Wow. If you didn’t see the second half of the Celtics-Bulls game last night, you missed an all-time classic. It was only game 2 in a first-round playoff series, but it was unbelievable. Basically Ray Allen of Boston and Ben Gordon of Chicago traded buckets for the last three minutes of the game, making EVERY shot. Reminded me of the Larry Bird- Dominique Wilkins duel in the late 80s.

What made the game even more unique is there was no set play for a last-second shot. When Ray Allen made a tie-breaking 3 with two seconds left to put the Celtics up 118-115, Chicago could only inbound the ball and make a desperation three-quarters court heave (not taken by Gordon, who probably would have made it) because the Bulls didn’t have a time-out. I’m sure Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro took heat in the Chicago papers today (and on sports talk radio) for not leaving a time-out for the end of the game. Because of the nature of the NBA, and its desire to have close finishes and more revenue from TV time-outs, teams can move the ball to their opponent’s 3-point line. A ridiculous rule. The rule probably cost the Spurs the championship a few years ago when the lost to the Lakers in Game 5 of their series. In that game, Tim Duncan made an unbelievable shot. Only problem was the ball went through the bottom of the net with .4 tenths of a second left. LA calls a time-out, moves the ball to the other end and Derek Fisher hits a miracle turnaround heave. Usually, it just extends the game.

Hopefully, we will see more great finishes like that as the NBA Playoffs continue. And congrats to my friend and Twins Cities colleague Pat Fraher, who officiated his first playoff game. What a game. He will never forget that one.  

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