The Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls faced off in what was arguably the best playoffs series in NBA history. With four of the first six game heading to overtime and the series tied 3-3 heading into Game 7, the defending champion Celtics were able to use their experience to beat the Bulls by a final score of 109-99.

In front of his home fans, Ray Allen was once again great. He led the way with 23 points and also had seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot. In Game 6, Allen poured in 51 points. Helping him out in Game 7 in the scoring department were Paul Pierce (20 points), Eddie House (16 points), Glen Davis (15 points) and Kendrick Perkins (14 points).

For the Bulls, who were an underdog in this series despite the fact that the Celtics have been playing without Kevin Garnett, were led once again by Ben Gordon. In 46 minutes, Gordon had 33 points and four assists. Rookie phenom Derrick Rose had 18 points, while Kirk Hinrich had 16 points off the bench.

The Bulls now go home, while the Celtics advance to play the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2009 NBA playoffs. The Magic advanced by beating the Philadelphia 76ers in six games.

Derrick Rose's Rookie Seasons was Stopped by the Celtics (Image: Newscom)

The Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics put on another instant classic. On Thursday night, the Bulls defeated the Celtics in triple overtime by a final score of 128-127.

Both teams got production from a variety of different sources. John Salmons led the way for the Bulls with 35 points, six rebounds and four assists in 60 minutes. Derrick Rose chipped in with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Brad Miller and 23 points and ten rebounds off the bench.

For the Celtics, Ray Allen has 51 points in 59 minutes. He hit 18-of-32 shots from the field, 9-of-18 three-pointers and 6-of-7 free throws. Glen “Big Baby” Davis had 23 points and seven rebounds, while Paul Pierce had 22 points and nine rebounds.

With the win, the Bulls tied the series 3-3 and forced a Game 7 against the Celtics. Game 7 will take place in Boston on Saturday.

Of the six games so far in the series, four of the games have gone to overtime. The defending NBA champion Celtics are trying to survive a heated push by the young Bulls. Boston’s job is made more difficult since Kevin Garnett is likely out for the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury.

Rookie Derrick Rose is attempting to lead a Bulls upset (Image: Newscom)

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are a growing NBA rivalry. There’s a very good chance that the Celts and the Cavs play in the Eastern Conference Finals. Recently, Ray Allen made sure that the rivalry became even more emotional.

Ray Allen Suspended (Image: Newscom)

After getting tangled up with Cavs bigman Anderson Varejao, Allen elbowed him south of the border. As a result, the NBA has decided to suspend Ray Allen for one game. The sharpshooter will be forced to sit out the contest on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Last season, the Celtics won the NBA championship. This year, Cleveland has been the best team in the East for much of the season. They currently have a 66-15 record and have locked up home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Celtics, on the other hand, are 60-20 and will have home-court advantage against every team in the East outside of Cleveland.

Allen is averaging 18.2 points on 48% shooting from the field and 40.9% shooting from beyond the three-point line.

I recently updated my b5 profile with the intention of explaining how www.jabandgrapple.com could cover both the scripted fun of pro wrestling entertainment and the unexpected life-threating tension of professional boxing. My answer wasn’t that they both take place in rings and involve some sort of combat.

No, my explanation was that they are bookends of the sporting world with everything else existing in between their emotional bounds. Friday night was evidence of this evocative breadth. WWE’s SmackDown and ESPN’s Friday Night Fights were broadcast simultaneously and my Motorola DVR only allowed me to watch one at a time while taping both. I was forced to delve into both without distraction.

Read more