Seems like the more of these I write, the simpler they get. It's the seventh and final game of the NBA Championship Series, we're playing in the Lakers' house, we've lost our starting center to injury, it's without a doubt the most hostile environment we've ever played in or ever
could play in ... we're coming off one of the worst games this team has ever played, and one of the worst games played by any team in a Finals series ... we're embarrassed, dejected, dispirited, depressed, forlorn, discouraged, and doubtful, so how could I or anyone
possibly be encouraged about our chances in tonight's game?!?
For exactly all the reasons I just listed. Adversity, again ... if this team knows one thing over it's long and storied history, it's just
that. And if there is
any team now and in the history of professional sports who knows how to overcome adversity, it's the Boston Celtics. This team has had it's back up against the wall many times over the last three years, and each time it has done what was needed to overcome whatever obstacle it was facing. There have been multiple times this year when all the odds were against them, and when almost everyone, Celtics fans
included, had counted them out, yet they came through just the same.
Almost
no one gave them any chance of making any deeper into the playoffs than the first or second round, yet they beat Miami, Cleveland
and Orlando, not by the narrowest of margins, but by convincingly kicking their butts. Yes, they have been about as inconsistent as a team can be, playing one of their best games one night, and horribly the next, but every single time this year, when the odds, the press, the fans, the fates, and almost everything
else was against them, they have rallied together around that elusive
phantom that only they have the power to conjure up ... the one called "Celtic Pride" that Red created long ago and made sure to leave behind, and they have fought with every ounce of energy inside them to do what was needed to get the job done ... and
now is no different.
This team, more than any other, possesses the rare qualities that set it apart from the rest and define what sacrifice, dedication to the ultimate goal, unselfishness, character, integrity, pride, tradition, team spirit, honor, love of the game, ferocity, overcoming adversity, beating the odds, a warrior's heart, and a never-say-die attitude, are all about. Whatever happens tonight, and whatever the outcome, I know without question that this team will once again prove to the world what it means to be a
Celtic, and there will be no doubt when that final buzzer sounds, which team is the most courageous, the most unselfish, the hardest fighting, and the most deserving.
Tonight, when that trophy is lifted high in the air over the heads of our beloved team, we'll all know once again just what it means to be part of this Green Nation, and why we keep believing through all the doubt and discouragement, and why we keep coming back when everyone says it's impossible. There has never been another team that has more clearly defined what never giving up is all about, and that's why I am, and why I will remain,
encouraged.
Go Celtics ... anything's possible!!! 
Topic: I'm Encouraged (V.7) (Read 2488 times)