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.

Moral victories are for losers. You win or you lose, it is as simple as that. A moral victory won`t bring you anything in professional sports…

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.

Excellent post. There are no moral victories.

Plus, I agree. The window is closing, which makes the trickle-away of this season to injuries and poor planning all the more painful.

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.

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)

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

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!

No.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yeah, that’s what I meant. My bad.