Over in that other popular sport, the New England Patriots completed the greatest comeback in NFL history to beat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51. The Falcons were up 28-3 in the second half. The Patriots scored 31 unanswered. 31? Those numbers look familiar.
The Warriors really started a trend when they gave up a 3-1 lead to lose the NBA Finals
Good morning. We have that and more in Monday’s NBA newsletter.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
But seriously, every major team sport championship has been CRAZY since the Cavaliers came from down 3-1 to win the 2016 NBA Finals. You had the Chicago Cubs coming from down 3-1 to beat the Cleveland baseball team in the 2016 World Series, and now this. Thank you, Warriors, for starting this major collapse in a championship game trend. It’s made for some terrific sports.
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The Truth Can Never Die
Paul Pierce is on a very quiet farewell tour. Until Sunday, he hadn’t played since New Year’s Eve, and had only made a dozen appearances all season. But as the Clippers visited the Celtics Sunday for Pierce’s final game in Boston, where he debuted 18 years ago, he got a few minutes.
The ovation was electric. The send-off — as he came for the final possession with the game in hand and nailed a three — was perfect. The Truth probably won’t play a whole lot the final two and a half months of the season, but we know he’ll make the most of every moment.
Scores Galore ...
TOR 103, BKN 95
LAC 102, BOS 107
POR 99, OKC 105
... And Plenty More
Who needs high draft picks? The Mavericks look like they plucked up a star in Yogi Ferrell, who outplayed Damian Lillard while on a 10-day contract. (The Mavs are locking him up.)
The completely inconsistent Kings beat the Warriors in overtime on Saturday because DeMarcus Cousins is incredible. (That game ended with a blown Steph Curry lay-up, by the way. Just in case you were curious.)
Speaking of incredible performances: On Saturday, Hassan Whiteside put up 30 points and 20 rebounds ... in 27 minutes.
The definition of a superstar call: James Harden draws a foul by forcing Michael Carter-Williams to give him a piggyback ride.
Speaking of Houston: Yao Ming’s jersey retirement was very good, and Harden enjoys Yao a great deal.
The Anderson Varejao era has ended in Golden State. (The Warriors, who are brilliant, used the roster spot to pick up Briante Weber, the hottest name in the D-League. Unbelievable.)
Be excellent to each other.
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