Nick Fasulo
Nov 22, 2008 May 31, 2012 1321 154
Nick Fasulo was born and raised in the great state of Maine, and is a habitual offender of repeating the same song ad nauseum.
website: Searching For Billy Edelin
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Devils Vs. Kings, Game 1: Los Angeles Wins With Overtime Goal
The Los Angeles Kings are still perfect on the road.
Anze Kopitar netted a textbook breakaway goal with 11:47 left in overtime, as the Kings stole Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals away from the New Jersey Devils.
Kopitar's shot will certainly be water-cooler fodder leading up to Game 2, as he successfully faked a backhand shot to expose Martin Brodeur and get an easy forehand shot to seal victory.
A lesson in how to deke out a hall of fame goalie.
While the Kings struck first in the game, the Devils were clearly the better team in the game's third period.
Taking a 1-1 tie into the game's final 20 minutes following an Anton Volchenkov goal, New Jersey applied more pressure and seemed to be building toward a late game-winner.
Overall, however, the Kings outshot the Devils 25-18.
The Kings have now won all nine of their road games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Game 2 will be on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET.
French Open TV Schedule 2012: Second-Round Play Continues Thursday
Second-round action of the 2012 French Open continues Thursday and, while many of you won’t be seeing many American-born players serving it up at Roland Garros, many of the usual suspects in both the Men’s and Women’s brackets remain.
Key matches include No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal against Denis Istomin, No. 4 seed Andy Murray against Jarkko Nieminen and No. 10 seed John Isner paired up against Paul-Henri Mathieu.
On the women's side, No. 2 seed Maria Sharipova looks to advance past Ayumi Morita and No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki goes against Jarmila Gajdosova.
ESPN 2 continues with their early morning coverage Thursday, carrying matches from 5-10 a.m. ET, which then continues on Tennis Channel from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, with replays following.
You can see a full French Open scoreboard at SI.com.
For more updates on the 2012 French Open, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For lots more on all things tennis, keep checking SB Nation's dedicated tennis hub.
2012 NBA Draft Order: Hornets Fans Buzzing Over Lottery Win
After winning Wednesday night's NBA Draft Lottery, the New Orleans Hornets were awarded the No. 1 pick on June 28, and are all but certain to select former Kentucky Wildcat center Anthony Davis.
Over at SB Nation's AtTheHive.com, our own Royan Cruyff has already become enamored by the unibrow and is encouraging Hornets fans do the same and brow down.
Over on Twitter, Cruyff is continuing to display an uncanny ability to eloquently articulate his feelings and excitement for the Hornets. This was what his Twitter feed looked like just moments after the Hornets logo was unveiled from the envelope announcing the No. 1 pick:
Many are predicting Davis will re-shape the franchise as a budding superstar new owner Tom Benson can build around. Among the loud noises billowing out from Hornets fans is some pretty practical and level-headed commentary on what Davis to the Hornets could mean.
Lets geaux Hornets! Gordon and Davis is about a solid foundation as you can get - @Pueblo88
Am I crazy to think a backcourt of the Commish and the Coaches Son could work? - @RedHopeful
Whether you're a Hornets fan needing a place to comfortably say weird things about how thrilled you are for the Anthony Davis Era, or a Bobcats fans looking to troll, be sure to drop a comment over at AtTheHive.com.
Heat Vs. Celtics, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 2: Boston Shoots Their Way To 53-46 Halftime Lead
The Boston Celtics hold a 53-46 halftime lead against the Miami Heat in game two of the Eastern Conference finals, and we can all point to Rajon Rondo for Boston's hot start.
The Celtics point guard has already racked up 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting to go with seven assists, giving his team the offensive push they lacked in Game 1 of this series. Overall, the Celtics are shooting 54.1 percent from the floor and have been able to score points both around the bucket and with the midrange jumper.
Mario Chalmers has joined Rondo in making Game 2 about each team's primary ball-handler, posting 14 points of his own on 5-for-10 shooting, including a 3-for-5 mark from beyond the arc, to pace the Heat.
LeBron James has chipped in with 13 points, but the Heat have gotten next to zero production from Dwyane Wade, who has just one field goal and two points through the game's first 24 minutes.
