Series a classic, but a memory

It was not the greatest playoff series in NBA history. It does, however, belong in the discussion.
       
The first-round classic between the Celtics and Bulls was full of drama, entertainment, buzzer-beaters, fights and sound basketball, with five games decided by three points or less.

There were seven overtime periods — nearly a full game’s worth of additional minutes — along with 108 lead changes and 65 ties. And in the end, the defending champs moved past Chicago 109-99 in Saturday’s Game 7.

“Oh my God,” Celtics forward Glen Davis said. “You don’t understand. Overtime after overtime after overtime, and it was kind of getting boring, but we won.”

Someone scored at least 25 points in a game 15 times in the series, led by Ray Allen’s 51-point effort in Game 6. That also includes six 30-point performances.

But now that the dust has cleared, the Bulls have left town and the Celtics have amped up their
preparations for their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Orlando Magic. The first round is just a memory — but one that will deservedly be rehashed for years.

“So many great moments,” said Bulls guard Ben Gordon, who starred against the C’s.

Boasted Boston’s Paul Pierce: “We’re still the champs until somebody knocks us off.”