I have always been a very big fan of Boston sports teams, and the success our teams have attained has brought me a lot of happiness. However, I am no “fair weather” fan, and I will stick with my teams through the good, the bad, and even the ugly. With the Boston Celtics, a team that plays an 82 game season, this can be a grind. The Celtics are rebuilding after trading or losing every player on the 2008 championship team. Today, things are looking up after a 25 win season just two years ago, and they are projected to win up to 50 games. They have a lot of young talent, and one of the best and youngest coaches in the game. However, the NBA is a star’s league, and that is something the celtics do not have. Because of this, every single one of the 82 games will be close and interesting to watch. This makes it very entertaining, but also very stressful for the fans who care enough watch. I am emotionally invested in this team, and, when the game comes down to the last second every night, it is tough.
Just last night (Wednesday), the Celtics came up short by only one basket. All game long, they were down but remained within striking distance. By the start of the last quarter of play, the Celtics trailed by only one point, and they even took a lead here and there. Much like any other game, the last two minutes (a tie game at this point) were particularly stressful. The Pacers hit a three pointer and another two to go up by five with a minute left. Our bright young coach was able to draw up a play and Avery Bradley drained a three to make it a two point game with less than a minute. After a stop on D, and another AB bucket, it was a tie game with 30 seconds to go. The Pacers have the ball and go up two points off of a bogus foul call and, with 3 seconds remaining, the celtics have a chance. 3..2..(the shot is up)..1..(the shot hits front rim)..1...0. As you can imagine, those were a stressful three seconds and a disappointing ending for me. What is more stressful is that there are still 78 more games to go. Celtics fanhood is a grind, but I love it.
I share your unconditional support for sports team, however, my loyalty lies in Seattle, not Boston. Having lived in Seattle for over half of my life, the culture of Seattle athletics was ingrained in me. Every trip to the old Safeco Field, where the Mariners slowly fell out of relevancy, was a trip not to root for a pennant team, but a team that identified a city. Every trip to the old Key Arena, where the Supersonics boasted the original Splash Brothers of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, was not a trip waving towels and reveling in dominance, but bearing witness to a team that epitomized the culture of Seattle. The Seattle Seahawks are a team that I still avidly support, given their long journey from the days of Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander and the heart-breaking 10-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL following a 13-3 record and a dominant 34-14 win in the NFC title game. Being a fan does not entail celebrating success alone; fanhood implies an undying faith in a sports team. For me, the Seahawks embody the city that was my home for 11 years; Seattle is my hometown and I will have faith in the Seahawks whether they win or lose.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who really doesn't watch much basketball, it's interesting to me to hear about how the Celtics are doing. I think teams with no big stars are the best to watch, as they really have to work as a unit to succeed. I think having a young coaching staff is great for the Celtics going forward, and I'm sure they will be able to build for the future.
ReplyDeleteThe Celtics might not have one this time, but the season is still young. I have heard great things about Brad Stevens, and I hope that he will be able to bring Boston a strong season and post-season. With the new line-up, I don't expect us to do well this year. Hopefully they will improve as a team and become a strong presence in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who doesn't follow any sports, I have always been captivated by basketball. When I was younger, I would spent many of my nights in the driveway shooting hoops with my dad or my oldest brother and I would dedicate a large portion of my winters to playing basketball on a travel team. Although I haven't played in years, I still have a grasp of the mechanics of the game and end up watching the celtics play every once in a while.
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