Boston Celtics, Nba Playoffs | featured news

The Magic built a big lead before holding on to beat the Celtics in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.

After a total of seven overtimes in the first six games, the Celtics made an early night of it as they beat Chicago in regulation in their first-round Eastern Conference series.

Another playoff thriller between Chicago and Boston, and this one went to the Bulls. Ben Gordon scored 22 points, hitting the tying 3-pointer in the first overtime, and the Bulls beat the Celtics 121-118 in double overtime Sunday to tie their first-round series at two games apiece. The teams split two tight games in Boston, before the Celtics blew out the Bulls in Game 3. This time, they stretched the drama into a second overtime. Derrick Rose added 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Paul Pierce scored 24 points, Rajon Rondo added 20 and the defending champions beat the Chicago Bulls 107-86 on Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Leon Powe suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee in Boston's Game 2 victory over Chicago on Monday and will not play again this poseason.

Kevin Garnett isn't ready to start the playoffs, and Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Thursday that there's a strong possibility that he will miss the entire postseason.