I hate to admit this is true, but...

And now on to more important things...

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks continued their first round series last night, with the Celtics pulling off a 96-93 win. The game ended once again with a crucial Knicks turnover in the final moments.

I hate to beat a dead horse here people,

but this is just the latest example of why veterans matter in a playoff run. I talked about how the Indiana Pacers lack an offensive identity in crucial moments. I think the Knicks have an idea of what their identity is in those circumcstances, they just can't seem to execute it.

I'm really hoping the Knicks recover and this series goes seven games because I really think you'd see some of the most entertaining basketball you'll ever come across.

Hey look! There's a Jason Richardson sighting!

The now much-traveled Richardson hit a game-icing three pointer to keep the Magic ahead and even up their series. Also of note in this game is that Magic center Dwight Howard played the whole game.

How long do you think he can keep that up?

If you have to keep your star on the floor for all 48 minutes, you grossly underestimated your big man depth. Maybe trading Gortat was a bad idea? Hm? What do you think?

Of course without the Gortat trade they don't have Richardson so I guess the argument on this day is a wash. However, you can't tell me Howard can play 48 the rest of the way.

Also last night, the Dallas Mavericks went up 2-0 in their series with the Portland Trailblazers. Ultimately the game came down to turnovers and was closer than the final score would have you believe.

Again, veterans versus the youth- Peja Stojakovic was hot and hit some big three's. Close your eyes and ask yourself this question: "When was the last time you heard the phrase:'Stojakovic was on fire'?"

That's right, you can't remember because it was so long ago the Kings were Western Conference contenders with Peja, Hedo Turkoglu, Mike Bibby, and some guy named Webber.

But that's what you get when you have experience on your roster in the playoffs. Portland may get there one day, but this is not their day.

I refuse to get excited about the NFL schedule. Yes, I know my Bears play the Packers on Christmas. I just don't think we're out of the woods yet and there's no guarantee we won't be dealing with a nine game season.

Part of me wants to feel that if there's any lost games, any season that can't fulfill at least 12 games should just be cancelled. Any less than 75% of a normal season just doesn't seem like it should crown a champion and have that team be mentioned with all the other teams that negotiated a full schedule.

But hey, they talked for a whole 7 hours yesterdays. Maybe the log jam is broken.

Or not.

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