CLEVELAND -- Ben Wallace was listed as doubtful before Game Three because of a viral infection of the inner ear and allergies but he started and played well. Wallace was not a factor in the two losses in Boston but finished with 9 points and 9 rebounds in 28 productive minutes in Game Three.

When the starting lineups were introduced amid pyrotechnics and shooting flames of fire, Wallace’s name was called but Anderson Varejao ran out to thunderous cheers. Yet when the game began, Wallace was indeed on the floor. It seems that the smoke from the over-the-top pyro show bothers Wallace’s condition, so he remained under the stands until it was concluded.

-KEVIN McNAMARA