I never like writing these, but for some reason, it helps me with closure. So, in typical Big Guy fashion, here is the 2009-2010 Celtics Obituary.
LOS ANGELES, CA (June 18, 2010) -- At the Staples Center last evening, in front of celebrities and a zillion screaming Lakers fans, the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics passed away. Authorities say the team died of natural causes, but an investigation into the teams demise is leaning towards the lack of key rebounds, free-throws, lay-ups and some sketchy officiating.
The team, comprised of an all-star, veteran team, played like a B-Team all season, but turned up the heat at the right time -- steaming towards an improbable playoff run that ended in dramatic game seven.
The final game was a physical, hard-fought game where the refs put the whistle away for nearly four quarters. However, the zebra crew finally found this little noise makers and decided to try them out conveniently as Laker forward Kobe Bryant had the ball. The term is called ticky tac foul I believe.
Regardless of some questionable calls, the Celtics had this game in hand. They had a 10 point lead that they sustained until momentum swung in the late third and early fourth.
When the team needed to hit shots, they didn't. They missed a handful of lay-ups and Ray Allen, who might have played his last game as a Celtic, couldn't hit the side of a barn with a canon.
The fact of the matter is, the Celtics should have won this series at home. They had game three in hand and let it slip away. That, I believe was a turning point. Once it went back to LA, I liked our chances of survival, yet knew deep down that it was going to be a big challenge. Then, the knee injury of Perkins was as big of a blow that the team could handle at a moment that was unbelievably, not cool. Perkins big boy could have kept the Laker bigs off the boards in most cases and honestly, would have prevented those third, fourth and fifth chance opportunities the Lakers seemed to be getting.
So, here lies the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics. They had a good run, yet left life too early. This team won't be the same again. If they are resurrected next year, it'll probably be without Ray Allen and/or Nate Robinson (among potential others).
Regardless of the outcome, thank you for the high blood pressure moments, excitement, great plays, energy and overall, entertainment.
People may think that I'm nuts for being so passionate about sports, but living in New England, it's in our blood. We grow up following these teams and watch them constantly. They are part of our lives whether they are playing well or sucking. We know that these championship opportunities only come every once and a blue moon. Have we been spoiled in the past 10 years with the various championships we've won (Pats, Sox and Celtics)? Yes. But that's fine with us and that's what fuels our hunger for more. You can't fault us for that.
RIP C's. See you next year, for better or worse.