The Celtics

What can I say about the Celtics. They are awesome at home but horrible on the road. Even though they beat the Hawks, I was so disgusted with the way the series went that I couldn't even write about it. The Cavs are a different team. I thought the series would go to 7 games and it did. The reason that they won the series is because of defense. When they needed to they shut down the Cavs. In the first couple of games, LeBron was terrible but his supporting cast was playing well. They knew they couldn't contain LeBron for an entire series so they focused on the role players. They made it so LeBron had to be the whole team. He had no one that could get open or make a shot which put added pressure on the King. The Celtics are known for their defense and that is the reason they beat the Cavs. Garnett was good in a few games but disappeared in others Paul Pierce took over in the final game and earned his place in the rafters. Ray Allen was off. He wasn't getting in rhythm and was differing to other players. He will need to hit some shots for the Celtics to beat the Pistons.

Now it is the conference finals. It is the match-up that everyone thought it would be. It is the Pistons against the Celtics. It brings back the rivalry from the 80's. Although there is no way this series will be as good as those from the 80's, it should still be a great display of basketball. These teams focus on defense and taking out the other teams most important pieces. The Pistons have the experience but the Celtics have the Big 3. The series will come down to if Ray Allen can make shots and if the Pistons can win at the New Garden. The Pistons will collapse the lane when Paul Pierce drives, so he is going to have to kick it out the the shooters. Allen will have to be there. If Allen makes shots, the Celtics win. If not, who knows. The Pistons will have to win in the New Garden. If they can take a game, they have the best shot to make the finals. I think that each team will take a game on the other team's court. I think Allen will make shots and I think that KG will step up and dominate a couple games. I think the Celtics take the series in 7.

**In the west, it is the Spurs-Lakers. The experience vs. Kobe. Lots want to see a Lakers-Celtics final. I think that the Spurs will win the series. They match up well with the Lakers. Bowen can guard Kobe, Parker will score, Ginobili will score and Gasol will have trouble with Duncan. I think the Spurs take the series in six on the strength of their team unity and the play of their big 3.

Jon Lester Throws a No Hitter

It has been a long time since my last blog. I just couldn't find much that I really had an interest to write about. Last night, Jon Lester threw a no hitter. Not only was his pitching superb but the story of his life is one that is incredible. First, here is how he was able to throw a no hitter. Usually, Lester is a little more wild than he was last night. He usually falls behind hitters. Last night, he was aggressive. He got ahead of 19 of 28 hitters I believe. That enabled him to dictate the pace of the at bats. He could go to his cutters to righties and curve to lefties. Another reason he was able to no hit the Royals was that his stuff was great. As the night went on, his fastball gained a few miles per hour on it and he topped out at 96. He also was in complete command of his pitches. He spotted it where Varitek wanted it and only gave up two hard hit balls.

The background of the Lester just added to the excitement and the story that was last night. In 2006, he was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was able to get treatment and after a lot of work and building of strength, Lester returned last July with a great pitching performance against the Indians. Also, Lester was the clinching pitcher in the last game of the World Series. He pitched really well that night and all of the confidence he has gained from those outings led to last night. His story is a feel good story. He pitched a no hitter. Most pitchers never complete that feat and pitchers like Roger Clemens haven't accomplished a feat like this. It shows that even when struck with a huge obstacle, in his case cancer, one can overcome that obstacle with hard work and the belief that they can go out and succeed at what they want to do.

**Side notes: Varitek is the first catcher to catch four no hitters in a career. That shows that Tek is able to corral his pitchers and prepares immensely for games. Also, the last two no hitters are by Lester and Buchholz, both are the Sox's young prospects that are supposed to carry this team for years to come.