Celtics Can’t Close Out Magic, Sox Take Down Rays

The Celtics played their poorest game since game three of the Eastern Semi-Finals, but were still in position to close out the Orlando Magic last night. They fell short in overtime, 96-92, sending the series back to Orlando for game five tomorrow night. Get the complete picture at CelticsLinks.com.

Fair or not, until the Celtics can close out this series, expect plenty of comparisons to the Bruins losing their 3-0 series lead.In fact, many people nationally are hoping for the Celtics to collapse.

I can’t get a good feel for tomorrow night’s game. A loud voice in me says that this series is now going six, as the Magic will be fired up back at home. Another voice says that the Magic’s aim was just not to get swept and that they’ll lay down tomorrow night.

Magic force Game 5 with overtime win – Bill Doyle points out that perhaps the Celtics shouldn’t have tempted fate by having the Bruins singer Rene Rancourt do the national anthem last night.

Howard, Nelson Deserve Credit For Preventing A Sweep– Jeff Jacobs says that the Magic are not the 2004 Red Sox or the 2010 Flyers, but they deserve credit for not mailing in the sweep.

Magic make things interesting– Steve Bulpett says that the series isn’t quite over yet.

No surprise the Magic made it a series – Rich Levine says that we shouldn’t be surprised at what happened last night.

Rondo and the Celtics have come a long way in one year– Kevin McNamara says that Danny Ainge should be able to crow about signing Rajon Rondo this past offseason as much as the trades that netted Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

Final play breakdown tells story– Chris Forsberg notes that the final play of regulation was a microcosm of the entire night for the Celtics.

Technically, it’s a problem for Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace – Mark Murphy’s notebook has the Celtics suffering from their first lack of poise since the first round.

The  Red Sox got another impressive start from Clay Buchholz, who gave up one run in six innings last night, as the Red Sox beat the first place Tampa Rays 6-1. Boston got home runs from David Ortiz (9) and Kevin Youkilis (10) in the win. Follow all the stories over at RedSoxLinks.com.

With raised stakes, Sox stay hot – Amalie Benjamin has the Red Sox offense staying hot against the Rays.

Can we stop panicking now? – Gordon Edes says that after taking 6 of their last seven against quality opponents, the Red Sox are getting things together.

Buchholz passes this test with flying colors – Sean McAdam has the young righthander improving to 6-3 on the year after the big win last night.

Martinez may have caught break – Peter Abraham says that the toe injury suffered by the Red Sox catcher last night doesn’t appear to be serious.

Cameron’s back, while Lowrie has a long road ahead – Brian MacPherson’s extensive Red Sox Journal is packed full of Red Sox goodness.

The Patriots have come to terms with third round pick Taylor Price on a four year contract.

Kraft investing in the future – Albert Breer has the Patriots owner speaking from the owners meetings in Dallas.

Revamped Rivals Have Patriots Gearing Up for Treacherous Run Through AFC East Gauntlet – Jeff Howe with a look at the Patriots divisional foes.

Shawn Crable – Potential Player, or Bad Joke? – Do you roll your eyes when you hear the name Shawn Crable, or do you just have a blank stare on your face?