This game is by no means over, but so far we're seeing a very motivated Celtics team that is playing quicker and with a bit of urgency, and it's matching the athleticism and raw talent of Miami.
For more on these teams, visit Heat blog Peninsula is Mightier and CelticsBlog. To stay up to date on all of the happenings in the 2012 NBA playoffs, head over to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
Fred Hoiberg's contract extension proves he's the real deal
Iowa State University announced a new contract for head basketball coach Fred Hoiberg today, unofficially solidifying the Ames, Iowa native and former Cyclone player as the most important person in the history of Central Iowa.
The eight-year extension is worth an average of $1.5 million per season, nearly doubling Hoiberg's current annual salary of $850,000 and on paper moving him towards the upper-echelon of college basketball coaches.
While the boost shouldn't come as a real surprise to anyone that followed the arc of Iowa State these past two seasons it is well deserved and speaks volumes as to the long term plan the ISU athletic department has in mind for their basketball program.
As the reigning Big 12 co-Coach of the Year, Hoiberg has found quick wins by turning the Cyclones basketball program into Transfer U, brining in talented cast-offs looking for a new home and a second lease on their college basketball lives. The approach got the Cyclones into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005, providing hope and optimism for a fan base that's desperate for a winner.
By buying time through renting players for a season or two, Hoiberg has been able to get the program back on its feet while nailing down long-term solutions through traditional recruiting. With the Big 12 in flux through conference re-alignment and coaching changes, there's incredible opportunity for Iowa State to swiftly become a perennial league contender.
Hoiberg's early returns as a head coach has won the hearts of his community over for the third time as a human being. As a dreamy dude who seems to have the innate ability to connect with anyone ages one to 101, this extension was really a no brainer for Iowa State.
Hoiberg's new deal will place him in the top 30 of highest paid college basketball coaches in the country,
Indianapolis 500 2012 Purse: Dario Franchitti Collects Nearly $2.5 Million With Victory
After taking the checkered flag during Sunday's 96th running of the Indianapolis 500, Dario Franchitti became nearly $2.5 million richer.
Or $2,474,280 richer, to be exact.
The three-time winner earned 19 percent of the overall race purse with the win. The prize money was announced Monday night at the Victory Awards Celebration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Second place finisher Scott Dixon earned $1.1 million, and Tony Kanaan, who finished third, won more than $635K.
Franchitti became the 10th driver to win at least three 500s, joining Helio Castroneves as the only three-time winner currently racing on the IndyCar circuit. Franchitti led seven times for 23 laps during the race, which set an Indianapolis 500 record with 34 lead changes.
Complete race and purse results (with the racer's starting position in parentheses) are below:
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Heat Vs. Celtics, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 1: Game Tied After Officials Take Away 4 Miami Points
Through one half, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are tied 46-46 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Immediately after the final buzzer for halftime sounded, the scoreboard in the American Airlines Arena read 50-46. But officials reviewed both a Joel Anthony putback from earlier in the half as well as a Udonis Haslem putback, and determined the ball did not leave Anthony's hand before the 24-second shot clock ran out and that Haslem's shot did not beat the halftime buzzer.
These four points could be key if this game remains close in the second half.
The Heat, who came out hot by taking a commanding 21-11 lead after the first quarter, were limited in the second quarter. The Celtics clawed their way back into the game by hitting key shots, led primarily by Kevin Garnett's 13-points on 6-8 shooting.
Not only are the Celtics getting better looks in their half-court offense, they're limiting fast-break opportunities for the Heat, which is critical to their success in this seven-game series.
Overall, the Celtics are outshooting the Heat from the floor 50 percent to 43 percent, respectively.
For more on the Celtics, check out SB Nation Boston and CelticsBlog. For more on the Heat, head over to SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.
Udonis Haslem Admits Hit On Tyler Hansbrough Was Retaliation
Five days after he was suspended one game for committing a flagrant foul in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem has publicly owned up to the act.
"I can't imagine anything I wouldn't do for Dwyane," Haslem told the Miami Herald's Dan Le Batard in reference to his retaliation hit on Indiana Pacer Tyler Hansbrough after Hansbrough leveled Dwyane Wade earlier in Game 5.
Were you really that surprised?
