I'm sure that most of the following topics have been beaten to death, but this is the email that went out to everyone I know at 8:00am. The only way I could digest the series up to this point. Figured, it was appropriate to share:
I need to say a few things about this series….
After last year, our expectation as Celtics fans is to have every series begin and end in dramatic fashion. After game 7 of the C’s/Cavs last year, I felt like we had our own defining dramatic game to hang our hats on as young Celtics fans. That was our C’s/Suns “shot heard ‘round the world” game or our “It’s a steal by Bird…” game. Paul Pierce became our generation’s Larry Bird (for better or worse) dropping 41 on Lebron and making the big plays when it counted. Forget the ECF’s and Finals, that was our great game as C’s fans. Let’s face it, when Bird was redefining “clutch” we were all playing with GI Joe’s. Everything I know about his career is from highlight tapes and ESPN Classic. Pierce, Garnett, and Allen are the guys I can tell my kids I saw live. After last season, I truly thought anything I saw after would pale by comparison. Going into Game 7 tomorrow night, I realize….[dang] was I wrong.
This is unbelievable. More than once I’ve seen the words “Best Series Ever” written in ESPN articles and on blogs. I couldn’t put it any better myself. I’ve never experienced anything close to this as a basketball fan. Coming into this series I was excited to play Chicago, because I knew they were a fun, athletic, young, and energetic team. However, I had no idea what to expect from them. If we sweeped and won every game by 15, I wouldn’t have been surprised. If we lost the series in 5, this wouldn’t have shocked me. But, what this team has done over the last 6 games has mesmerized me! I want to run down the line of the key players on this roster and share my thoughts:
Ben Gordon: This is the one guy who hasn’t surprised me this series. This is who he is. A one man scoring machine. He could score 30 in a wheelchair. His testicular fortitude in big spots is remarkable. For all the BS posturing that Lebron, Pierce, and Kobe do when the game’s on the line (meaning: you can see them calculating their legacy before heaving up a game winner) Ben Gordon almost plays like his eyes are closed in big spots. It’s not about his legacy or the SportsCenter highlight for him…he has a one track mind and all he knows is put the ball in the hoop. It’s cut and dry with him and as many years as he’s taken off of my life, its fun to watch him go to work in the 4th quarter.
Derrick Rose: Everything advertised and more. He’s shot three 3 pointers all series and is averaging 20 plus. The kid knows his limitations. Watching him and Rondo play h-o-r-s-e for 50 plus minutes a game is historic. I enjoy having Derrick Rose in my life.
Joakim Noah: Wes Mantooth said it best, “ I hate you Ron Burgundy, but Edited. Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.nit I respect you.” I’ve said things about Noah that I’m sure I’ll pay for in the afterlife. I hate everything about this kid, his jerk face, his jerk game, his jerk French ancestry. But he does all the little things and more, just a hell of a competitor. With that being said…I’d give Perkins this week’s paycheck to punch that clown in the nose.
Kirk Hinrich: UNDERRATED. This guy is a championship caliber 6th man. He would start on 25 teams in the NBA. Phenomenal perimeter defender, never plays outside of his abilities, and approaches the game like a professional. I have no problem with him going at Rondo either. Completely justified.
Brad Miller: Terrible face, terrible facial hair, terrible tattoos….but the guy came up huge last night. He did something right because karma was on his side last night. It’s pretty cool to see a guy have a chance at Redemption one game after blowing it and he delivered.
John Salmons: He scares the hell out of me….Something tells me he just realized he can score on Pierce at will, I hope I’m wrong. He’s a snake in the grass…don’t sleep on this guy tomorrow night.
Tyrus Thomas: The basketball equivalent of Jacoby Ellsbury…his physical gifts can change the course of a game. If he puts it all together (perimeter shooting, ungurdable activity around the rim, the ability to block any shot within 3 miles of his hand. He’s a freak of nature.
As far as the C’s are concerned, Rondo is the best point guard this franchise has seen since Tiny Archibald. Cousy, Archibald, Rondo, Denis Johnson….that’s the Mount Rushmore of Celtics point guards. I never thought he’d be this good.
Ray Allen is Jack Bauer. A cold blooded assassin, who kills within no remorse and little emotion and you can ALWAYS rely on in him a life or death situation. If Aimee leaves me at the alter, I’m proposing to Ray….I hope it doesn’t come to that but in all honesty that’s my only backup plan.
Perk IS a beast. He is a true dirt dog. I’m a born again Perk fan. I feel like a proud Papa watching him play.
Pierce: It’s been a long 12 years with the Truth. As much as he brings to the table, he takes almost as much off of it. I hate his “Superman” complex. I hate that Doc has to appease him by running Isolation plays in big spots. I hate that his instinct is to force the issue, even if it means turning the ball over rather than find one of the top 5 clutch players in the league, Ray Allen, coming off of a double screen. I love you Paul, but you’ve put me through hell.
Big Baby: It's fun watching him become Big Man. Maturing before our eyes
Mikki Moore/Stephon Marbury: Go away, thanks for nothing. As far as I’m concerned these guys are freeloaders. They signed on to wave towels and wear NBA championship hats for a team they would never contribute to. We need both of you and you’re useless…please go away.
OK….
This is the only way I can digest this series before tomorrow. I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m excited for the game, but I’m afraid. My body can’t take this much anxiety. I keep trying to convince myself to just appreciate how special this series has been. I know I can’t do that without a win in Game 7. I don’t expect us to win the Title this season. This is our championship as far as I’m concerned. Fight off the Baby Bulls for one more game…I want another series to hang my hat on. I can’t wait for tomorrow, I just hope I can make it.
Topic: 8:00am Email (Read 1130 times)