Sox alter schedule with Celtics in Finals <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>BALTIMORE -- Recognizing that the Celtics are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987 and that Game 1 at TD Banknorth Garden conflicts with a Fenway Park contest against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox have bumped the start of Thursday night's game to 6:05 p.m. ET, an hour ahead of schedule. "We have decided to start our game on Thursday one hour earlier in order that fans may enjoy not only Red Sox baseball but also Game 1 of the NBA Finals," said Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino. "On behalf of everyone in our organization, I want to congratulate the Boston Celtics on their Eastern Conference championship, and we will be rooting for them in their quest to bring another world title to the fans of Boston and New England." The Celtics will be renewing their rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is at 9 p.m. ET., which could conceivably give some fans the chance to attend both games. In particular, manager Terry Francona was happy for Celtics coach Doc Rivers, as the two have formed a friendship and mutual admiration society over the last few years. "I texted him last night about 2 o'clock in the morning, got a message back," said Francona. "We're going through the grind of our season now. He's going through the special part. I'm happy for him, though. I like him a lot. How do you not root for him?" The Red Sox play a day game on June 8, when the Celtics and Lakers tip off at 9 p.m. ET. If the series stretches to Game 7, on June 19, it would coincide with an off-day for the Red Sox. The only other potential home game for the Celtics is Game 6, at which time the Red Sox will be in Philadelphia.</div>
