These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
By Kevin Henkin
Well, I guess it takes a completely lackluster first half effort, a late blown lay up by Tony Allen, off games by Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and an inexplicable game clock snafu on a road game against a tough opponent for the Celtics to have to suffer the indignity of their first loss. In my experience, at challenging, soul-searching times like this, it’s best to remember what’s good, to express what we’ve come to appreciate during this nine game start that has exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic of fans. As medicine for the sting of a frustrating loss, I offer you this list of items worthy of such appreciation. When it comes to the 2007-08 Celtics so far, these are just a few of my favorite things…
James Posey – After the game on Friday night in which Posey provided a clinic on what it means to be an enormously effective role player/glue guy, Pat Riley was uncharacteristically effusive with praise for his former player, calling him a “big shot, big game, big time player.” Mea culpa time: I didn’t fully appreciate exactly how good this guy was when they signed him. If Danny Ainge wins Executive of the Year, this signing should be the deciding factor in the vote.
Bob Cousy in the Booth – Historically, Bob Cousy has been a human litmus test for Celtics Nation. His gloomy mood these past several seasons have served as a mirrored reflection of our own collective fatigue from watching too many lousy teams for too long. Now Bob Cousy is happy again, for good reason, and so are we. The fact that he refers to Mike Gorman as “Michael” during their broadcasts together is just the icing on the cake.
The New Red Auerbach Signature – I took a swipe at the Celtics last year for their lack of a lasting dedication to Red (the Auerbach shadow profile was confirmed as intended for last season only) so it’s only fair to heap on the praise for memorializing their patriarch via his signatures near center court written in permanent ink..
The Surreal Garden Atmosphere – Down the stretch of the game against the Heat last Friday, the fans hung on every play, remained standing throughout and erupted with such a force of elation upon witnessing Paul Pierce’s winning drive to the basket that you couldn’t help but legitimately compare the atmosphere to that of a playoff game. It was that good. One has to wonder if the fans can sustain this level of energy over the course of a long season but for now, the Garden has truly gotten its groove back.
The New Veteran Mental Toughness – Speaking of that Miami game, did you ever worry down the stretch that this team was going to bow under the pressure of a close game, or get out-savied by a more seasoned veteran opposing team? Me neither. It’s a nice feeling, isn’t it?
Kevin Garnett’s Attitude – He takes responsibility for losses. He holds sway over fellow superstars (Pierce credited his bizarre push-ups at the free throw line and subsequent domination in Indiana to Garnett’s encouragement to channel frustrations positively). And, he takes no mess, on the court or off. As an aside, did you catch his post-game interview in Indiana where an eager reporter began a series of redundant questions about the Big Three that have been asked ad nauseam since this past summer? Garnett interrupted, essentially asking if this was the first time the reporter had interviewed him since joining the Celtics. Once his point had been made, that such questions were fitting for pre-season fluff but that the focus should now be shifted to the games themselves, he patiently encouraged the reporter to continue. That moment, in my humble estimation, encapsulated the Garnett personality perfectly. Speaking of which…
The Pre-Game Powder Clap – How fun is this? Every game, just before tip-off, Garnett shakes a copious amount of powder into his hands and then claps them directly over the head of play-by-play man Mike Gorman (who has since wised up to the new routine and now covers his dapper attire with towels when Garnett approaches). Like Crash Davis once said, this game is supposed to be fun. Fun, god-dammit!
So as you wrestle for the last turkey leg this Thanksgiving, take a moment to include your own list of favorite things about the new-and-improved Celtics among your list of counted blessings.