And aren't you actually a bit pleased Haslem was candid on the incident?
Haslem's hit, while malicious, was what NBA playoff basketball should be allowed to be. Too often we see players in this league go out of their way to remain friendly and chummy with the opponent, putting off-court relationships on just as high a pedestal as playing all-out to win an NBA Championship. Haslem's hit on Hansbrough showed how he's willing to play the role of a bad guy if it's what his team needs.
It also may have initiated a shift in how we (as fans and the national media) perceive the Miami Heat.
"It is all fun and games to beat up the Heat in the media, to say the Heat are soft," added Haslem to Le Batard. "Rabbit hunting is fun. But it ain't funny when the rabbit has the gun."
At least now we can end the specualtion on this story and put it to rest.
Haslem intended to inflict pain on Hansbrough. It cost him a playoff game, but no doubt earned him a bit more respect in the Heat locker room, and sent a message to the Boston Celtics and possible NBA Finals opponent that this flashy South Beach team may actually have an enforcer ready to protect his team's stars.
2012 Indy 500: Helio Castroneves Ready To Make History?
Are you ready for history?
It could happen this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Helio Castroneves looks to win his fourth career Indy 500, which would place him in elite company and arguably finalize the unofficial Mount Rushmore of Indy Car racing.
From Sports Illustrated's Lars Anderson
I like Castroneves to win his fourth 500 on Sunday afternoon and join the four-timers club that currently consists of only Al Unser, Rick Mears and A.J. Foyt. Castroneves -- the former Dancing With the Stars champion -- excels on big, fast ovals like the Brickyard. You hear pro golfers say they like a particular course because it fits their eye; well, that's what Indy, a sweeping 2.5-mile oval, is for Castroneves: It simply fits his eye.
Castroneves is a rare personality for the sport.
Not only is he talented, he's crossed-over into the entertainment industry, and serves as a truly recognizable face that casual and even non fans of the sports can identify with.
If Helio does not win this weekend, he's still got plenty of chances left to get his fourth swig of milk in the winners circle. And once he does, he'll then chase that one for the thumb.
For more updates on the Indy 500, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on Indy racing including the 2012 Indianapolis 500, please visit Pop Off Valve.
Crowne Plaza Invitational 2012: TV Schedule, Tee Times, Pairings For Saturday
Already a two-time PGA Tour winner this 2012 season, Jason Dufner will look to hold his place atop the leaderboard through the weekend at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
Third round coverage begins Saturday morning at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, and considering the scores posted through the first two rounds, expect the birdie shootout to continue today.
Leader Dufner (-11) will pair up with Zach Johnson (-9) for the final grouping of the third round, with Tommy Gainey and Bo Van Pelt (-7) still in striking distance of the lead.
CBS will cover the Crowne Plaza Invitational from 3-6 p.m. ET.
The full list of tee-times are below, and, yes, Argentina's Miguel Angel Carballo will start the day all by himself at 7:55 a.m. ET.
7:55 a.m.: Miguel Angel Carballo
7:59 a.m.: John Mallinger, David Hearn
8:08 a.m.: Bill Haas, Gary Christian
8:17 a.m.: Boo Weekley, Ken Duke
8:26 a.m.: Hunter Haas, Edward Loar
8:35 a.m.: Pat Perez, Heath Slocum
8:44 a.m.: Mark Wilson, Rory Sabbatini
8:53 a.m.: Chris Stroud, Nick Watney
9:02 a.m.: Kelly Kraft, J.J. Killeen
9:11 a.m.: Jerry Kelly, Kris Blanks
9:20 a.m.: Y.E. Yang, Justin Leonard
9:29 a.m.: Brandt Jobe, Chad Campbell
9:38 a.m.: Josh Teater, Roberto Castro
9:47 a.m.: George McNeill, Corey Pavin
9:56 a.m.: Blake Adams, Ben Crane
10:05 a.m.: William McGirt, Will Claxton
10:14 a.m.: Brendon Todd, Martin Flores
10:23 a.m.: Aaron Baddeley, Trevor Immelman
10:32 a.m.: Matt Kuchar, Kevin Na
10:41 a.m.: Jonathan Byrd, Brendon de Jonge
10:50 a.m.: Jason Bohn, Gary Woodland
10:59 a.m.: Chris DiMarco, Geoff Ogilvy
