Dreams of Celtics Domination Finally Realized

I’ve been tough on the Celtics all season, in part because this team didn’t turn out how I’d hoped. Whenever I say that, people line up to call me stupid; They dominated the East, kept egos under control (like that was ever a problem with these guys), and gotten something out of the young’uns. Oh, and KG had an MVP-caliber season. Good for you!↵
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↵But when this team formed, I had a dream, one that I didn’t really see realized until last night. Granted, the Pistons almost came back, which is a testament to their tooth-and-nail toughness. Third quarter, though, was exactly the bombastic, inspired kind of play I’d hoped Boston would give us all year. Forget all this discipline, and Mbututu, and making sure Big Baby gets in the game when he’s hot. Garnett and Allen looked like two All-Stars let loose in a peanut gallery. Rondo fed everyone and racked up assists. Perkins got amped and played like a legit brute big man. Pierce had something of a night off, but there’s no reason to worry about him. Ever.↵
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↵So I guess what I’m saying is this: That was Boston busting through the glass ceiling of the Eastern Conference. In the back of my head, I still see the Celtics or Pistons as a nuisance for the Lakers, whose basketball is just on a higher level right now. Granted, the East is intense, but it doesn’t always add up. Los Angeles has [Russian or German world for “total basketball” that might have something to do with fascist art].↵
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↵But if Boston brings it like that in a Lakers/Celtics finals, then, as it should be, that will be the must-watch series of these playoffs. As opposed to—despite the league’s best efforts—a downer once the West has run its course.↵