Photo courtesy of Laker Nation Today has been declared Purple and Green Sunday by NBA TV and they will be running shows and games from the classic Celtics-Lakers rivalry of the 80's all day. I remember all of those great matchups of the 80's. It was always something special when the Celtics played the Lakers. Both teams always raised their level of play a notch when facing each other.
Today's game is special not only because the rivalry is back again after 20 years, but because Red's record is on the line. Phil Jackson tied Red's regular season total for wins in their last game and one more win will put him ahead of Red on the list. Red never had much use for Phil Jackson. It may be because Phil was the one closest to his records or maybe he just didn't like the guy. Here is a quote from Red about Phil.
"Phil obviously is a good coach, you don't win that many games without being a good coach. One thing, though. He's been very fortunate. He picks his spots. That's all I can say. Larry Brown doesn't pick his spots. He's a great coach," Auerbach said.
Now, Phil Jackson has a chance to overtake Red on the all time wins list with a win over Red's beloved Celtics. If the Celtics needed more motivation to win a game, I don't know what it would be. This is a must win game. Not because of the record, not because of standings, not because it is the hated Lakers, but because it is one for Red. Yes, Jackson will probably win the next game, but at least it won't be the Celtics letting him do it.
On Purple and Green Sunday, here is a reminder of one of the better moments in their rivalry.
This also reminds me of the mugging KG got at the hands of the Kings. Hopefully today's game will be a nice clean one with no injuries or intent to injure and the Celtics will uphold Red's honor for one more game as they beat the hated Lakers. My two favorite teams have always been the Celtics and whoever is playing the Lakers. Today, they are one and the same. Go Celtics!!!
