I am still basking in the afterglow of the knowledge that the Celtics are once again World Champions. It still doesn't seem real. I have been absolutely enjoying all the media coverage and videos available from the celebration. Here are some of my favorites for your enjoyment. I absolutely love this picture of Doc with the cigar in front of Red's picture. Red would have loved this season so much! I know he would be proud of Danny because he put this team together in an Auerbachian way. Red had given Paul Pierce a cigar shortly before he passed away and Paul smoked it in the locker room during the celebration to honor Red and all he did for this franchise. His hand was still on this championship. I just watched the commercial with all the fans sitting by the statue of Red and at the end the statue raises his arm with the cigar and I burst into tears. It is true. This one's for you, Red.
I just love this picture. It is one of my favorites. The long season. The long playoffs. This is what it all for.
This was a great move by Paul Pierce. I don't think I have ever seen an NBA coach drenched in Gatorade. But it was a fitting tribute to this team and this season. Nothing was ordinary.
Is there anything sweeter than seeing Lakers looking dejected and defeated?
The relationship between Kevin Garnett and Bill Russell is so neat. There is a real mutual respect there. I am sure that Bill is happy that he doesn't have to give up one of his rings. Seeing these two together gives me goosebumps.
This kind of says it all: KG kissing the parquet floor after winning the championship. Awesome image.
It was interesting that Scal got to go to the podium for a press conference but it was definitely worth it. Scal has a great sense of humor and even though he doesn't have the greatest basketball skills, but he is a good teammate.
This video is great. From KG sounding like he is about to implode to the hug with Bill Russell to KG kissing the floor. Just great stuff!!
Tom Thibodeau is as much responsible for this championship as anyone. He was all set to go to Washington and was even working players out there before backing out for some reason. Signing Thibodeau was the final piece to the championship puzzle. During the playoffs, his name was floated around in regard to several head coaching vacancies but most of them have been filled now. As much as I know he deserves to be a head coach, I really hope he sticks with the Celtics. Maybe they can entice him to stay with the promise of the head coaching spot when Doc retires. However they do it, they need to try to keep this guy.
Through all the doubts and all the questions about this team, they stuck together and just kept proving people wrong. The song We are the Champions keeps ringing in my head. This shirt is definitely a classic. Out of 11 Boston-LA Finals, the Celtics have now won 9 of them. But the sweetest of them all was this one. After 22 years of "Wait until next year," Next year is here. We beat LA!
Finally, this photo has so many stories in it. KG holding the championship trophy that he has played for his whole career so far. The intensity that this guy brings every night and the spirit he brought to the Celtics franchise so important to this championship.... Paul Pierce holding the MVP trophy. He has been through so much in his career in Boston. He has been such a warrior for the Celtics. Coming to camp 3 weeks after almost losing his life in the stabbing, playing after 7 hours in the dentist chair to replace his teeth knocked out the previous night, playing through pain in his elbow and having it drained after every game, coming back from the foot fracture last season to try to help his young teammates end the 18 game losing streak, and so much more... Ray Allen holding his son, Walker, who 24 hours before was in the hospital and Ray played game 5 with that on his mind....PJ Brown who was talked out of retirement to play a big part in the Finals when Perk went down... Rajon Rondo who was doubted from day 1 but who silenced all critics in game 6... Perk who was also doubted from day 1 and who played solid and steady throughout the playoffs. His absence in game 5 proved just how valuable he was to this team and he came back in pain to help seal the victory in game 6... Leon Powe who all season made the most of his minutes and never complained and who came up huge in the game 2 victory... Eddie House and James Posey who were such a big part of this team... And Doc, who over the last two seasons took a lot of criticism in stride and out coached Phil Jackson to silence all critics as he led the Celtics to their first championship in 22 years. So many stories. One conclusion. Celtics are the 2008 NBA Champions. UBUNTU!!