11:08 a.m.: Michael Thompson, Jonas Blixt
11:17 a.m.: Chris Kirk, Sang-Moon Bae
11:26 a.m.: John Senden, Hunter Mahan
11:35 a.m.: Sung Kang, Marc Leishman
11:44 a.m.: John Daly, Sergio Garcia
11:53 a.m.: Tim Clark, Seung-Yul Noh
12:02 a.m.: Vijay Singh, Charley Hoffman
12:11 a.m.: Greg Chalmers, Carl Pettersson
12:20 p.m.: David Mathis, Jim Furyk
12:30 p.m.: Louis Oosthuizen, Bobby Gates
12:40 p.m.: Charlie Wi, Greg Owen
12:50 p.m.: Andres Romero, Kyle Reifers
1:00 p.m.: Bryce Molder, Kevin Chappell
1:10 p.m.: John Huh, Ryan Moore
1:20 p.m.: Harris English, Rickie Fowler
1:30 p.m.: Tom Gillis, Ryan Palmer
1:40 p.m.: Bo Van Pelt, Tommy Gainey
1:50 p.m.: Jason Dufner, Zach Johnson
For a live leaderboard, visit Golf.com.
For news and updates on the Crowne Plaza Invitational throughout the week, stay locked to thisStoryStream. For more news and analysis on the PGA Tour, visit SB Nation Golf.
2012 Indy 500: Plenty Of Tickets Still Available
It's one of the premier events in professional racing, but sometimes putting upwards of 258,000 butts to cover every inch of bleacher seating can be a bit difficult.
Earlier today, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway sent word that plenty of great seats at great prices for Sunday's Indianapolis 500 still remain.
After a bit of poking around, there's truth to their advertising!
That's right, 48 hours away from when racers will start their engines for the 96th running of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, Indy 500 tickets priced between $30 general admission (access to the Speedway's infield) to $90 C-Stand seats are still available.
While the race has not seen a downturn in attention and hype in recent years, it has allegedly suffered at the gates, although it's been nearly impossible to confirm due to a quirky tradition that leaves attendance numbers to the imagination.
So if you live in the Indianapolis area or neighboring states and are seriously considering an impulse buy that immediately makes your Memorial Day Weekend plans far more exciting than mine, that opportunity is there for the taking.
If you're not within reasonable driving distance to central Indiana, the track website's 3D seat view is at least a little way to kill 30 minutes.
For more updates on the Indy 500, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on Indy racing including the 2012 Indianapolis 500, please visit Pop Off Valve.
VIDEO: Dwayne Allen Interviews Brock Osweiler At NFLPA Rookie Premier
So former Arizona State quarter back Brock Osweiler was drafted by the Denver Broncos.
The Denver Broncos have that Peyton Manning guy, so Osweiler probably isn't going to get a lot of action for at least the next few regular seasons.
How does he feel?
Well, leave it to the Colts Dwayne Allen to ask him.
The rookie tight end took a mic from an SB Nation producer and matters into his own hands this week during the NFLPA Rookie Premier.
The duo were both quite candid expressing the emotions they felt on draft day and what it was like to get "the call" just before they were officially selected.
Because they're two young dudes, they have plenty of stuff to accomplish on the field before looking to make a name for themselves off it. But if this video is any indication, I'd say both Owesiler and Allen have a strong camera presence.
To see more videos from SB Nation's coverage of the NFLPA Rookie Premier, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
NBA Playoffs 2012, 76ers Vs. Celtics Game 6: Philly Forces Game 7 With 82-75 Win
The Philadelphia 76ers followed up a dreadful first-half performance with an adequate second-half performance, earning an 82-75 victory over the Boston Celtics in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
There will be a game seven.
The Celtics never scored more than 20 points in a quarter, and had only two players finish in double figures (Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett had 24 and 20 points, respectively) and were unable to fix whatever was wrong in the first 24 minutes of the game.
Overall, Boston had only 14 assists on 26 made field goals.
They also were 3-14 from beyond the arc, 1-10 before the final 80 seconds of the game.
Yikes.
