We had back to back game 7 action Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics held court in the deciding game in their respective series’.
In Boston, the Magic jumped out to a 10 point first quarter lead that they never relinquished on their way to a 101-82 win. The loss marks the first time in 33 attempts that the Celtics have lost a series that they lead 3-2.
In Los Angeles, the Lakers defended home court against the Houston Rockets with an easy 89-70 win. Though the game was easy, the series was not, as the pesky undermanned Rockets gave the Lakers all they could handle.
Once, Twice, Three Times the Drama…
Over in New York, the Yankees have pulled out three straight walk-off wins to put them at a disappointing 20-17 record. This latest walk-off was delivered by a 10th inning home run, courtesy of Johnny Damon.
"I've never been a part of something like this," manager Joe Girardi said. "There's probably a few more gray hairs on my head after these last three, but they have things that take care of that."
Though this is being seen as a positive sign that the Yankee’s are turning it around, there has to be concerns that they are in the spot where they need that last second heroics.
Oops, Did I Do That?
Over in Tampa Bay, a pregame error forced Rays pitcher Andy Sonnanstine to bat third in the lineup. The mistake was made by the Tampa Bay staff who listed both Ben Zobrist and Evan Longoria as the third baseman. Longoria was supposed to be the designated hitter, and the Rays lost the DH position because of the error, forcing them to put Sonnanstine in the third spot of the lineup.
"I knew something was up, but I didn't know exactly what was going to happen," Sonnanstine said. "They told me that I was going to have to hit, and I corrected them and told them 'I get to hit.' I took it as an opportunity. That was one of the craziest games I've ever been a part of."
The Roundup
There is going to be a change in the booth of the Monday Night Football crew as former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden is penciled in to replace Tony Kornheiser. Kornheiser cited a schedule that would have him flying much more than he was comfortable with as the reason for the change. Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison has chose not to go with the Steelers when they meet the President Thursday. This is the second time he has refused this honor. Tony Stewart claimed his first victory this weekend as an owner when he crossed the finish line first in the All-Star Race. The win netted him a cool $1 mil.
