Incredible. Not sure how else to describe the final few minutes of last night’s 103-102 Celtics victory over the Hawks. Tons of drama, big shots (Paul Pierce, Marvin Williams). I counted eight lead changes, including the two within the final eight seconds.
Here’s my take.
Clearly a cliche, but this one did feel like a playoff game. ESPN’s Chris Sheridan says so.
The crowd got into it. Liked the Pierce “MVP” chants, although not terribly original.
Lawrence’s Steve Holman was in the house, calling the game for Atlanta’s fans. Great guy, very passionate. As someone pointed out to me, nearly jumped up to the banners when Williams drained that trey.
The Boston locker room seemed satisfied with the win, although you gotta give the Hawks all the credit in the world for this one. As colleague Lynn Worthy said as he was leaving the Garden press room, they didn’t have Josh Smith (ankle) and Zaza Pachulia (for most of this one with a shoulder problem). They could be even better when the teams meet again Dec. 17.
Perk is a Beast has some funny stuff via the Herald on Mike Bibby, who continues to mock Celtics fans. A note: When someone calls you a bandwagon jumper, don’t freak out. Please. It gives he or she more ammo.
Just relax, please. My wife’s from Cleveland, an Indians fan. My father in-law grew up in Philadelphia and sold Cokes at Franklin Field, where the Eagles used to play (and usually disappoint). My friend from Milwaukee — a Brewers season ticket holder — flew home from Washington, D.C., where he lives to witness his first home baseball playoff games. He was a freaking newborn the last time his team made the playoffs. And you know what, he’s not even complaining. He now owns a C.C. Sabathia jersey and isn’t even considering returning it if Hank Steinbrenner offers him a gazillion dollars.
Other people have stuff to complain about. We don’t. Except for that challenge by Bill Belichick against the Colts. Or the Matt Clement deal from four years ago. Or the way Roger Clemens was treated before he left in ’96. Or that fans wear pink hats. You get the point. Simmer down.
Celtics are practicing at noon, although Hub Hoops will be at Boston College working on a top secret project. You ever see Sneakers? Anyway, I’ll be checking in again soon.