Meanwhile, the 76ers came out of halftime loose and playing with more energy, led by Jrue Holiday who outplayed Rajon Rondo with 20 points and six assists. After committing nine turnovers in the first half, Doug Collins' club gave the ball up only three times in the second half while continuing to limit good looks by the Celtics.
As the eight seed, the 76ers have nothing to lose Saturday night on the road in Boston.
After being up 2-1 and seemingly in complete control of the series, the Celtics have already blown a huge opportuniy to advance to the conference finals with rest.
Now they're just looking to advance and keep their season alive.
NBA Playoffs 2012, 76ers Vs. Celtics Game 6: Boston Holds Slim 36-33 Halftime Lead
You can shuffle out Allen Iverson to hand out the game ball to Joey Crawford. You can boo Kevin Garnett every time he touches the ball, too. Neither is affecting the Boston Celtics right now, as they lead the Philadelphia 76ers 36-33 at the half.
Sure, the game itself is a lesson in how not to run a prolific offense, but as an elimination game, it's all about winning or going home.
The Celtics, who held Philly to just 11 second-quarter points, continue to limit the production of a starless 76ers team that features eight players who have logged a basket, but zero who have scored in double figures. Paul Pierce leads all players with 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting.
Somehow, that looks pretty solid given the struggles both teams have had with the ball in their hand tonight.
Jrue Holiday leads his team with eight points.
For all news and information regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, please visit Liberty Ballers or head on over to SB Nation Philadelphia. For updates and perspective on the Boston Celtics, check out CelticsBlog or stop by SB Nation Boston.
John Calipari: I want to create experiences, not just games
Interesting blog entry from the UK head coach.
After receiving a fair share of criticism from fans and media members following the cancellation of the annual game against Indiana, John Calipari does a great job of acting as his own PR guy, selling the experience of great non-conference games.
We're all mad at Cal for being 50 percent responsible for severing ties with neighboring Indiana, but there's plenty of great games in great locations for Kentucky and college basketball fans to look forward to, including a potential neutral-site series with Duke.
Oklahoma City Police Make Arrest In Post Thunder-Lakers Shooting
An arrest has been made following a gunfire incident amidst celebration of the Oklahoma City Thunder's series clinching victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Police say they have arrested 19-year-old Rodney Hill on complaints of shooting with intent to kill after eight people were injured in the city's Bricktown neighborhood, according to the Associated Press.
One of the eight victims remains in critical condition Tuesday night.
The incident occurred as thousands of fans marched from and around the Chesapeake Energy Arena after Monday night's game. While police say the shootings were probably not related to the playoff game, the damage was more severe due to the high volume of people in the area.
Police say additional arrests stemming from the shootings are likely.
Today a spokesman for the Thunder released a statement announcing that the franchise would work with the city to review the current security and crowd-control measures in place, and make any necessary changes to better ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Coyotes Vs. Kings, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 5: Teams Tied 3-3 After Action-Packed Second Period
The Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings are tied 3-3 after a four-goal second period.
This game has officially turned into a track meet, as the Coyotes are looking to stave off elimination for a second straight game, while the Kings are desperately looking to finish off a team that's building confidence and advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1993.
The scoring started early after the Kings committed an own-goal blunder to give the Coyotes a 2-1 lead, but responded as Mike Richards and Drew Doughty gave the Kings the lead mid-way through the period.
Phoenix tied the game with four minutes remaining when Keith Yandle scored his first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Taylor Pyatt.
The Kings are outshooting the Coyotes 26-19.
There were no penalties in the second period.
For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or stop by SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Kings, head on over to Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.
Coyotes Vs. Kings, Game 5: Game Tied After First Period
If you're a glass half-full Phoenix Coyotes guy, you're happy your team came out playing hard and took a 1-0 lead early.
If you're a glass half-empty Phoenix Coyotes guy, you're ticked your team gave up a short-handed goal and will start the second period down a man.
Penalties have been the story of the first period of game five of the Western Conference Finals, as Phoenix and the Los Angeles Kings are tied 1-1 in a hotly contested elimination game.
