Bob Ryan: History On Our Side

by Jeff Clark on Apr 30, 2008 1:07 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Bob Ryan has a little research to make us feel better going into tonight:

1972 -- 56-26 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 36-46 Hawks.
1973 -- 68-14 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 46-36 Hawks.
1974 -- 56-26 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 42-40 (Buffalo) Braves
1976 -- 54-28 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 46-36 Braves
1976 -- 54-28 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 49-33 Cavs
1976 -- 54-28 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 42-40 Suns
1981 -- 62-20 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 40-42 Rockets
1984 -- 62-20 Celtics tied at 2-2 with the 47-35 Knicks

OK? It happens.
In all the above cases the Celtics won Game 5 at the Boston Garden and went on to win the series, and all but the 1984 Knicks series ended in 6.

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We haven’t won all our game fives at home (for instance, 1988 against Atlanta). Even then, though, we won the series.

by Roy_Hobbs on Apr 30, 2008 2:24 PM EDT reply actions

LOL, I love these types of stats when they favor us.

by davemonsterband on Apr 30, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

This roller coaster ride is not doing my bipolar problem any good. I may take a valium before this game because i don’t want to hurt the television. I just don’t know what to think. We have been lulled into expectations and assumptions that this would be easy. It isn’t. The 2002 Celtics went deep in the playoffs and were “playing over their heads”. The Celtics can only blame themselves for letting this team back into the series. Now there is a ton of tape giving all other teams a roadmap how to beat the Celtics.

I don’t understand why Tony Allen isn’t playing Joe Johnson. Shouldn’t the coach throw everybody at him?

by johnnymost on Apr 30, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

History mean didley. Ill feel good after we win 4 games agaisnt Hawks – not before. These four games have shown our structural weakness; thats all: we do poorly against very athletic teams; in the first 2 games, the Hawks were doing more or less what they are doing now; they we just missing easy shots; now they are not missing as many.
Also the Hawks have taken us out of our comfort zone; evey time we try to drive to the basket, someone is there to swat the ball away. They got Josh, Childress, Williams, Pachulia, Joe J and Hartford, ready to prevent the easy shots; that has changed our game. Their previous non-exixtent confidence has suddenly emerged; Ours has diminished casue physically they have the superior athletes (mind you, I didnt say the superior players)Whether we can overcome this “trench warfare” with our soldiers will determine who are the “last men standing” in this series.

by Reyquila on Apr 30, 2008 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

Reyquila!!!!! I am taping the game with you….I can’t watch.

Reverse jinx on the article

by Master Po on Apr 30, 2008 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

History isn’t gonna or lose this series for the Celtics. They have to go out and get it done.

by CelticsWhat35 on Apr 30, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

“That’s history pal!” – Dennis Eckersley

by Mon on Apr 30, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions

This is probably more relevant.

Recent NBA Champions that went â€œlonger than expectedâ€ in first round:

2006 Miami Heat over Chicago Bulls 4 to 2
2003 San Antonio Spurs over Phoenix Suns 4 to 2
2000 Los Angeles Lakers over Sacrament o Kings 3 to 2

by Mon on Apr 30, 2008 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

Most people feel that if we get to the finals and then lose, then that is lik kissing your sister. So…… If we get beat by the Hawks (8th Seed)in the first round I guess that would be like holding hands with your weird cousin over at the trailer park. :-*

by Master Po on Apr 30, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions