being a celtics fan...

these days is not healthy.

I just need to get these off my chest or I'll explode. I'm kind of fucked right now. The more this team loses the more I watch their games. It's like that asshole boyfriend you can't break away from. Since January, the Celtics have won 3 games out of 23 (I believe). The fact that I know this horrendous number makes me sad. I feel delusional every time I watch a game. From the get-go I know they're going to lose but somewhere deep down, I have this "delusion" ---not hope-- that maybe, maybe they'll win this one. Personally, I don't believe in tanking at all. The Celtics are just plain bad. Tanking talk is an excuse. There's no need to tank when you're simply a bad basketball team to start with. Rondo's back but then any hopes of him being the Messiah is a delusion all on its own. He's rusty as hell. My love for Jeff Green has rivaled the love I have for my family. But I can't deny the fact that I'm so disappointed with how he's playing. He's a "good" basketball player but as a die-hard fan, I want him to be a "great" basketball player. It's so frustrating because you can see glimpses of his potential. It's a hard pill to swallow when something tells you this is it. I hope I'm wrong. I can see him being traded this coming February. I don't know if I'll have the desire to support this team anymore without Jeff Green. I don't know if I'll have the strength to finally stop watching this crappola. It seems obvious that there's no use hoping for any kind of redemption this season. This rebuilding process is taking its toll on me. On the bright side, the future looks good for the Celtics because of the numerous draft picks Ainge has accumulated this season. I just wish that they don't trade Green and Rondo. I'm not giving up on Green. Not. Giving. Up.

basketball heartaches

Tonight, I'm watching replays of Boston Celtics' 2012-2013 regular season games. It's weird how I still get elated watching Jeff Green's career-high 43-point-game against the Heat, a game where they tried to end the Heat's 23-game winning streak. Jeff was beyond phenomenal during that game. Everywhere he goes, the ball was his bitch. But aside from elation, I feel incredibly sad watching Paul Pierce in Celtics uniform. I want to cry if only I'm crazy. Oh wait, I am. 

I'm super bummed how things have panned-out this summer for the Cs. Doc Rivers leaving the Celtics for the LA Clippers, in my mind, set-off the pandemonium. I know a rebuild was bound to happen. I just can't get over the fact that I should have started watching the NBA way back 2008 when all my favorite Cs started to get together. But yeah, what's the point. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are now with the Brooklyn Nets. 

Admittedly, I'm not PP's number one fan last year. He sucked 50 percent of the time. But was he still effective during crunch time? Hell yeah! I will miss PP's three points, most especially his clutch shots. The way that PP does it you'd think he was the Celtics' version of the Messiah. Oh man, I would really miss him. I will forever remember the way he'd show-up in Madison Square Garden, effortlessly pissing Spike Lee. I feel really bad how he couldn't just retire as a Celtic. Why God why? 

KG. Huhu KG! I will always associate this man with a warrior, the type who comes out of the den, all sweaty and thug-like? Yeah, that's KG. He elevates the word "energy" to new heights. I mean he will always be "the man" for me. Regardless of how much of a douche others deem him to be, he will always be the guy you would want to be on your team. His tenacity and loyalty was contagious. I used to watch documentaries about him during his heyday in Minnesota. He's such a passionate guy you couldn't help but love him. The way he works on his game was just unbelievable. He wakes-up so early in the day to train and meditate, all with the sole purpose of staying on top of his game; physically, mentally, and emotionally. It breaks my heart just thinking about next season. That stupid black jersey don't fit him. 

On the brighter side, the YGs (young gangsters coined by KG) are still alive and kickin'. Jeff Green, CLee, and Avery Bradley are still intact. Add Sully and Rondo's return, there's still enough for me to keep rooting for this team. I'm also a bit thrilled what the new, young coach Brad Stevens have to offer for this team. I recently read an article where Rondo was quoted how he never wants to play for the Heat. Man, I love him even more. I cannot bring myself to root for any other team. If Jeff or Rondo gets traded, I'm out. I just hope they don't tank next season and still keep fighting. I'll try my hardest not to cry the day PP and KG would play in the Garden. 

