Boston 100, Miami 98 (Celtics lead 3-0)

I have to admit, I was totally wrong about this year’s Boston Celtics. The regular season we saw a completely different animal. This time around, the animal’s hungry.

Paul Pierce (also known as “The Truth”, if you have lived under a rock the past 10 years) let time wind down, and sunk a shot from about 20 feet away to put the Celts in a commanding 3-0 lead.

Worse news for Miami – Wade may be hurt. He had a chance to take the lead with about 12 seconds left, but he not only missed the shot – he came down awkwardly on his left leg, and looks like he had an injury to his calf. He’ll be evaluated tonight and tomorrow and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will give an update on Wade’s game 4 status (which in my mind is nothing less than “he’s playing.”)

Pierce led Boston with 32 points, followed by Allen with 25, Rondo with 17, and KG with 16. The rest of the C’s combined for 10 points – but honestly, we’re working with a playoff roation. Kendrick Perkins didn’t score, but was a beat on the boards with 12 rebounds.

Miami, however, saw better production out of their bench than their starters. Wade led all scorers with 34 points, but Udonis Haslem, Dorell Wright, and Mario Chalmers combined for 35 points off the bench in the loss.

Key to the Boson win was their ability to take advantage of turnovers, converting 24 points off of 18 Miami giveaways.

What to watch for: Is Game 4 Wade’s last game in a Heat uniform? I don’t think I have to say much more than that. While it would be tough to leave, as Dwayne Wade has openly expressed his affection for the city, does the right combination of players open up where Wade has the ability to win another championship?

Flashing back to game 4, the odds are stacked against the Heat, game 4 is a must-win to avoid being “doused” out of the playoffs.

Until next time, this is the Commish and I love NBA on ESPN, but nothing compares to Sir TRBL and TNT.