The Coyotes' Taylor Pyatt netted his fourth goal of the 2012 NHL Playoffs with a power play goal four minutes into the game, while the Kings' Anze Kopitar tied the game after the Coyotes missed a number of assignments off a turnover with a man advantage
Phoenix, who is outshooting Los Angeles nine to six after 20 minutes, opened the game playing with the necessary sense of urgency to take the lead, but must continue that effort against a Kings team who is a perfect 7-0 on the road in these playoffs.
For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or stop by SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Kings, head on over to Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.
Indy 500: Lotus Drivers Will Not Get Engine Power Boost
Despite safety concerns and slower post times, IndyCar officials announced that drivers using Lotus engines will not get an extra power boost for Sunday's Indianapolis 500, according to the Associated Press.
The decision affects only two drivers in the field: Switzerland's Simona de Silvestro and France's Jean Alesi, who will start the race in 32nd and 33rd, respectively.
The decision temporarily puts to rest a growing story line of whether drivers using Lotus engines should be given a handicap of sorts when pitted against better-performing Chevrolet and Honda engines.
Instead of the power boost, race officials will monitor race-day speeds to ensure that all drivers are moving within the 105 percent of the pace of the current leaders.
While the varying performance levels of engines among Indy 500 participants may initially seem to be an issue of competition, it actually is more about safety, as Alesi has told the media he believes he could serve as an impediment for other drivers, and felt "unsafe" consistently driving at slower speeds.
De Silvestro has already gone on record saying she will look to stay out of the driving lanes of the favorites and not look to cause problems.
Final qualifying times showed a 16 MPH disparity between Alesi (210 MPH) and pole sitter Ryan Briscoe (226 MPH).
Any car that does not maintain the 105 percent pace during the race will be forced off the track.
For more updates on the Indy 500, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on Indy racing including the 2012 Indianapolis 500, please visit Pop Off Valve.
Rangers Vs. Devils, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 2: New Jersey Ties Series With 3-2 Victory
The New Jersey Devils have stolen home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference finals, with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 2 of their series.
David Clarkson's crafty deflection goal three minutes into the final period gave the Devils the lead and served as the game winner. Clarkson's third game-winner of the playoffs tied the series at one game apiece as the two teams travel across the Hudson River for Games 3 and 4.
The Rangers have now lost Game 2 in all three rounds in the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first period off an Ilya Kovalchuk power-play goal, the Rangers clawed their way back during the second period, taking a 2-1 lead on goals from Marc Staal and Chris Kreider. But the Devils responded with the period coming to a close, as Ryan Carter tied it with a goal of his own.
The Devils' Martin Brodeur and the Rangers' Henrik Lundvqist had 23 and 24 saves, respectively.
Game 3 will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Newark.
For more on this series, check in with SB Nation's Devils blog In Lou We Trust. For the New York perspective, visit Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.
Celtics Vs. 76ers, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 3: Garnett, Celtics Cruise To 107-91 Victory
After outscoring the Philadelphia 76ers 32-16 in the second quarter, the Boston Celtics continued their offensive proficiency into the second half, cruising to a 107-91 victory to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
The box score shows a virtual sweep by the Celtics, as they led the 76ers in almost every major statistical category. Whether it was on the boards, shooting from the floor or limiting turnovers while forcing opponents' miscues, there are few positives that Philadelphia head coach Doug Collins can take away from Wednesday night in preparation for Friday's Game 4.
The Celtics were led by Kevin Garnett, who finished with a game-high 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting and 13 rebounds. Many believe that with Paul Pierce struggling and Ray Allen not playing anywhere near 100 percent, Garnett may have to turn into Boston's first option on offense while remaining his usual self on defense. So far, he has delivered and even exceeded expectations.
The 76ers' fast start to the game quickly dissipated, as they were presented with a limited number of transition opportunities and struggled with their half-court offense. Much of the postgame discussion online, in the papers and on sports radio will focus on Garnett's performance, and rightfully so. But the primary determinant for the rest of this series will be the 76ers' lack of a true true go-to guy or playmaker. Their defense sparks their offense, and when the Celtics are converting at one end and controlling the pace, there's not much with which the 76ers can counter.
For all news and information regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, please visit Liberty Ballers or head on over to SB Nation Philadelphia. For updates and perspective on the Boston Celtics, check out CelticsBlog or stop by SB Nation Boston. And of course, for complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA blog.
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