Author Topic: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?  (Read 6729 times)

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Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« on: October 28, 2010, 04:40:13 AM »

Offline KungPoweChicken

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I figured I would bring this up with, perhaps, the only population who could understand. I am, as many here are, a Celtic fanatic and "NBA-junkie." I understand basketball well, follow the NBA for instant updates, and get affected when the Celtics win or lose.

My problem is I can't stand watching Celtic games with others, specifically my family, who are usually "around" and sort of "join me" when I'm watching. Don't get me wrong, most of my family members understand the game and know the NBA, but they still manage to irk me all the time.

Let me explain: There's one family member, Alvin, who watches 60+ Celtic games a year, claims he is a big fan, yet says nothing knowledgeable about the games while they're on (when he possesses the knowledge to do so). Instead, he does just the opposite. For example, if it's the first quarter and the C's fall down to the opponent early, he'll say, "The Celtics suck! Looks like they just want to go home tonight." Or if Paul Pierce misses a couple shots in a row, he'll say, "Pierce is terrible. Why can't we trade that bum!" If Rondo turns the ball over once, he'll say, "What's wrong with that guy?" Etc, etc, etc. These are not "once in a while" comments; but are, in fact, chronic sentiments of a so-called "fan." Needless to say, it's purposeful instigation and it's stupid.

Then, there's another family member. Let's call him Bax. I guess the only reason Bax watches is because I do. But Bax has seen many, many, many Celtic games in his day, despite there being legitimate concerns about his fan-hood. Anyway, whenever I'm watching, Bax seems to be there. It wouldn't be a problem, but Bax asks me way too many stupid questions about the C's and about the NBA in general that he should ALREADY KNOW. For example, "how many fouls before you foul out?" "Is there an offensive three seconds?" and "How many fouls before penalty?"

However, it doesn't end there. Perhaps worse is when Bax tries to sound knowledgeable about the game when he knows nothing. For example, during the most recent game, these were some sound bites: "Let Verajao get away with murder while Big Baby gets T'd up all the time!" Um, since when has Davis been known for technical fouls? "The refs are fixing this game. They want Cleveland to win this game!" Um, the refs called a lot of fouls, and the game lacked flow, and besides the shot clock play, it was pretty even. Besides, it's not even like the "fixed game" comment came at an opportune time. Bax says this stuff when the game is at its most uncontroversial point.

But it doesn't end there. Perhaps the worst is when Bax asks me completely irrelevant questions about the C's and the NBA when Celtic games are at their most tense moments. For example, against the Cavs, when the C's were down by only three points in the last minutes of the game, Bax will ask something completely irrelevant, like, "Were did Delonte West go to college?" Or, "does Tracy McGrady still play?" I don't care about that stuff when the C's are in a tight one, nor do I want to talk when Ray is trying to tie it up with a three. Just pipe down, watch and listen to the game!

I usually watch games with two characters: "The Instigator," Alvin, and "The Pretender," Bax. I can't stand it! When I watch games, I only like to talk during commercial breaks. If I talk during the game, I talk during an opportune time, like a televised timeout, free throws, jump ball, etc. Pretty much any time there is a small stoppage of play. I watch the game with people who talk right over the game sometimes, in the most inopportune times, too. I could care less about the announcers, but I like to hear the fans, and the game action (court mics are pretty good these days). If I decide to talk during the game, I make knowledgeable comments. And I don't just speak to speak during the games. If I have small talk to share, I share it during the commercials.


Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2010, 06:03:58 AM »

Offline CelticBalla32

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I really laughed hard at "Bax," haha. TP for that.

I also like to watch games alone, although I'm not in the same position as you. My family has learned, when I'm watching basketball, leave me alone, do not call me and expect to hear yelling, cheering, clapping and swearing throughout the entire course of the game.

There are times where I may be watching a game with friends, and that can be frustrating. Not necessarily because of their lack of knowledge or stupid questions, because the friends I watch games with follow the NBA as well and at least understand the basics of basketball, but it's the level of fanhood. I live basketball 24/7, and I'm a very passionate fan. When you're watching a game with 2-3+ people that aren't quite as into it as you, it can get very annoying.

There can be times where you are mad or upset and the others are just like "look at how mad he is." I'll laugh and I know how funny it is to be on the other side of something like that, but when I'm edgy in the waning moments of a tight game, don't do that. Wait til after the game to make fun of it.

There are other moments where they'll have too much conversation. Now, that's not a problem of theirs. "It's me, not you" fits here. When you're hanging out with friends watching a game, should it be an issue that everyone is talking and having a good time? Absolutely not. But every time I watch a game with someone, I feel like I miss SO much throughout the game. Not that my eyes don't get to witness what's going on, but I'll be juggling conversation and what's going on in the game, and it's distracting to the point where key anecdotes are a blur. I don't like that feeling. When I watch a game, I want to be able to tell you (or myself) why this and that's happening, break down the game and make sure I'm caught up on everything that's going on. I need to maintain focus when I'm watching a game.

When you're watching a game with people, the #1 thing that gets to me is the fact that nobody is in the same boat as you. Nobody cares about the game as much as you do, nobody feels your pain throughout the lows and the highs don't mean NEARLY as much to them (especially when talking about the Celtics).

The average person simply does NOT understand what it's like to be a die-hard fan of a sport and/or a team, and they never will unless they are put in that position.
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Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2010, 06:57:28 AM »

Kiorrik

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Wow, I would love to watch a game with you guys.

TP for this topic. Brilliant.

My girlfriend just got into the game, and she lets me talk to her during games. I tell her all I know about the game. I tell her what to watch for, we watch replays on ILP together to show her about it, and she loves it. She loves hearing about it, and today during dinner (before watching the game) I did some pop quiz stuff.

For someone who just started, it's pretty impressive that she could name 3 Miami Heat guys Wade, LBJ and... House! I seriously laughed so hard at that :D ahahaaha

When I mentioned Bosh, she went "oh, yeah..." and went silent... then noted how she liked House because he hugged everyone after the game. (she knows he's an ex-Celtic, I told her ;D it's brilliant! I love her!)

She understands a lot, and her opinion of the game vs Cleveland was that the refs had a big part in it. I'm cool with that. I don't have to agree (slightly do) but it's cool, because it's an opinion that's actually based on something.

During the game, I talk a lot. Even when it's with friends, but it's mostly stuff like "YEAH!" and then I drop the F bomb on LBJ, or curse at some other obviously evil entity on the opposing squad. I also tend to go "wow" a lot (that's what you get for cheering for a team with Rondo in it) and well, that's about it. I'll throw in some trivia, ask some questions if people know certain things, but yeh, not much that would annoy anyone I guess :)

Other than the above, I'm like you guys. When I'm totally into the game, I'm happy I don't live with my parents anymore. If my mom would ask me to clean my room at that moment, I'd beat her with a stick. (seriously. I would.)

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2010, 07:34:04 AM »

Offline Thruthelookingglass

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This is why game thread is so awesome. It's a bit like hanging out with knowledgeable fellow fans, but without the effort.  And though I'm not a casual fan, I still learn more about the game.

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2010, 08:15:50 AM »

Offline thirstyboots18

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First let me say that I love people.  I really, really do.  I am never happier than when I am part of a crowd doing something together.  That said...when the Celtics are on my family doesn't bother me; my friends stay away from me;  my husband intercept all calls while watching tv in a different room.  Even my daughter knows, if you want to talk to me during a game you have to be in the chat room...whoever died will still be dead tomorrow.  (Well, maybe it is not that bad, like I said, my husband filters the calls...)  Now, if I could just convince the dog to time his nature call better...

I used to fight with some of the negative people in the chat room...not because they were always wrong, but because I couldn't stand anyone saying anything negative about MY Celts.  (They are like my kids, after all!)  I have finally learned to "skim" faster, "type" shorter, and "forget" quicker (actually, "forgetting" was never my problem   ;D ).
« Last Edit: October 28, 2010, 08:23:29 AM by thirstyboots18 »
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Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2010, 08:33:18 AM »

Offline kw10

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TP for u OP, I totally have the same feelings as you. I just want to be alone and concentrate on the game, almost channeling my inner energy to urge the Celtics on. lol
Anything is possible!!!

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2010, 08:50:20 AM »

Offline KGs Knee

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Depends on the people I'm with, and to an extent the level of opponent/magnitude of the game.

I definetly get irratated watching a game with people who are only interested in watching the game as a reason to gather/ socialize.  Mainly this comes from the fact they generally end up talking over the game and diverting my attention.

There are a few people that I actually enjoy watching games with though.  A couple of my buddies I watch games with are probably almost as die-hard as I am , so it's cool with them.  The other person would be my father.  Unfortunately I don't really get to see to many games with him any more, parents decided to finally move to warmer climates a few years back.  I guess you could say I'm a "chip off the ol' block".  I grew up watching games with my father, and for the most part, we usually see things the same when it comes to the C's.  Heck, when we talk on the phone, the C's are almost always one of the things we discuss!
« Last Edit: October 28, 2010, 08:59:55 AM by KGs Knee »

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2010, 08:59:49 AM »

Offline Cman

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TP, I know exactly what you are talking about, and I'm with you.  I basically just watch Celtics games alone, or sometimes with my wife.  I'm the same way about the Patriots.
Celtics fan for life.

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2010, 09:22:11 AM »

Offline wiley

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Definitely. 

I hate people passing through making token comments without devoting any actual attention to the game....even worse than comments are questions...

I need to focus.  Sometimes I get freaked out at Red Sox games too if no one around me is actually focusing on the game....

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2010, 09:25:14 AM »

Offline fairweatherfan

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My fiancee is a big basketball and Celtics fan, but still tends to fall into that stereotypical female habit of saying completely unrelated things at crucial moments.  Say the Celtics are up 2 late and Pierce has to hit 2 free throws to ice the game - just as he's getting ready to shoot I'll hear "Hey, have you booked the hotel room for that vacation we're taking in July?"  Or something the announcer says will remind her of some meaningless conversation she had with a friend two weeks ago, and she'll spend the next 5 minutes describing it while I try to pretend I'm paying any attention to what she's saying.  At least she knows to go into another room to answer the phone now. 

My dad is worse though - for whatever reason, he's obsessed with describing the scoring margin.  I think maybe it goes back to when they didn't update the score on the screen much and he had to keep track in his head.  But if Boston or whoever is down 5, and they make a shot, he'll immediately say "Down 3 now".  He does this after nearly every basket.  Or if the Celtics have an 12 pt lead, he'll say "It'd be better if it was a 15 point lead."  Thanks for the analysis, Jack Ramsay. 

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2010, 09:45:08 AM »

Offline Evantime34

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I figured I would bring this up with, perhaps, the only population who could understand. I am, as many here are, a Celtic fanatic and "NBA-junkie." I understand basketball well, follow the NBA for instant updates, and get affected when the Celtics win or lose.

My problem is I can't stand watching Celtic games with others, specifically my family, who are usually "around" and sort of "join me" when I'm watching. Don't get me wrong, most of my family members understand the game and know the NBA, but they still manage to irk me all the time.

Let me explain: There's one family member, Alvin, who watches 60+ Celtic games a year, claims he is a big fan, yet says nothing knowledgeable about the games while they're on (when he possesses the knowledge to do so). Instead, he does just the opposite. For example, if it's the first quarter and the C's fall down to the opponent early, he'll say, "The Celtics suck! Looks like they just want to go home tonight." Or if Paul Pierce misses a couple shots in a row, he'll say, "Pierce is terrible. Why can't we trade that bum!" If Rondo turns the ball over once, he'll say, "What's wrong with that guy?" Etc, etc, etc. These are not "once in a while" comments; but are, in fact, chronic sentiments of a so-called "fan." Needless to say, it's purposeful instigation and it's stupid.

Then, there's another family member. Let's call him Bax. I guess the only reason Bax watches is because I do. But Bax has seen many, many, many Celtic games in his day, despite there being legitimate concerns about his fan-hood. Anyway, whenever I'm watching, Bax seems to be there. It wouldn't be a problem, but Bax asks me way too many stupid questions about the C's and about the NBA in general that he should ALREADY KNOW. For example, "how many fouls before you foul out?" "Is there an offensive three seconds?" and "How many fouls before penalty?"

However, it doesn't end there. Perhaps worse is when Bax tries to sound knowledgeable about the game when he knows nothing. For example, during the most recent game, these were some sound bites: "Let Verajao get away with murder while Big Baby gets T'd up all the time!" Um, since when has Davis been known for technical fouls? "The refs are fixing this game. They want Cleveland to win this game!" Um, the refs called a lot of fouls, and the game lacked flow, and besides the shot clock play, it was pretty even. Besides, it's not even like the "fixed game" comment came at an opportune time. Bax says this stuff when the game is at its most uncontroversial point.

But it doesn't end there. Perhaps the worst is when Bax asks me completely irrelevant questions about the C's and the NBA when Celtic games are at their most tense moments. For example, against the Cavs, when the C's were down by only three points in the last minutes of the game, Bax will ask something completely irrelevant, like, "Were did Delonte West go to college?" Or, "does Tracy McGrady still play?" I don't care about that stuff when the C's are in a tight one, nor do I want to talk when Ray is trying to tie it up with a three. Just pipe down, watch and listen to the game!

I usually watch games with two characters: "The Instigator," Alvin, and "The Pretender," Bax. I can't stand it! When I watch games, I only like to talk during commercial breaks. If I talk during the game, I talk during an opportune time, like a televised timeout, free throws, jump ball, etc. Pretty much any time there is a small stoppage of play. I watch the game with people who talk right over the game sometimes, in the most inopportune times, too. I could care less about the announcers, but I like to hear the fans, and the game action (court mics are pretty good these days). If I decide to talk during the game, I make knowledgeable comments. And I don't just speak to speak during the games. If I have small talk to share, I share it during the commercials.


Sounds like Alvin listens to sports radio and loves Sports tonight on CSNE with Felger and Tanguay.

I watched the Miami game with a bunch of friends. Most of which know what is going on, but one in particular has high basketball knowledge. I try to direct my comments about the game at him, our conversation usually deters those who would make useless comments about the game.

After the game was over I looked at the stats to check out the actual numbers because I sometimes lose track of them watching in a group. My solution was to rewatch the game on dvr after my friends left. It is certainly easier to dissect a game watching it alone, but I feel there is something to be said for the atmosphere of watching a game with a group of friends.
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Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2010, 11:13:20 AM »

Offline Jon Niednagel

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I love my wife. She knows when I'm too into the game to respond to questions, and doesn't get mad about it. She always gives loud cheers when the Celtics do something great and says something mean about the opponent or refs just when I'm feeling horrified. She is not a big fan of the Cs, and even refers to them as my mistress at times; however, she will attend games with me in Celtics garb and be one of the loudest to cheer them on. I know she is having fun, but at the same time I know she is participating in the fandom just for me. She can name every player on the team, knows the history of the franchise, and even the major storylines in the NBA because she actually listens to, and encodes, my nonsense. Plus, she is so tuned in on how to handle my neuroticism about the team (such as giving me space after a loss). I'm a very lucky man. Now that I've written that, I'm suddenly feeling the urge to go buy her some flowers or a spa visit. Go Cs!
« Last Edit: October 28, 2010, 11:22:54 AM by Jon Niednagel »
“Being a Celtic is, every decision you make is about the team. Every cut you make is about the team. Every pass you make is about the team. You take yourself out of it. It’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to win, don’t want to play team basketball, and it’s more about you then you’re probably not a Celtic." Doc 2010

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2010, 11:20:17 AM »

Offline thirstyboots18

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I love my wife. She knows when I'm too into the game to respond to questions, and doesn't get mad about it. She always gives loud cheers when the Celtics do something great and says something mean about the opponent or refs just when I'm feeling horrified. She is not a big fan of the Cs, and even refers to them as my mistress at times; however, she will attend games with me in Celtics garb and be one of the loudest to cheer them on. I know she is having fun, but at the same time I know she is participating in the fandom just for me. Plus, she is so tuned in on how to handle my neuroticism about the team (such as giving me space after a loss). I'm a very lucky man.
TP, John, for recognizing how lucky you are. TP to your wife, too!   :)
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Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #13 on: October 28, 2010, 11:24:51 AM »

Offline Jon Niednagel

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I love my wife. She knows when I'm too into the game to respond to questions, and doesn't get mad about it. She always gives loud cheers when the Celtics do something great and says something mean about the opponent or refs just when I'm feeling horrified. She is not a big fan of the Cs, and even refers to them as my mistress at times; however, she will attend games with me in Celtics garb and be one of the loudest to cheer them on. I know she is having fun, but at the same time I know she is participating in the fandom just for me. Plus, she is so tuned in on how to handle my neuroticism about the team (such as giving me space after a loss). I'm a very lucky man.
TP, John, for recognizing how lucky you are. TP to your wife, too!   :)

Thanks. TP back at you.
« Last Edit: October 28, 2010, 10:09:54 PM by Jon Niednagel »
“Being a Celtic is, every decision you make is about the team. Every cut you make is about the team. Every pass you make is about the team. You take yourself out of it. It’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to win, don’t want to play team basketball, and it’s more about you then you’re probably not a Celtic." Doc 2010

Re: Anyone else find it hard to enjoy Celtic games with others?
« Reply #14 on: October 28, 2010, 11:36:22 AM »

Offline ACF

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I don't have anyone to watch the games with, so I don't have those problems. A couple of times, when I've watched with friends (who don't really know basketball too well) I found it to be quite irritating, as they were not 100 % into the game (like I am), so maybe I shouldn't feel too bad about watching games on my own  ;)

Love the game threads, though.