As we stand on the precipice of what could be the final game of the season I just wanted to take a minute to reflect both personally and for this community how special it has been.
I grew up a Celtics fan. I was lucky enough to see the end of the Havlicek era and go through my teens during the Bird era. I grew up during a period of virtually non-stop success for this franchise, that was a continuation of a dynasty I only knew about through stories and my "Havlicek Stole the Ball" record. Though I never saw him play, I knew Bob Cousy's retirement speech word for word.
Cowens, Jo Jo, Hondo, Larry, McHale, & the Chief carried on the legacy of this team to my generation. But then a funny thing happened - or not so funny thing I guess - bad things started happening to this blessed franchise. We've been stuck at 16 championships since 1986. Over 20 years without a banner raised.
The Old Garden went down, the new one went up. Lenny died. Reggie died. Johnny died. DJ died. RED died.
We lost lotteries. We lost and lost and lost.
We had glimpses of joy, but never the glory. Only nostalgia. The history of this team had become just that - HISTORY.
The stories of the 60's dynasty, had become stories of the great Larry Bird, but there was no greatness to carry on the tradition, so the stories of the heroes of yore became ancient tales to a new generation. Larry Legend was just a legend.
Which brings us back to tonight - on the eve of a chance to punctuate the final exclamation of the most improbable turnaround in the history of this sport.
It's truly an unbelievable ride this season has taken us on. We all know what it has meant to go through this season in our own way. For some the nostalgia. For some the competitiveness. For some the thrill of being there. For some seeing a team come together so quickly and completely. For some Beating L.A.. For some the Big 3. For some PP. You get the idea. There's a lot to love with these Celtics.
So, I just wanted to say that one more huge part of this ride for me has been becoming somewhat absorbed with CelticsBlog and sharing that absorption with so many others here who are going on the same ride with me.
It's been pretty intense! And, honestly, I need a break from these playoffs - the intensity (and late games) are killing me.
Man, I'd love it to end tomorrow!
GO CELTS! Bring it home.
