Sports Redux: Don't Look Now, C's Lose

Atlanta's coach Mike Woodson viewed this game as a measuring stick for his squad. The Hawks measured up well with the Celtics and won, 97-86. Atlanta led 72-70 after three quarters and outscored the veteran C's crew 25-16 in the fourth.

Former Celtics player Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 24 points. Jamal Crawford added 18 points. Paul Pierce led Boston with 24. Pierce went to the floor once, came up limping, went to see the trainer, and returned with a brace thing on his leg.

Boston dropped to 8-2 with their second home loss of the season. Comcast Sportsnet said the second home loss of 2008-09 took place on January 7. If you're wondering how the rag-tag Hawks won, check the box score and look for "Rebounds." Or, go with Kevin Garnett, who said Atlanta simply "beat us."

As is usually the case in the NBA, much of the attention not focused on games is focused on LeBron James. This week in LeBron news has him urging the Association to choose to retire Michael Jordan's #23 all across the league in honor of his impact on the game. LeBron says he'll lead the way by switching from #23 to #6. Bostonist would love to be able to giive that news to Bill Russell.

December 12 is a date to remember for Red Sox Nation. That's the deadline to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players, a group including Jonathan Papelbon, Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima, and Manny Delcarmen. They'll be offered deals, of course. But, if a contract isn't signed with, say, Papelbon, arbitration could be rough.

On the free agency front, 2009 Silver Slugger Jason Bay's agent will apparently talk to any team who will listen, including the Red Sox. His strategy is to treat every suitor, even Boston, the same, which nobody here likes to hear. The Sox also are reportedly kicking the tires on John Lackey. Boston last cared about Lackey in the playoffs. Nevermind.

Pats and Colts on Sunday and Tom Brady got warm and fuzzy with Ron Borges? Here's one quote from #12: "I feel like it’s a privilege to play for Coach Belichick and Mr. Kraft but when the day comes they feel I can’t perform the way they think I should I’ll be sent packing."