Are Moral Victories Enough?
by Jeff Clark on Apr 28, 2009 10:48 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics Articles
Email
PrintI was exchanging emails with Zach Lowe of Celtics Hub and we stumbled upon this topic. Are moral victories enough for this Celtics team? We have different viewpoints and thought it would be a good pro/con topic. So here's my take (you can find Zach's here).
The minute Kevin Garnett was pronounced "likely out for the playoffs" this postseason became an exercise in moral victories. Few people really believe that this team has a chance at the title and most of those people belong to the group that is holding out hope for a miraculous return by the Big Ticket in the later rounds. I don't mean to belittle those folks. A small part of me clings to that hope as well. But for the most part, I fear that this season will end with a loss sooner or later.
The Celtics will probably hang on to beat the better-than-expected Bulls. I think they have a great chance of beating whoever comes out of the Philly-Orlando series (still think it will be the Magic). If we are really lucky, they might even put up a spirited fight against the Cavs; digging down deep, never backing down, showing that Championship swagger, only to eventually lose game 7 by virtue of some LeBron James heroics. The Celtics could walk away from that saying "we never gave up, even without Garnett." That is all well and good, but it just isn't good enough.
I'm greedy. I want more than that. I want Championships. I want dynasties. I want it all.
Other teams can celebrate Division titles and raise banners for Conference Championships, but not in Boston. Teams like the Wizards toss confetti and have a party over getting out of the first round of the playoffs, but not the Celtics. Moral victories are bitter pills dipped in chocolate to make them go down easier. The Celtics are about banners, period.
What makes it worse is the current situation the Celtics are in. We waited over 20 years for a 17th banner. Whole generations of C's fans had to watch ESPN Classic to witness the greatest franchise in basketball in its true glory. We suffered through the ML Carr years (missing out on Duncan) and the Rick Pitino years, and the 24 win year (missing out on Oden/Durant). Through it all I sought out moral victories and white knuckled them as if my life depended on it.
Now we have a once-in-a-lifetime team assembled but there's only a 3 or 4 year window to take advantage of it. Year one was more than I had even dared hope for. Year two isn't looking too good. Each year after this is more and more in doubt because of age and the increased potential for injuries. So every year is either a Championship or a missed opportunity.
I'll be forever thankful for last year. Nothing can take that glorious victory over the Lakers away from us. I fully understand that many fans are not lucky enough to have what we've already got. I'm also not "giving up" on this year's team. Rondo alone has made the first round a joy to watch. I'm cheering just as loud as anyone and I am as much behind our team as ever. I will never, ever, ever give up on this team.
With that said, I feel like our window is closing fast and I'm very greedy for more. Moral victories are just not enough for this team.
One last thing: For a visual representation of what I'm talking about, please check out the photos after the jump (paying special attention to the last one).
Enough said.
33 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
1987 Redux
1987 was particularly painful because we all knew that no one but the Lakers could beat us, but that we stood little chance of beating the lakers due to injuries. It was also painful to watch KC Jones grind the starters into the ground. But, of course, the most painful thing of all was watching us lose to the purple. The moral victory this year will not having to suffer through that experience again. In fact, I am maintaining hope that I will actually enjoy the Finals as they will conclude without the purple hoisting banner #15. But in the awful event that should happen, it brings me pleasure that it won’t come at our expense, just as lakers fans were glad they didn’t have to be humilated by the green in 1986.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions
I agree with every word
I would add that `85 loss was even worse…since it was “winnable” { `87 was not winnable}.
In `85, Maxwell`s injury weakened bench, forcing McHale to start. To beat Lakers, they had to play smart & tough the full 48. Memorial Day blow-out {Game 1} was worse thing that could`ve happened. Celts came out sloppy, unfocused, and over-confident for Game 2. Meanwhile, LA was motivated.
It was all down-hill from there.
To your question
no, moral victories are not enough.
I can admire the moral strength to play thru difficulty (like McHale playing on busted ankles in ’87). It is tough to play w/out KG and now Powe. But this team is still better than the Bulls, and any other team with the possible exception of the Cavs & Lakers (whom I think we could still beat… maybe).
I want actual victories…..
"simul justus et peccator"
How about no.18 being the moral victory?
Anything less is a disappointment.
- Dirk 'DaarisDirk' van Boxtel
BTW
I’m still rooting for the Cs. But good lord are we thin up front. Also, I know everyone seems to get excited about these close games. After watching the Celtics play Celtics basketball last year for the first time in what seemed like forever and then starting the year out 27-2, it just kills me watching this team play even with the bulls. So unlike many other celtics fans, I get nothing out of these close games except revulsion.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 8:15 AM EDT reply actions
update
just posted the link to Zach’s post – he makes some great points on the other side of the debate
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V
Moral Victories?
That last picture answered the question. It’s what the Boston Celtics’ organization is all about.
- JoeB
I’m with you. OUr window is now. That’s why I was so disappointed with not re-signing posey. He was such an integral part of our team and all of a sudden after opening the bank, Wyc and co get cost conscious. that move right there set the tone for this year. For us to win next year Wyc and steve are going to have to bite the bullet and pay some free agents to come to boston. we need more talent on our bench pure and simple. Sure you can say that if tony allen doesn’t get hurt or KG or Leon that we would have won it this year and that may be true but the big 3 are also a year older and Pierce doesn’t look like the same player in these playoffs. We need a quality big man ( McDyess?) plus another shooter. If Walker can be the back up SF that would help a lot but if not then that’s another hole to fill. I am done with tony allen and want him to go. we need to decide whether Pruitt or Marbury stick around ( Moore is gone- there should be no debate on this) and we also need to find out if Giddens can play. God forbid KG’s injury is chronic because if so we might as well start rebuilding now.
really? posey again?
look at the championship “swag” he brought the hornets… losing by 58 at home to the nuggets… posey was and is an overated role player, and he got paid more than what he was worth.
WE DONT HAVE KG, this is vitally more important than anything posey brings to the table.
No, you'd be better with him
He was one of the few guys on our team who brought it last night. And the last guy to leave the bench when it was over..
http://hornetshype.com
maybe true...
but he had his purpose last year, brining championship experience and “swag” to a team that desperately needed it. This year… posey was not a necessary piece, injuries are our biggest problem. We won 62 games with Kevin Garnett, Leon Powe, BBD and Tony Allen all missing significant time. and it’s quite simply besides the point, posey is not the difference this year, garnett being healthy is.
not to mention, like I said before, HE GOT OVERPAID, and this was the first year when he was supposed to have the best value for that money. Instead the hornets took a step back and just got embarassed in the playoffs. Now 2-3 years from now he will trully be overpaid.
all this being said I loved posey last year, absolutely loved him. but to try and claim not re-signing him is what lead us hear today is just foolish.
Moral Victories?
Spoken like a true loser!! The Celtics have as much chance to win it again this year as any other contender! Stop making excuses! U sound like RIvers!
yes...please drop the whole Posey thing!
sure he helped us last year…but really what has he done in the playoffs this year? and as already stated he was part of a 58!!!! point beat down… (the lossing part, lol)
Ainge Genious once again!
The celtics are a better team without Posey. Plus they didn’t overpay and give him 4 years. Hornets will be kicking themselves by year 3 nevermind 4!
Chances Slim, Hopes always High
One play…the one where Gordon took the inbounds pass and cut down the sight side and threw up a banker. Tony Allen was clueless and two steps behind. Big Baby stepped out but couldn’t stop it. Garnett knocks the ball into the third row. That guy is not replaceable.
Orlando is not so deep that they can be favored to beat us. But, without Garnett I don’t see us getting past Cleveland
There ARE moral victories
That’s why we have the term.
This team has experienced them in the past many times.
There’s nothing wrong with it.
Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk
Moral victories do NOT work for defending champs...like `87 or `09 Celts
They only work for young, rebuilding teams….like `72 Celts, as they rebuilt with youngsters {Cowens, Jo Jo, Chaney, etc.}.
Our only hope now :
1} Celtics remain alive as long as possible
2} Hope that Cavs and Lakers suffer comparable injuries during that time
Then, battle-tested Boston could pounce on it!
Hey, Title 18
Sorry, I tried clicking on reply, but nothing happened. So I am forced to reply generally.
Could the Cs have won in 1987 if healthy? Boy, that’s a tough one. That was a damn good Laker team. As much as I hate the purple, I’ve learned to respect them. I just don’t know. As it stood, the Cs were one junior, junior hook away from going to back LA tied.
As for 1985, I like Bird blaming it on Maxwell quitting on the Cs.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
Correction
One bad out of bounds call, baby hook and Bird missed 3 at the buzzer from tying up the series 2-2 with Game 5 in Boston. Given they got blown out in LA in Games 1 and 2, even had they gone to LA up 3-2 it would have been difficult, but certainly not impossible. Anyone who says outright it was not winnable, only after knowing they lost, does not understand the inherent uncertainty of sports.
Could Celts have won if healthy in `87?!?
Remember how good the healthy `86 team was?
OK, now add the young legs of Len Bias to it.
There`s your answer!
Ls v. Cs
The Cs own this rivalry. Having said that, the Ls have been pretty good at not going long periods without a championship run. Now the thing is can the Cs hold on to their 17-14 edge? The rivalry ain’t done.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions
Talking Down to Other Teams
Other than the Ls, I try to stay away from this. Why? Because you just never know when you’ll need to root for them AGAINST the Ls. Take the 1980s pistons. I hated them with a passion. But once Dennis Rodman started imposing his will against the purple, I started rooting for Detroit to be as good as they could be so the purple wouldn’t hang any more banners. Same a few years later with the bulls. Sadly, yes, my life does come down to purple and green.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 12:18 PM EDT reply actions
Title 18--Bias
Ah, now there was an assumption I wasn’t making. Len Bias would have totally changed the complexion of the series.
I just meant Walton, Wedman, McHale.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions
Healthy Celts would`ve destroyed them!
Jabbar was washed-up 40 year old in `87…Mychal Thompson was only Laker addition, from the team Boston crushed in `86.
Despite every advantage, LA still needed key break in Game 4 {out-of-bounds call} to win a game in Boston.
Hey, the reply worked this time
Yeah, the out of bounds call is often forgotten.
Anyway, we need one more title to keep the Ls at bay.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
except...
…the celtics beat the rockets in the finals in ’86.
by ChainSmokingLikeDino on Apr 28, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Chain smoking Like Dino....
I was referring to the regular season….two easy Celtic wins over Lakers.
Up 3-2, not tied.
Yeah, that’s what I meant. My bad.
by Black Jack Pershing on Apr 28, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions
AGREE BLACK JACK..
great read jeff.
i want it all as well….
reality is— without kg we dont get past cleveland…I at least want them to make it there for crying out loud!!! without the celtz playing itz no fun watching the playoffz!!—-SO…..
here’z to a blow out victory 2night!!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on CelticsBlog
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Video: Will Ferrell introduces the Hornets
- Video: Kevin Durant is rapping for real
- Jeremy Lin starts for the Knicks, lives in his brother’s living room, ‘has his own couch’
- Larry Bird would like to team with Kobe for the win, LeBron for the fun
- Will Ferrell will run the player intros at Wednesday’s Bulls/Hornets game
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
