Game ball, Eddie House

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This was the Eddie House we had all been waiting for.

In truth it seemed only a matter of time before House, who set a franchise record this season in three-point percentage (46 percent), found his groove again -- shooters never stay cold for long. And the timing couldn't have been any better.

Yes, this is a game he will be telling his grandkids about. Perfect from the line (2 for 2) and a perfect 5 for 5 from the field -- including 4 for 4 from three-point range -- spelled doom tonight for the Bulls, as the ninth-year man out of Arizona State threw down several clutch shots late to quell a furious Chicago rally and finally win this series, 4-3.

This was a night when several Celtics grew up. Kendrick Perkins, on the heels of a career night, put in another solid performance (14 points, 13 rebounds) and refused to get pushed around on the blocks. Glen Davis (15 points) showed us some moves tonight that made me remember that in high school he was a 6-foot-8, 330-pound running back.

Brian Scalabrine, for once, proved he's actually worth the minutes Doc put him in for. Even Mikki Moore (aka the homeless man's PJ Brown), in just under three minutes, proved some mettle (four points, two rebounds and ZERO fouls).

If the Celtics had somehow squandered that second-quarter cushion, I'd probably be carrying on ad nauseum about what a horrendous call that Hinrich-tripping-over-his-own-feet call was on Pierce. I don't know what's worse, that call, the infamous Chuck Knoblauch "ghost tag" on Jose Offerman in the 99 ALCS, or every call by Bennett Salvatore in the 06 Finals.

But you know what? Tonight, much akin to the spirit of a good broadcasting team, I'm going to stay quiet and let the emotions paint the picture. Let's be content for the moment that we just witnessed a beautiful roller coaster of a run, and not worry for at least 24 hours that we have to now deal with Dwight Howard and Hedo FREAKIN Turkoglu.

The night is young. And tonight, it has a green tint to it.