So, it's back to Beantown then ...

The C's had their chances, as they were able to withstand another strong first-quarter performance by the Lakers (this time the early deficit only reached 19 points), but ultimately could not put this game to bed and wound up on the losing end of a 98-103 decision (sports.yahoo.com) ...

I suppose I could take a cue from the likes of Phil Jackson and Sasha Vujacic, bitching and whining about the non-call on Kobe Bryant's "steal" against Pierce in the closing moments ... And really, I feel I would be well within my rights, as our captain was playing the game of his life (he finished with 38 points on 10-for-22 shooting) and had the ball in his hands in the final minute with the C's only down two; however, the Black Mamba slithered his way in from behind - without even touching the ball once (youtube.com) - and caused Paul to lose control of the ball. Lamar Odom then picked it up and passed up ahead to a streaking Bryant for the two-hand slam that pretty much sealed the deal (95-99 :37.4).

However, it doesn't take a genius to realize that the refs aren't going to call those types of fouls in the closing moments of a pivotal playoff game. Besides, I refuse to sully the Celtics' magnificent postseason run by taking the cowards' way out and blaming the officials ... Donaghy or no Donaghy, there was no fix in on this night; as has been proven the case over and over during these Finals, the more aggressive team winds up victorious, and - sadly - the Lakers took that distinction last night.

So now, both teams are heading back to the East Coast with the title hanging in the balance, and maybe it's the old Boston paranoia rearing up within me, but I suddenly find myself very nervous about the prospects of the Lakers receiving new life and getting two more shots at pulling off the impossible (no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals before, with the superior team going a perfect 28-0 in such a situation thus far) ... Of course, the C's could do a lot to calm my nerves if they would just stop spotting the Lakers a huge lead at the start of the game; seriously guys, I know everyone's banged up - Perkins did not play due to his strained shoulder and may not play tomorrow (boston.com) - but please come out like gangbusters at the start of Game Six and just put these suckas out of their misery.

Doc Rivers demonstrating that Phil Jackson is, in fact, a jerk-off

I feel like, at this point in the "Drive for 17" (TM), I'm the little kid in the backseat who keeps repeating "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" ... It's been a fun ride, but I'm ready to pull into our parking spot and get this drive over with!

Three down, one to go.