The Whole F'n SHOW!

Game Two of the 2008 NBA Finals will be known as "The Leon Powe Game."

But as late as 22 seconds left in the contest, it was threatening to be known as the greatest comeback in NBA playoff history. The Celtics somehow managed to blow a 22 point lead in THE FOURTH QUARTER but held on to win by six.

Now all of us here at SPLP are just thrilled that Leon finally got the chance to shine on a national stage. But he played the same way last night that he played all of this year. Entering the game with 44 seconds left in the first quarter, he drew a charge and a shooting foul on Lamar Odom.

Powe ended up getting to the line more times than the entire Lakers team (13 to 10). And while LA fans will surely be squawking about the officiating when the finally get out of bed in another two hours, no one wearing a purple jersey played under the basket like Leon. In 15 minutes, he finished with 21 points. You'll be hearing all about it today and into tomorrow night when the two teams meet in Los Angeles. While I loved being at the Garden for Game One, I think I would have gone crazier than Teddy Duchamp's dad by the third ridiculously thunderous dunk Leon threw down.

Now does all of this mean Leon is gonna get paid? One would hope so considering the thought of a Rondo/Powe tandem to take over once the big three hit the ol' dusty trail is enticing. But if Danny doesn't pony up the cash, someone else surely will. In the end though, this game cemented Leon's status in the Celtics' storied history. The question is, can Boston somehow finish the job at the Staples Center? Or will Causeway St. be treated to more heroics from the men in green? One thing is for sure though, as long as Leon Powe is in the game, good things will continue to happen. And watching the piece ABC did on him during halftime (not even getting into his career threatening knee injury in college) basketball fans everywhere will now appreciate the continued success of the 24 year old man who came from humble beginnings that went on to play 15 minutes of fantastic and exciting ball.

Leon's line from Game Two:
15 minutes
21 points
2 rebounds
6-7 FG
9-13 FT
0 turnovers
Bonus: 9 fouls drawn!

Post Scriptage:
Normally, I am an extremely sarcastic and negative person so writing something sorta sappy about something as simple as a basketball game is a bit of a switch for me. And normally, I appreciate a good underhanded jab as much as the next dude. But Phil Jackson's blatant exhibit of douchebaggery at the post game press conference was a little much, even for me. I bet you really didn't know how the pronounce Leon's last name Phil. How about instead of trying to be clever and bury a guy who kicked your team's ass, you concentrate on winning a championship without Michael Jordon or Shaq? Whaddya say Phillip?