NBA news

It may be getting to crunch time in the NBA as we head in to the conference finals but its seemingly been a very quiet couple of days. With a couple of the series finishing early we had 2 days off and then 2 games yesterday and today was another day with no games scheduled.

Yesterday was game 7 for the Lakers vs Rockets and also for Celtics vs Magic.

The Lakers took care of business behind a massive night from Pau Gasol (21 points, 18 boards). The Rockets on the other hand couldn't buy a bucket, shooting just 37% from the field and 64% from the line. The game was essentially over by half time with the Lakers up 51 - 32 and they cruised home from there.

It was the series in the East that had my attention tho. I really wanted to see the Celtics get up but unfortunately it was not to be. Orlando was on song jumping out to an early lead, the Celtics came back in the 3rd, but Orlando went on a run at the start of the 4th and it was too much for Boston to cut back.

Hedo Turkoglu was the killer shooting 9 of 12 from the field including 4 of 5 from downtown for a game high 25 points. I watched the last few minutes online and it was Hedo who hit the daggers down the stretch (10 of his 25 points came in the final term). Other than Dwight Howard (12 points, 16 boards, 5 blocks) who is always rock solid, the other player who stepped up for the Magic was Mickael Pietrus who provided 17 points off the bench (6 of 7 from the field including 3 of 3 from deep).

Despite a solid night from Ray Allen (23 points on 9 of 18 shooting), Boston struggled from the field shooting just 39% ... which is never going to get it done. Full credit to the Celtics for making it this far without superstar Kevin Garnett.

Next up is the conference finals. Denver vs Lakers and Orlando vs Cleveland. Its looking very much like a Kobe vs LeBron championship series but I'll be cheering for the underdogs in both of the games.

Here are the highlights from the Celtics game: