NBA Playoffs: Celtics, Sixers Win; Nuggets Beat Lakers

There’s a GIF after the jump and McGee’s interview. But along with those two items comes a story. And it’s fantastic.

Now, you may wonder why McGee’s mom goes from smiling to death stare with the quickness:

There was also some funny business going on courtside. This game was indoors and at night, yet multiple fans were rocking sunglasses. Convinced it was either a subtle message about the Nuggets future (so bright!) or eye protection in case McGee got swatty (they were in the splash zone, along with the rest of the first deck).

You can’t tell from this photo, but there’s a whole bunch of odd things about the bro in the sunglasses.

The Lakers now lead the series 2-1, with the home team winning all of the series’ first three games.

For more on the Lakers, head over to Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, check out Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

Johnson reports that Noah left the Wells Fargo Center in Philly on crutches, wearing an air cast. The Bulls’ Game 4 against the Sixers is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Noah had a rare healthy season for Chicago, missing just two games. He missed a combined 54 games over the previous two seasons.

Bucher also reported that Harrington will likely need to wear a mask when he returns to action later in the series.

Harrington scored seven points before being knocked out of Game 3.

For more on the Lakers, head over to Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, check out Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

BONUS: Bad fans and one caught-on-camera moment.

Also, notice this picture. First, Kobe Bryant is shooting a free throw and his own fans are heckling him.* Second: CHECK THE WOMAN IN THE BLACK JERSEY GO GO GO:

Philadelphia now leads the series 2-1 and can take total control with another win in Game 4 on their home court.

For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, please visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.

Oh so that’s how NBA basketball is played!

After a sloppy and slow first half, the Boston Celtics asserted themselves out of the locker room, taking an 1- point lead into the fourth quarter in the final 24 minutes.

It’s not quite #BarFight, but Garnett’s “BEAAAAANTOWN!” scream was great. Remember, this was supposed to be an interview. The PA was tossing it to the court for a player-of-the-game presentation.

And let’s be honest, Garnett should always have a mic in his face after a game. He never fails to do something fun.

So this happened during overtime:

Anticipating contact? Probably. It never came and Rondo ended up looking pretty bad.

You have to be impressed with the resiliency of the Hawks. This is a game they have no business winning. And to come from behind to force overtime after being down double digits in the final quarter makes their effort even more laudable.

For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Hawks, check out Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

The Bulls did squash a one-point halftime deficit to take a 60-51 lead to close the third quarter, but the trepidation continues to build in the Windy City.

And just for good measure:

This is probably something you’re more likely to see in an All-Star game than a playoff matchup, but it worked!

This is the highlight of the night, friends. It’s all we got. Cherish it.

What’s nerve racking for Chicagoans is flat-out intriguing for the rest of the country.

Yes, tonight’s theme of the NBA Playoffs is ugly, low-scoring basketball.

This is basically what the quality of basketball is right now.

There’s probably a bowling alley or something open somewhere. We won’t blame you if you bail on the NBA games.

In 16 minutes, McGrady poured in 10 points on 5-9 shooting.

And then he rolled his ankle.

For the Hawks, McGrady looked like the T-Mac of old in the first half, with 10 points on 5-9 shooting. But with less than a minute remaining in the half, McGrady rolled his ankle and had to be taken to the locker room.

Coming into the game, nearly all pundits announced that the Celtics would not only run away with a victory tonight but likely sweep their three home games en route to a series win.

Also: Frightening!

See? Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The nightcap doesn’t promise to be an amazing game, but the Nuggets will need to show they’re able to get something done before the last few minutes against LA if they’re going to make the series competitive. The Nuggets have yet to lead the Lakers in the first two games -- making the 104-100 outcome on Tuesday a bit misleading -- but maybe that will change with Friday night’s game in Colorado (10 p.m. ET, ESPN).

For more on the NBA Playoffs, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation’s NBA page.

Here’s info on how to catch tonight’s Game 3:

Game Date/Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET

Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Ma.

Game Date/Time: Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pa.