That Vaunted Lakers Defense, Pt. II
redsarmy.wordpress.com 6/13/2008 — The Lakers defense just seems to love leaving wide open lanes and allowing the Celtics free looks at the hoop. Leon Powe got one in Game 2 … and Ray Allen got one at the most critical point of the game last night. Celtics up 3… less than :20 on the clock… and Ray blew by Sasha Vujacic… And got to the middle of the lane completely untouched. Completely. ...

Bill to Luke: 'You’re a bum, and all your teammates are bums'
sports.yahoo.com 6/13/2008 — I've read a lot of great columns, posts and opinions on this NBA Finals match-up. A whole lot. But this lil' tidbit caught by AP Sports' Beth Harris is by far the best I've come across: "Occasionally, Luke Walton picks up his phone and gets an ...

Ray Allen says "Hello Finals MVP!" and a Quadruple Clutch Layup
lebasketbawl.com 6/13/2008 — Yes it's Ray Allen that should be the Finals MVP, not Paul Pierce. And this freakin' layup is ridiculous.

Garnett and Allen should have been teammates in 1996
thehoopdoctors.com 6/13/2008 — Summary of allen's play in finals, and irony of garnett and allen now playing together.

Worst of Game 4 of the NBA Finals
basketbawful.blogspot.com 6/13/2008 — Note: Many thanks to Sturla for the graphic. I also used it for today's NBA Closer column on Deadspin . Ahmad Rashad: I'm going to let Basketbawful reader Sami take this one. "I was watching 'Live at the Finals with Ahmad Rashad' on NBATV an hour ...

Celtics 97, Lakers 91: Celtics’ Rally Stuns Lakers and Puts Title Within Reach — NYT > Pro Basketball 6/13/2008
The Boston Celtics wiped out a 24-point deficit, dominated the third quarter and crushed the Los Angeles Lakers in the final minutes to take a 3-1 series lead Thursday night. >

Sorry Phil, this series is over — FOXSports.com News for NBA 6/13/2008
Phil Jackson can deny it. Kobe Bryant can too. But make no mistake: With the Lakers down 3-1, this series is over, Todd Behrendt says.

Perkins in doubt for Sunday's Game 5 — FOXSports.com News for NBA 6/13/2008
The Boston Celtics aren't sure if center Kendrick Perkins will be able to play in Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Perkins strained his left shoulder in Boston's 97-91 victory Thursday night. He is averaging 4.5 ...

Celtics C Perkins uncertain for Game 5 (AP) — Yahoo! Sports - NBA News 6/13/2008
The Boston Celtics aren't sure if center Kendrick Perkins will be able to play in Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Perkins strained his left shoulder in Boston's 97-91 victory Thursday night. He is averaging 4.5 ...

Allen Finds Stroke When It Counts — Wash Post NBA 6/14/2008
After struggling with his jump shot in the playoffs, Ray Allen is suddenly averaging a team-high 20 points-per-game in the Finals, pacing the Celtics to a commanding 3-1 series lead.