Sports Redux: Wonderful Wednesday

The Hawks are real. We knew they took the Celtics to seven inexplicable games last year, and we knew they were undefeated when they arrived at the Garden last night.

And then the game started last night. Sans star Josh Smith, Atlanta relied instead on killer shooting and some crisp passing, hung 31 on the C's in the first quarter, and built a 16-point lead at one point. So it was time for Ghidorah to step up. Ray Allen found his shot, KG threw down a dunk to take the lead back before halftime (while hauling down 12 rebounds in the game).

But the Hawks wouldn't go away. They may not, ever. Marvin Williams hit a 3 to give Atlanta a one-point lead with 21 seconds to go. Remember last year, when the New Big Three were asked who they want taking the shot with the game on the line? (Paul and Kevin said "Ray", Ray asked "Who's open?") There was no doubt this time. As Garnett put it: "Get the ball to Pierce; get the hell out the way. Superman's in the booth. Let's go home. That was the play, and if you don't believe that ask Doc Rivers and he'll say the same exact thing." Shot. Basket. Ballgame.

The Bruins? Also red hot. They didn't get a blowout win this time, but they got some great glovework from Tim Thomas (leading the league in goals-against average, and if you're on Facebook, join the movement to send him to the All-Star Game). They got a regulation goal from Marco Sturm, a shootout goal from Blake Wheeler, and a very cool little stutter-step swing-around fakery-laden goal (not a technical term) from P.J. Axelsson for the game winner. They play the hated Canadiens tonight, with first place on the line.

David Ortiz says the Red Sox "probably" would have won the World Series if they still had Manny Ramirez, but admitted it was all for the best that Manny left. Which we all kind of know. But still.

Photo by Michael Dwyer/AP.