Orlando did what it had to do, and then some.
However, I’m not entirely sure this makes it a different series yet. While Orlando deserves credit from pushing the series to 3-2 from 3-0. There are some things to keep in mind about last night:
- Kendrick Perkins was tossed in the first half on two very weak technical-foul calls. In theory, this means he’s triggered the 7-T rule and will stay out of Game 6. In practice, the league will rescind at least one of the T’s and Perkins will play in Boston
- Glen Davis suffered a freak concussion, and insisted he’ll be back for Game 6, too (we’ll see; it was a concussion, after all).
- The game was in Orlando, not Boston.
There have only been three blown 3-0 leads in all of American sports. I observed one up close (the 2004 ALCS), and one not-so-close (the recent NHL Flyers-Bruins playoff series), but in both cases, it was Game 6 that redefined the series, not Game 5.
If Orlando can win another one in Boston tomorrow night, then it’s a different series. Until then, Boston is still the favorites – especially if Perkins plays (as I expect he will).
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