C's feel the Need for Sheed

After an entire season of sub-par play, Rasheed Wallace is finally starting to earn his money.  And, if he manages to help contain Dwight Howard, and ultimately get the Celtics into the NBA finals, I'd be willing to excuse his performance in the regular season.  To his credit, he kept reassuring everyone that the Playoffs would be his time, and thus far, he's not just talkin' the talkin.  The great thing about Rasheed is that he really wasn't bothered at all by his poor play.  He truly doesn't care what anyone thinks, including the media, fans, and even his teammates.  In a season filled with chemistry issues, it's safe to assume that this guy was at the core of his fair share.  One of his more notable rituals is having a beer for his postgame beverage, which seemed to bother many of the veterans on the club.  He didn't care, win or lose, he would have his cold one, despite the disapproval of his teammates.  After game 1 on Sunday, it was reported that there were two beers waiting for Mr. Wallace after the game, an obvious sign of appreciation for his role in the Celtics road win.  If Wallace can continue to make things difficult for Dwight Howard, his teammates might set up a keg, with a full draught system in his locker, because that will be the key to the Celtics advancing to the Finals.  I know that Howard, and the rest of the magic were less-than thrilled when they drew the Celtics in this round.  For years, Kendrick Perkins has been able to contain the big-fella, using his size to make it extremely difficult for Howard to get into his post-position.  Unlike in previous seasons, the Celtics can now go to their bench for another 7-footer to harass the Magic Center.  Howard will be getting no-breaks in this series, as Perkins, Wallace, and Big Baby each have six fouls to give, and each provide a different look for him to contend with.

I knew the Celtics would win game 1, it was set-up perfectly for the taking.  I think the C's are completely locked in right now, and are going to play with a sense of urgency the rest of the way.  Having said that, the Magic will be throwing their biggest punch tonight, as the thought of heading to Boston down 2-0, would seem pretty insurmountable to them.  If the Celtics can steal another one tonight you can punch their ticket to the finals, becuase I just don't see them losing any of their upcoming home games.  And speaking of the NBA finals, word out of Los Angeles is that Laker fans want another shot at the C's in the finals.  Careful what you wish for, you just might get it.  Have they already forgotten the beat-down the Celtics gave them over the course of that series, including ripping their guts out by coming back from 24 down in game 4, or the 39 point trouncing we gave them in game 6?  Or maybe they dont feel like their championship last year is validated, after managing to avoid the KG-less Celtics.  Either way, nothing would please me more than sending all those tinsel-town weenies home, with their tales between their legs yet again.  Ugh, what a tease, there's still work to be done before I can start salivating over that potential match-up.