I'm Encouraged (V.2)

[Bahku]

(I was going to resuscitate version one, but that was about the Cavs, and not for quite the same reasons).

I've read a lot of great posts today, most leaning in the negative direction, (for obvious reasons), and I agree with almost all of them. We've got a lot going against us right now:

The injuries to TA, Sheed and Rajon, the concussions to Big Baby and 'Quis, the technical foul problems with Perk, the switch of momentum and confidence to Orlando, the not-so-stellar home record we have this year, the highly questionable calls from the officials, and the prospect of a Game 7 in Orlando ... a mountain of adversity in front of us, and some tired legs to climb it with.

But despite the overwhelming turning-of-the-tide in favor of the Magic, I still feel positive. The reason I'm still encouraged about our chances, is because of all these problems being thrown at us, and all the odds stacked in favor of Orlando. Yes, almost everything is going against us right now, but that is when this team always plays it's best basketball, when it's being sold short or doubted.

This is a team that thrives on adversity and that loves a good fight, and the fact that we're seemingly swimmimg against the tide right now, (with the Magic getting all the breaks), is just the reason that we'll be playing at our best tonight. Adversity is what separates the men from the boys, and I'm confident that our proven response to that adversity, is what will ultimately clinch this series for us once-and-for-all.

When it comes right down to it, beating the odds is what defines "Celtic Pride" ... and "Celtic Pride" is what defines this team.

Go Celtics!

[Frezz]

I was just going to make this same thread almost. Bottom line is, we're up 3-2 with a chance to go to the freaking finals ON OUR HOME COURT. Six weeks ago if I had told you that, you have said "Oh hell yeah".

Sure, the Magic have the momentum right now, but what does that mean? Here's the deal, one small run in the first quarter tonight and all of that goes away. Suddenly they're back on their heels and doubting themselves all over again.

The crowd is going to be bonkers They will not allow the Celtics to come out flat. No way. And we're going to the finals on the back of Rondo and Ray. I mean it's given Ray is getting 25 tonight isn't it? And the crowd will absolutely energize Rondo to be pushing the pace all night long.

My thoughts are scattered, but all I can say is, I'm on board. Are you?

[colincb]

The crowd had better be bonkers. We'll have video on those who are not.

I would force the officials to make calls by taking the ball to the hoop.

[Spilling Green Dye]

I was just going to make this same thread almost. Bottom line is, we're up 3-2 with a chance to go to the freaking finals ON OUR HOME COURT. Six weeks ago if I had told you that, you have said "Oh hell yeah".

Sure, the Magic have the momentum right now, but what does that mean? Here's the deal, one small run in the first quarter tonight and all of that goes away. Suddenly they're back on their heels and doubting themselves all over again.

The crowd is going to be bonkers They will not allow the Celtics to come out flat. No way. And we're going to the finals on the back of Rondo and Ray. I mean it's given Ray is getting 25 tonight isn't it? And the crowd will absolutely energize Rondo to be pushing the pace all night long.

My thoughts are scattered, but all I can say is, I'm on board. Are you?

Yes, I am definitely on board.  I had been saying to my friend that I didn't like our chances in Game 5, but was quite confident about Game 6.  Well here we are.

The crowd had better be going crazy, and harrasing the mentally weak players when possible (Vince, etc).

[RockinRyA]

if im an orlando fan i would be extremely nervous about this game.

[vinnie]

The crowd can be the loudest in the history of the game, but if the C's do not have the required players, it might just not matter. I will be at the game, doing my best, but it is all in the hands of the doctors right now.

[GreenFaith1819]

Me too.

We've taken some lumps lately, but hey that's Celtics Basketball for you. We get everyone's best shots, and have throughout the years, because we are the Celtics.

The good thing is that we bounce back. If this game is reffed fairly, and we play Celtics Basketball, we win.

[Q_FBE]

If Bahku is encouraged, the Q is all in tonight.

[j804]

(I was going to resuscitate version one, but that was about the Cavs, and not for quite the same reasons).

I've read a lot of great posts today, most leaning in the negative direction, (for obvious reasons), and I agree with almost all of them. We've got a lot going against us right now:

The injuries to TA, Sheed and Rajon, the concussions to Big Baby and 'Quis, the technical foul problems with Perk, the switch of momentum and confidence to Orlando, the not-so-stellar home record we have this year, the highly questionable calls from the officials, and the prospect of a Game 7 in Orlando ... a mountain of adversity in front of us, and some tired legs to climb it with.

But despite the overwhelming turning-of-the-tide in favor of the Magic, I still feel positive. The reason I'm still encouraged about our chances, is because of all these problems being thrown at us, and all the odds stacked in favor of Orlando. Yes, almost everything is going against us right now, but that is when this team always plays it's best basketball, when it's being sold short or doubted.

This is a team that thrives on adversity and that loves a good fight, and the fact that we're seemingly swimmimg against the tide right now, (with the Magic getting all the breaks), is just the reason that we'll be playing at our best tonight. Adversity is what separates the men from the boys, and I'm confident that our proven response to that adversity, is what will ultimately clinch this series for us once-and-for-all.

When it comes right down to it, beating the odds is what defines "Celtic Pride" ... and "Celtic Pride" is what defines this team.

Go Celtics!

TP Bahku your posts are always encouraging! 

[celticinorlando]

time to finish this and makes this another 4-2 series win

[Yugocelt]

Mama said knock you out Orlando.

[ACF]

"It's not the name on the back of the jersey that matters, it's the name on the front." -Red

[Neurotic Guy]

So far, the only game lost in this series that should have been won was Game 4 and that one went to overtime.  Did people really think that Orlando would not have a great shooting game this series -- one in which they shoot over 50% from 3?

They did, and they did it at home -- and they won the game they should have won. 

No doubt the C's look worse in the last 2 games and the Magic look better -- but, this happens in the course of any series between 2 talented teams. 

I am reluctant to feel confident (ever), but the truth is, this is the type of game we have to win if we are going to compete for the title.  So -- let's just see if we can bring back the brilliance of Games 1, 2 and 3.  This team did not forget how to play since last Saturday. 

[Bahku]

"It's not the name on the back of the jersey that matters, it's the name on the front." -Red

Red always had a way of putting things in the right perspecive. (TP)

[Bahku]

I usually hate to say stuff like "I told you so", but in this case, it actually feels good. Tonight was what Celtic Pride is all about ... beating the odds, having everything against you and fighting through adversity. To those other "ultimate optimists" out there: Congrats to us for keeping the faith ... to the pessimists and doubters: Maybe we can get a few of you to defect, but it takes both the positive AND the negative to motivate a team at different times, so congrats to you, too, for doing what you do!

Now comes the final chapter, and the real test ... let's give our team the undying support they need to get number 18, and walk beside them into history!

Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!        Go Celtics!