Celtics crush

My interest in the 2012 NBA season essentially ended with the Boston Celtics’ Game 7 loss last night.

I’m not a huge NBA fan, but I’ve really enjoyed watching the Boston Celtics the last five years. In fact, I can’t say I’ve admired a pro basketball team as much as I do the Celtics since my days of following the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls.

What’s not to love about that team? Starting with Paul Pierce, whom I have fond memories of dating back to his Kansas days. Steady and calm Ray Allen. The big man with a big heart Kevin Garnett. Flashy and fierce Rajon Rondo. And they’re led by one of the best active coaches in the NBA in Doc Rivers. I would All five could be hall of famers some day.

I’ll take them over the Miami Heat’s “not one, not two, not three …” arrogant Big Three any day. Although, I’ll admit I did enjoy watching Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers as valuable role players for the Heat throughout the series; I have fond memories of each of their college ball days, too, and how can I not root for Mario after his 2008 miracle.

Talk of the team breaking up during the offseason breaks my heart. Of course, the eternal optimist in me thinks there’s no way the Celtics brass or any one of the players could ruin such a great thing by leaving. I want to see the Big Three retire as Celtics.

I watched almost the entire Celtics-Heat series, taking in many of the games on the comfort of my beloved couch with little Faye in my arms. I kept saying it was too bad she mostly slept through such a great series.

When the Celtics took a riveting Game 4, the conference finals officially became a series. And when they stole Game 5 in Miami, I thought the Celtics had the series for the taking. I particulularly enjoyed the over-the-top cheerleader kid heard across the nation as the Heat headed to the locker room that night.

Then Lebron showed up to play and was unstoppable in Game 6. Game 7 appeared relatively safe in the Celtics hands or most of the game and an eight-point lead in the third quarter.

Then Miami, well, turned up the Heat. Chris Bosh came out of nowhere to start popping three-pointers. And the Celtics seemed to have lost all fight they had left.

Dang. It was fun while it lasted.

I hope Oklahoma City wins the title.

(Updated: 6.11.2012) Good reads ...
a Pierce makes pitch for KG
a Father Time runs out on Celtics in Miami
a James able to deliver from start to finish
a Celtics’ Rondo remains defiant
a Big calls to make on Three
a Work over, but already looking ahead