Set Adrift On Memory Bliss

by Jeff Clark on Jun 1, 2008 11:59 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

Everyone over the age of 30 has their own memories of the rivalry.

Personally, I was in elementary school. I was first exposed to sports during a span of time when the Patriots were in the Super Bowl, the Bruins were in the Stanley Cup, and the Red Sox were in the World Series. But the Celtics were the team that didn’t just make it to the Finals, they won. I was hooked.

I can still remember the feel of our living room carpet on my elbows as I lay on my stomach and propped my head up far too close to the TV. If I got up too quickly I hit my head on my parent’s glass coffee table. I remember being really mad that the Houston Rockets beat the Lakers in ‘86 because I knew we would just steamroll them that year. I remember being a lot less confident the next year because of McHale's limp. I certainly remember the kick in the gut that was Magic’s baby-hook shot game winner. Most of all, I remember hating the Lakers with all my heart and loving the Celtics with all my soul.

I’m certainly not alone. Pierce and Garnett remember those days too.

"What pretty much got me started in basketball, growing up in Los Angeles, [was] watching the Lakers and the Celtics," Boston's Paul Pierce said. "And it's ironic, just being a Celtic, growing up, now you're playing against the Lakers in the Finals. As a kid, I hated the Celtics. I'm going back home to play against my team that I grew up watching. It's a dream come true, just thinking about it. I think that rivalry really revolutionized the game of basketball . . . and now I'm part of it."
Kevin Garnett was just as excited, though he grew up in South Carolina and spent his latter high school days in Chicago. Garnett flashed back to sitting at the kitchen table, "that big plate of food in front of me, watching the Lakers and Celtics play on Sunday, Hubie Brown and Dick Stockton doing the games. I remember that like it was yesterday. Fire going. Mom telling me, 'Don't get too close to the TV, it'll kill your eyes.' I'm looking forward to this."

What are your memories? Share them with us in the comments.

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Comments

I remember that before Magic’s hook shot, it should have been Celtics ball…not that I’m bitter or anything.

by Bent on Jun 1, 2008 12:14 PM EDT reply actions

I remember that ’87 series very well… Magic travelled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t wait to get to this version of this rivalry…

by LarryRules on Jun 1, 2008 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

Part of being a die-hard fan of any team is dealing with the highs and lows. Two of my lowest points as a Celtic fan came in Game 4 when Magic hit his famous hook shot. What made it even worse is that McHale and Chief both battled for the rebound on Magic’s missed free throw and the ball went off of one of them and possesion of the ball went to the Lakers to set up Magic’s hook shot. I would give just about anything if McHale or Chief had secured that rebound so we never would have seen Magic’s famous hook shot. My other low points as a Celtic fan were the deaths of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis. I was also sad when “Red” passed away but he had a long and wonderful life. God Bless DJ also who was one of my favorite Celtics of all time. Hopefully, the 2008 Finals will wind up being a high instead of a low for Celtic fans. Jeff, I have the exact same picture of Bird that is at the top of your article. It is from Upper Deck Authenticated and signed by Bird. I enjoyed your memories and I never get tired of talking about or reading about the NBA in the 1980’s. I don’t think any of Jordan’s Bull’s team could have beat the 1983 Sixers or the championship teams of the Lakers and Celtics of the 1980’s.

by CelticRob on Jun 1, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

I remember the early 80’s as a three-way rivalry. CelticRob already mentioned the Sixers- what a great team they had. Pretty much the equal of the C’s for a few years. I also had great respect for Magic(I know it’s treason, but I really think he’s the best all-around I’ve ever seen), but hated the Lakers. Too bad Pat Riley isn’t still there- I hated him most of all.

Nice for the NBA to have these two in the finals, but I’m hoping that the Pistons were the toughest hurdle on the way to #17.

by kenmaine on Jun 1, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions

the 80’s was when I was in rhode island.never could get enough of the c’s as cousy called them….any ways fell in love with the celtics of the 80’s because they were winners…still hate the Laker but respect the franchise & Magic. they were the yang to our ying.

by tommyfan on Jun 1, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

I was born in 1981, but my parents were die-hards and I actually got to sit on their lap for a few playoff games during that run. I remember the noise at the Garden and the back of the people’s heads in front of me. I didn’t really know what was going on – but I knew we were there to see the Celtics, and I knew that that had to be the best thing in the world.

I remember that we hated the Pistons because they were dirty. But I remember that we hated the Lakers because they were the only team that was as good as us. I remember my father sitting on our couch screaming at the TV, and being embarrassed because all of the kids on our street could hear my father screaming from outside.

I’ll be in attendance at Game 2 on Sunday night, but instead of sitting on my father’s lap, I’ll be sitting right next to him.

by Ben Pepper on Jun 1, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

there’s a thread from Friday with some excellent memories, especially from some of our compatriots overseas. I’m already ecstatic about the Celts in the Finals, but I’m even happier after hearing from folks like DutchHoops and Cordobes (along with us home grown Celts fans!):

http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=64&topic=18568.15

by Thruthelookingglass on Jun 1, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions