Home Sweet Home Court

by Jeff Clark on Jun 17, 2008 4:00 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

It would have been just fine with me to win the title in Los Angeles. Losing game 5 was a bad thing, no matter how you spin it. However, out of that disappointment, comes a gift. The Celtics will (most likely) celebrate their 17th Championship on their home court, in front of Boston fans and under the previous 16 banners.

Make no mistake about it. The Celtics fought hard for the chance to have a home court advantage throughout the playoffs for a moment just like this. And believe me, it is an advantage. Let this stat sink in for a moment: The Celtics have lost 7 games at home, ...all year! Regular season (35-6) and playoffs (12-1) combined.

Who can say why home court is so much better? It is the age old question. Is it the comfort sleeping in your own bed? Is it the home cooking? Is it the emotion and energy of the home crowd? Given the questions surrounding the league's officials, you have to wonder if the supposed home-court bias of the refs plays a role. I suppose it is a little bit of all that. Still, you have to admire the fact that this team in particular seems to feed off of being at home.

One thing we've learned is that the role players seem to step up more at home. Sure Paul Pierce is going to be the man and we can reasonably expect Ray and KG to be themselves. But for whatever reason, guys like Rondo, House, Powe, and Perkins (when healthy) all seem to step up their game an extra notch in Boston. Rondo had 16 assists and Powe had 21 points at home in game 2.

Opponents appear to be effected by the atmosphere too. Scoring runs don't seem to last as long. Long distance shots don't seem to drop as often. And when the Celtics are playing smothering defense and the crowd noise is cascading down all around the opposition, forget it.

It is my totally biased but educated opinion that Boston fans are some of the best in the world. We know our basketball, we're passionate, we're loud, we're proud, and we demand Championships. I think it is an even exchange really. We provide the home court advantage, and they reward us with a banner.

17 is just one win away.

As the Captain would say, "Let me hear it!!!"

Tweet Comment 24 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

This game is the one to get. A game 7 leaves me as a stroke victim and sucking oatmeal through a straw. The time is now.

by Master Po on Jun 17, 2008 5:23 AM EDT reply actions

don’t think I could have put it any better PO

by Jeff Clark on Jun 17, 2008 5:46 AM EDT reply actions

It’s the energy of the home court. it will carry the team forward and beyond!

by celty86 on Jun 17, 2008 6:10 AM EDT reply actions

I hope Perkins and can play and be effective. That Gasol played so well in Perk’s absence is not a coincidence. But it
should really be rocking at the Garden tonight. I hope Rondo is physically able to push the ball so the Cs can get out in transition and get some easy hoops.

by Greg37 on Jun 17, 2008 6:21 AM EDT reply actions

You don’t want this to go 7 games. If there is anyone who can
put a team on his back for a game, it is Kobe Bryant.

by Greg37 on Jun 17, 2008 6:23 AM EDT reply actions

I couldn’t handle a game 7.

Let’s win 17 on June 17th

by Dana on Jun 17, 2008 6:38 AM EDT reply actions

as kermit the frog said—“it’s not easy being green.” what with injuries, family health problems, airplanes, refs, slumps, and kobes running around, what’s a green to do. just win,baby.

by nazzbo on Jun 17, 2008 6:45 AM EDT reply actions

PLEASE WIN TONIGHT!!!

by Bankshot on Jun 17, 2008 7:03 AM EDT reply actions

So who thinks tonight is a must win game for the Celtics???

by CT34 on Jun 17, 2008 8:02 AM EDT reply actions

They need to win tonight. It is not technically a must win. But you really don’t want to mess around with Kobe in a game 7. We saw what happened with Lebron in a game 7.

by Last Train on Jun 17, 2008 8:58 AM EDT reply actions

So who thinks tonight is a must win game for the Celtics???

For my sanity it is! But, if the C’s lose, they CAN win game 7, no doubt. It wouldn’t be a lost cause.

by libermaniac on Jun 17, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions

The Garden is going to seriously rocking tonight….we haven’t had a title won at home in Boston since 1986…..getting off to a good start is a must, if we can build an early lead it will be tough for the Lakers to battle back against our D and crowd. Time to bring number 17 home tonight!

by scooter on Jun 17, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

man i wish i could have flown to Boston from Australia to be at this game

the atmosphere would have to be ELECTRIC

GO CELTICS!

by 00dc2 on Jun 17, 2008 9:24 AM EDT reply actions

there are no absolutes except that anything can happen

with that said, I’m very, very confident going into tonight’s game

by Jeff Clark on Jun 17, 2008 9:24 AM EDT reply actions

“And the number 5 pick in this years draft goes to …”, oh wait, that was last year.

by halfman/halfoyster on Jun 17, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

I’ve got the champagne on ice. #17 tonight. I’m getting misty eyed just thinking about it. I’m totally useless at work today. Probably going to be tomorrow as well.

by CelticRebel on Jun 17, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions