My story as a Celtics fan

[cozmicf]

Hey guys,

Loving the series so far. Just wanted to share my story of being a fan of the greatest NBA franchise in the history of the NBA.

I live in Perth, Australia and became a loyal fan back in 2010 during the post season. I have never looked back since or ever thought of switching teams, which I think is something that makes us unique as Celtic fans. I've watched at least 80% of games live since then over the internet, even when I had to wake up at 2am in the morning.

I think these are things that make Celtics fans so great because I know all my friends that are also Celtics fans are also very dedicated. My friends that are fans of the Lakers, or Heat, are never as die hard or as loyal as my Celtics friends and are very player focused (eg, Kobe or Lebron) rather than team focused.

In December 2011 we went to the US for a holiday. We were on the west coast for 10 days, and then planned to go to New York for 10 days. However, given that we were in the US, and that this may be one of the last times we'll see the big 4, of course we had to swing by to Boston for a Celtics game at the garden. So on the last 3 days of our holiday we came down and the city was amazing.

I don't normally hear people talking about Boston like it's a flashy or jazzy city but I still loved it. I don't know whether it was because of my love for the Boston Celtics but I felt right at home in Boston. I wore my Ray Allen jersey, my brother wore his Paul Pierce jersey and we walked around the city. Walking around here in Australia with a Celtics jersey on is great, but walking around in Boston with it on is so much better (even got a few high fives from people walking around).

We took the trolley tour, and ice skated at the Frog Pond. It was great, and Boston felt like the American equivalent of my home city, Perth. I even turned 21 there, eating at PF Chang's for dinner(I think that's what it was called).

On January 11 we went down to TD Garden which was surreal after having watched so many games on TV there. It was the Celtics vs Dallas game and the atmosphere was electric. The tickets were quite expensive so we were up in the balcony but it was still awesome. I couldn't believe that I was watching Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo in person (all my Celtics friends are so jealous)!

Forever etched in my mind will be the three pointer that Paul Pierce made in the clutch moments of that game, as I celebrated with other fans at the stadium. It was an unforgettable experience, though I wish I could have taken my DSLR camera to get some better photos. You guys in Boston are so lucky to be able to experience Celtics games live all the time.

Anyway, that's my story, as I type this from my room that has a Paul Pierce jersey (bought in Boston), Ray Allen jersey, Rondo's hyperfuses, a big 4 poster, and a great souvenir from TD Garden: the Celtics foam finger

All-in-all, I would like to say that I love the Boston Celtics and the city of Boston, and know [even from 17,000km, not miles ] away that the Celtics have the best fans. It was really something special to watch the big 4 play at TD Garden, and I can't wait to return to Boston one day.


Go Celtics!


Btw, does anyone know any users on youtube that regularly post fan clips from inside the garden? I love watching the crowd reaction.

[Roy H.]

Nice post.  Thanks for sharing your story.

[AussieCeltic!]

G'day mate,

Great to hear from another celtics fan from the land down under! I'm from the other side of Australia (Ballarat, Victoria)and have been a huge (my wife and friends would probbably say obcessed!) fan of the boston celtics since the bad old days of the early-mid 90's.

Great to hear that you were able to go the Garden for a celtics game, that would have been the ultimate experience (definitely on the list of things I wish to do before I die!). We also went to Boston 10 years ago, just loved the city with its cobble stone streets and amazing history, bars, etc - certainly my favourite city in the US. Agree that there are elements of it that remind me a bit of Melbourne and Perth. Also went to the Garden (or Fleet centre as it was called back then), wanted to get into the stadium to see the championship banners, but unfortunately was closed for reno works at the time (big bummer!!).

The Game 5 win against Miami was just awesome, one the best Celtics wins I've seen (aside from game 6 of the 2008 finals of course!). If the bloody ref didn't swallow his whistle during OT of Game two this series would be over now.   

Just can't believe how well this team continue to play minus Bradley, Green, etc and with Ray Allen getting around the court on bung ankles. These boys just typify what celtic pride is all about, so proud of them. I'll be glued to the live feeds again from the web tomorrow morning at work hoping they can finish the Miami cheats! Its going to be a must win game, and I'll praying they can get the job done.

Go Celts, lets finish them off tomorrow, get a good rest and set our sights on banner 18!!   

cheers, Chris