First Down

SUNDAY'S BEST BET ON TELEVISION - The Celtics try to win another championship for New England tonight in Game 5 against the Lakers. 9 p.m., chs. 7, 2

THE NBA FINALS AND KOBE BRYANT

Midway through this year's playoffs, NBA experts praised Kobe Bryant because he was going to prove the winner of the great feud with Shaquille O'Neal. Many likened him (foolishly, perhaps) to Michael Jordan, adding Kobe would show he could win by being Batman and not just Robin.

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast, my friend.

Sure, Kobe is the best player in the game, but after Thursday night's implosion (6-for-19 shooting, the Lakers blowing a 24-point lead), those comparisons to Jordan must be re-evaluated if not put off until further notice. When his team needed a win to stave off the Celtics, Bryant was an above average player. In other words, he had a bad night.

Bad nights happen to great athletes, but they need to recognize the consequences when those face plants occur on the biggest stages. Kobe gets another chance to show his playoff prowess tonight as the Lakers try to stave off elimination in Game 5.

TWT FIVE - CHOKE JOBS INVOLVING BOSTON TEAMS

1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, SUPER BOWL XLII - Going for a 19-0 season, Tom Brady looked hurt, the defense looked old and the Giants became the champs.

2. New York Yankees, 2004 ALCS- Up 3-0, the series was over. But then it wasn't, as evidenced by Curt Schilling's bloody sock.

3. Boston Red Sox, 1978 - Leading the American League East by 14 1/2 games in July, the Red Sox finished second in the division after losing a one-game playoff to the New York Yankees.

4. Boston Bruins, 1930 Stanley Cup Finals- The dominant team during the regular season, the Bruins couldn't kick-start a dynasty and instead got swept by the Canadiens.

5. Los Angeles Lakers, 2008 NBA Finals, Game 4- Twenty-four point lead, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson. Should've been a win, and now the Lakers are psychologically spent.