Redemption Road

The 17-time champion Celtics are headed back to the NBA Finals for the 21st time in team history. Holding off a sluggish Magic squad in Game 6, the Celtics reasserted their defensive prowess and got an MVP-type performance from Captain Paul Pierce (31 points). Nate Robinson came off the bench for an injured Rondo to light up the night with 12 points at key junctures of the game.

On to a likely match-up with their perennial nemesis—the LA Lakers—the Cs look like the (reasonably) healthy and confident squad that captured banner seventeen in 2008.