boston very irritating. (I'm talking to you, you Florida vintners!) Yes the Celtics got a break on the non-goaltend against Rondo. But a red hot Pierce was unfairly put on the bench with phantom fouls. If that doesn't happen one or two calls mean nothing- Boston wins easily and doesn't need Big Baby's heroics.

Here the undeniable nugget: If the refs favor Boston, they don't keep putting Paul Pierce on the bench. Also the foul calls and free throws would be lopsided in Boston's favor, which they are not.


8. Unlikely Wins

I would have bet everything (not that I ever bet anything) that Boston/Houston twin victories would not happen yesterday. The two most injury decimated teams in the playoffs came up huge and gave hope to all that believe in liberty, humanity, justice, and a morally sound universe.


9. Speaking of Magic

About twenty years ago I was in the inland mountain region of the island of Bali where the people are strong believers in magic. On parting, a Balinese friend gave me a special ring with a big dark stone which he said contained powerful magic. (He additionally said I should never wear it while using the bathroom or the magic would disappear.)

Yesterday I was going through some drawers and found the ring. I put it on for the first time since the 80's and wore it while watching the game.... I just wanted you to know why the Celtics really won: The magic ring beat the Magic.


10. On We Go

Back to Boston. Two out of three. The Celtics limp but they live!