North Station Sports

It occurred to me last night, while watching the Lakers game, that Jack Nicholson arguing with Ron Artest while seated in the front row is almost as entertaining as the game itself. 

The Lakers sure are lucky to have the likes of Justin Timberlake, Adam Sandler, Jackie Moon… I mean Will Farrell, Paula Abdul and the only Lakers Legend never to be involved with a game, Jack Nicholson in attendance. 

The sea of movie and pop stars sure make the viewing more interesting during game breaks. The Lakers sure are lucky.

In Boston we have our share of stars that attend games as well, Bill Belichick is often in attendance. You can also find Donny Wahlberg and some other random (b-list) stars. It always seems, however, that the REAL CELTICS stars show up for the crucial games…

Last night’s second contest was a pivotal game that may have saved the Celtics post season. During the first quarter the jumbotron flashed to the Celtics legends in attendance while Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” rained down on the garden crowd. It was a flashback of last years playoff run when the legends were in attendance almost every home game. 

High Definition images of Jo Jo White, Tommy Heinsohn, Hondo, Cedric Maxwell, Bill Russell and a rare appearance by K.C. Jones shot out over the jumbotron as the crowd gave them their just due and sang along with Bruce. Maybe it occurred to the faithful that the legends are an amazing starting five (with Maxwell coming off the bench). Maybe they thought the current Cs could have used this line up in the first half of game one!

Truth be told, the legends of Celtics past are holding the torch to the Celtics next dynasty for the late Red Auerbach. Seeing K.C. and Russ and the others make us proud to be Celtics. It seems they always show up during crucial games just to remind the current players that they have the advantage solely because of the name on the front of their jersey. It’s something Red did for years and now his former students are carrying on that tradition.

While watching the Celtics devastate the Magic last night, my friend Tony texted me Rudy Tomjonovich’s now legendary sound bite “Never underestimate the heart of a champion”. After getting the chills from the text, I got to thinking, no one can ever say this current edition of Celtics Champions has no heart. This team has had adversity no Celtics team has faced defending their title since 1969 (In 69′, Bill Russell willed his team to victory (over the Lakers) for the final time before retirement).

In 2009,exactly 40 years later, we have a team without injured superstar Kevin Garnett. The bench is even lighter with the injury to Leon Powe. Most teams would’ve thrown in the towel, but not the Boston Celtics. Every playoff game has highlighted a new unlikely hero. Last night the House was burning! 

Eddie House lit up the garden for 31 points becoming the first Celtics bench player to score over 30 points since Kevin McHale did it in 1993. Most considered that to be McHale’s farewell game as he retired shortly after. House frustrated the Magic so much with his shooting that Rafer Alston took a slap at him and will likely be suspended for game 3.

Rajon Rondo posted his third triple double (15 points, 18 assists, 11 rebounds) of the post season tying Larry Legends record and coming one triple double short of tying the league’s record. 

Boston dished out 22 assists (Rondo had 18) on 25 baskets made in the first half. The Celtics shot 51% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc all while Paul Pierce sat on the bench next to (Coach) Kevin Garnett (nice suit) with foul trouble. Pierce only played 15 minutes (3 points).

Kendrick Perkins defense on Dwight Howard was remarkable. While playing Howard straight up most of the game, Perk held him to 12 points on 5 of 13 shooting while forcing 5 turnovers.

With the re-emergence of Eddie House in the game 7 of the epic first round series and the return of Brian Scalabrine, the Celtics suddenly seem to have some bench relief. Doc seems to have some renewed confidence in the “green team” and his rotations in game 2 were much more crisp.

Boston’s strategy seems to be in place for game three and four and we can likely come out of Orlando being tied (2-2) going into the pivotal game 5. 

We can all look forward to seeing our legendary forefathers in the audience for the ever crucial game five, Where they will be quiet, classy and barely noticed by all except the players on the floor. 

No bickering with the opposing team for these stars, only confidence and the look of basketball wisdom backed up by the presence of 17 Championship Banners hanging next to there retired numbers high above their humble heads. 

Enough said…