Biggest Loss for the Celtics?

[Scout200]

In your opinion, what's the biggest, most painful loss that the Celtics have endured?

-Scout

[Celtics/Run]

Magic jump hook.....

[slamtheking]

1a. Len Bias
1b Reggie Lewis

Bias represents the hopes and dreams the original big 3 era would continue (as well as the Celtic dynasty in general).  Lewis represents the loss of the next great young player that the fanbase had grown to love and support through his character, personality and actions.

[Assassin70]

Magic jump hook.....

That is one of those replays where you see it over and over and over and over and over again.

I always wished the next time I saw it...he would miss. probably like the Clev fans feel about that Jordan shot over Ehlo.

[SquishPCfriar]

Tom Thibodeau

[Neurotic Guy]

In terms of a team loss, I can't think of any loss more devastating than 2010 Finals, Game 7. 

Losing in 1987 to the Lakers was tough -- but (to me) less at the time than when viewed historically.  We didn't know at that moment that we wouldn't win again for more than 20 years and that Bird would be forever behind Magic in championships as a result of that loss.   

Game 7 this past June was just plain agonizing.  The loss of Perk in Game 6 isn't an excuse --it's part of the game -- but, despite that injury, we came so close. Adding insult to injury, the Lakers creep within 1 championship of the all-time lead.  Worst loss ever as far as I am concerned. 

[Roy H.]

1a. Len Bias
1b Reggie Lewis

Yeah, those losses went far beyond a loss in a championship game.  Bias, especially, would have almost guaranteed us additional titles, I think.  That was the ultimate stomach punch moment in franchise history.

[GreenFaith1819]

For me, it was losing to Detroit in 88. We had just lost Bias, and with the Big Three's health in decline, you could just feel that things were not going to be the same from there on out.

There was just a sense that this was going to be a slow decline for us, and it was.

[GreenFaith1819]

In the end, though - this is reminding me to not take this team for granted. We still have a window of opportunity, and I'm enjoying the ride.

[Mike-Dub]

1a. Len Bias
1b Reggie Lewis

Yeah, those losses went far beyond a loss in a championship game.  Bias, especially, would have almost guaranteed us additional titles, I think.  That was the ultimate stomach punch moment in franchise history.

And it went far beyond winning additional titles, as you know Roy.  Losing human beings no matter their role on the team and how productive they would have been are bigger losses than anything.

[gar]

1a. Len Bias
1b Reggie Lewis

Yeah, those losses went far beyond a loss in a championship game.  Bias, especially, would have almost guaranteed us additional titles, I think.  That was the ultimate stomach punch moment in franchise history.

I have to admit that although I followed the Bird years I was not a die hard fan and so the Len Bias ordeal did not have nearly the impact of loosing Reggie who we knew and loved for his smile and his up beat attitude during those tough post Bird years. When we lost Reggie we really hit bottom. "Ultimate gut punch" just about sums it up.

[Silas]

1a. Len Bias
1b Reggie Lewis

Yeah, those losses went far beyond a loss in a championship game.  Bias, especially, would have almost guaranteed us additional titles, I think.  That was the ultimate stomach punch moment in franchise history.

Agree totally....Bias and Lewis were gut punches that still hurt today. With one or both playing, the Cs would definitely have raised one or more titles to the rafters.

[Bahku]

Len Bias, Reggie Lewis, Red Aurbach, Dennis Johnson ... Len was the biggest shocker, but I can't quantify one death over another.

[moiso]

Len Bias, Reggie Lewis, Red Aurbach, Dennis Johnson ... Len was the biggest shocker, but I can't quantify one death over another.

I'd rank them from youngest to oldest.  Bias would have made the biggest impact basketball wise.  It's sad that Red didn't stick around to see the title, but I have a hard time really calling him a loss since he lived a complete life.

[cdif911]

I know it's unlikely, but Bias never did play an NBA game, what if it turned out he was overhyped?  Or he tears an ACL and goes Larry Johnson on us....it's possible, we'll obviously never know