Sports Redux: Standing O Edition

When the new Celtic stepped onto the parquet at the TD Banknorth Garden on Friday night, the response from the Boston crowd was clear. Welcome to Boston, Mr. Marbury. Let's get to winning another title.

No. 8 made his debut on Friday night after about an hour practicing with the team, but it seems like his impact on the game exceeded the 8 points and 13 minutes he spent on the court during the night's Boston-Detroit showdown. The Celtics fought and worked their way to a 104-99 victory over the Pistons, led by Ray Allen's 30 point effort and a whole lot of energy within the Garden when Stephon Marbury checked in with 19.4 seconds left in the first.

Curious about how Marbury looked on the court? Do with this what you will: the Celts gave up their lead in the second, while Marbury and Mikki Moore were trying to work with a still-unfamiliar approach. That said, Marbury was also part of a big third-quarter run for the Boston side.

Speaking of standing ovations, a round of applause for Mike Vrabel, ladies and gentlemen. Eight years, three championships, one Pro Bowl and a whole lot of love from the Patriots faithful. Vrabel is making his way to Kansas City, and the Pats picked up Fred Taylor and Christ Baker. We salute you, Mike.

The Bruins face down Ovechkin and the Captials today, which will be made more difficult by the bruised and beaten state of the team.