It All Starts Now

Posted by Mike Giardi October 28, 2008 at 7:16 pm

Tonight promises to be a special one here at the Garden. The Celtics will get their rings and raise banner number 17. I just saw Paul Pierce come off the floor with a smile that rivaled what came across his face when he held the Larry O’Brien Trophy on this same floor only 4 months ago. I was genuinely happy for him then, and will be again this evening.

Okay, now I have a confession: I’m not a big fan of these celebrations. In my experience, they’re usually too drawn out and too coreographed. I much prefer the moments right after the clincher is over. That unabashed joy is one of the big reasons I love sports. Nothing like completing the journey in style.

Anyway, once this game is over and the questions are asked, its time to put 2007-08 in the rearview. Despite many of the same faces, this “team” is different, the pressure is different and the psychology of defending is far more challenging. Is this team good enough to handle it? To succeed? We’re about to find out.