Larry Bird was once quoted as saying, "I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end."

If this theory holds true, Larry was speaking in the long-term - the Celtics gave 100 percent last night and things didn't work out in Cleveland in the end.

After battling through regulation and overtime, the Celtics fell to the Cavs, 109-104. In order to pull out the win, the Eastern Conference champs needed LeBron James to step up his game, and that's just what he did: 38 points, 13 assists, and most of the big OT plays that sealed Boston's fate (a vicious 3-pointer, free throws, more free throws, etc.).

The Big Three breakdowns:
Cleveland: James (38), Drew Gooden (24), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (15): 77
Boston: Ray Allen (29), Kevin Garnett (19), Paul Pierce (16): 64

Given the tension between the teams (Garnett got into it with both Devin Brown and James by game's end and there was no inter-team mingling after the final buzzer), we're expecting more than enough Sunday action to supplement that which would normally be precious Pats time. Who knows? Maybe we'll even wind up seeing some tackles on the court. You never know...

Speaking of the Pats, there's good news and bad news. Bad news first: Roosevelt Colvin is out for the season, due to an injury somewhere on his body (thanks for the details, Bill!). The good news: Troy Brown's back, baby!

In unrelated football news, questions abound about the altercation that led to the death of Washington safety Sean Taylor's death, but many are focusing on remembering the young man who, as DCist notes, "had begun to turn around."

Finally, Sox fans. Tickets. Christmas at Fenway on Dec. 8. Let the reunions with the Virtual Waiting Room begin.

Image by flickr user Eric Kilby