Sports Redux: Does A Win Mean Anything?

Doc Rivers seemed to explain quite clearly why the Celtics beat Houston 94-87 last night. Defense this, rebound that, shooting blah blah, Paul, Rondo, etc. When asked a big picture question focused on how the team's third straight win, not to mention a trip-opening decision, fits into making this season a success, Doc basically redacted all the good stuff and said, well, nevermind.

"Nothing means nothing," Doc said. Okay, we're really not sure what he meant by that. It sounded catchy, though.

Paul Pierce was the difference for the Green when it mattered with 15 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter. Ray Allen finished with 19 points on a 5-8 effort on three-pointers, and six assists. Kevin Garnett had 15 points and eight rebounds.

Ever since Marc Savard's head fought Matt Cooke's shoulder and elbow and lost, the need to exact revenge has driven the Boston Bruins to distraction and just two wins in seven games, including the game Savard's season ended. Thursday's rematch with Pittsburgh, a 3-0 loss, to the seemingly puny segment of Black&Gold fans who are worried about winning games was not satisfying at all. And, according to Dan Shaughnessy, the fans who wanted blood weren't happy either. Zdeno Chara's second-period bout also failed to spark the Bruins, which he didn't seem to like. "I was calling guys out, trying to get something going," he said.

Regardless of what people thought, people watched. It was the highest-rated regular-season Bruins game in NESN history.

Remember that the date is March 20 when you react to the Red Sox losing five straight spring training games. The fifth loss came yesterday to the Pirates, 9-7. This March loss to Pittsburgh is only worthy of comment because of Josh Beckett's role in it. The Sox alleged ace threw 69 pitches in 3.1 innings and allowed six hits and four hits. But, as Beckett said "I got my work in." Ditto for David Ortiz, who homered in the loss. We hope that is a sign Papi won't have a slow start in 2010.

The best news from the Nation is that Ryan Westmoreland has been moved out of intensive care three days after surgery and can now begin physical and occupational therapy. That's great news.

Good news for fans of the NEP. Bill Belichick has decided he can't play tight end while serving as head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. Yes, the Patriots finally signed a tight end, and his name is Alge Crumpler.

The Madness of March is underway. Bostonist's brackets are largely intact - a surprise - as round two begins. Murray State (#13) stunned Vanderbilt and 14th-seeded Ohio shocked Georgetown in the biggest upsets so far. Cornell expectedly beat a higher seed in Temple.