In my own crazy fan world, yes, I'll be Celtics for life. 

i am in love with jeff green

Man, I so wanted them to win tonight. Heartache aside, I am so in-love with Jeff Green right now, I could not even describe it. I have so much fun watching him play, especially tonight with his career-high 43 points. His performance alone tonight gives LeBron a run for his money. It breaks my heart LBJ hit the game winning shot while Jeff was guarding him. Sucks. I miss Rondo's play but God I love JG. He's playing some awesome basketball right now. I cannot, repeat "cannot", wait to see him play again. I just hate the fact that I will watch a replay of this game knowing they lost. I hope the Celtics have a long play-off run and eventually beat the Heat. I know it's tough and kinda hysterical to imagine how to stop the Heat right now. But I can dream. Just glad to know JG's still young and he'll be around for long. He's just sooo enjoyable to watch. I hope someday I can watch a Cs game with him in the TD Garden. This one goes to my life-long-dreams list. I love you, Jeff Green.

bittersweet

2am. "I don't want to watch any more games. No. I don't..." (turns on live streaming)

Whatever. I know in my heart of hearts, win or lose, this is going to be an epic game. I didn't realize it was going to be more unbelievable than the Knicks game. I can't wrap my head around how dramatic things have turned out. I had no idea being this hooked to a sports game was no different than having your favorite movie character get killed on a show or not seeing the romantic couple get their happy ending. It feels the same and MORE. More because this is no fiction. It's as real as it gets.

Just like great stories, the background is important. Why so much emotion? Well...

The season started with a great blow over Ray Allen leaving for the Miami Heat, Boston's great nemesis last season. It's like watching an ex-boyfriend hooking-up with the hottest chick on Earth, given the chick here is your rival and cost you a scholarship/job or two. It's heart-wrenching. Celtics's new big three is now Rondo, Garnett, and Pierce. The last two are not getting any younger and are just hoping to win one more title before they rest their jerseys and join the hall of fame.

Throughout the first half of the entire season, the Celtics have been playing mediocre basketball. Win some and then lose some. Lather. Rinse. Cry. Prozac. Repeat. By the end of December, the Cs were demolished one too many times by West Coast teams. Then January came. Celtics won six straight games against play-off contenders starting with the Pacers, then the Hawks, and, my favorite, the Knicks. They won three more games before yet another slump. Starting with the Hornets loss, the Cs are back to their mediocre standing. 6 straight wins followed by 6 straight losses. It's frustrating as hell.

Sunday. January 27, 2013. After a double-overtime loss against Atlanta last Friday, the Celtics will now face the Miami Heat in their homecourt, the TD Garden. For the first time after he jumped ship, Ray Allen will now be the enemy at home, wearing the Heat jersey and facing his old team who does look really old right now.

I was jittery. Watching them lose the past six games has left me annoyed and now apathetic. I want to care less. I've got better things to do but this basketball drama has taken over me so bad. In my head, I was just preparing for the worst. And boy was I right. 

Rondo was nowhere to be found in the starting line-up. Wait, what is going on here? He was fine during the Hawks game. Google search.

#Celtics Rajon Rondo has torn right ACL, out for season.

about 10 hours ago via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@SherrodbCSN

A. Sherrod Blakely

There goes all the hope I had for this season. Out the window. 

This game against the Heat just went from please-win-now to ultimate-must-have. They have to win now. It may not mean a lot at the end of this season, but, for now, they just have to win. I can't express how disappointed I am that Rondo won't be playing for the rest of the season. My immediate reaction upon hearing the word ACL was Derrick Rose. Wasn't he also suffering from an ACL tear which cost him a whole season in 2011? Ughhh.

And now the game. 

I was afraid it would be a blow-out, another one of those games where they suck really bad it's unbearable to watch. Instead, I was in for a rollercoaster ride right off the bat. They were trading baskets and the defense was phenomenal. The only thing that was bugging me the entire time was how the Cs were giving-up second chance points over and over again. If they weren't, I'd say it's a sure win for the Cs. If there's one good thing about Rondo's injury, it's the fact that now all my attention will be focused on my second most favorite player: Jeff Green. And I thank the Lord Jesus he showed-up BIG TIME tonight. Green's defense on Lebron was just unbelievable. It was probably his best game all season. Watching Green dunk over Bosh is the happiest I've ever been. "Green did posterize that dinosaur like a BOSH."

Oh God how I hate the Heat. And then came crunch time. The tied scores and lead changes in this game were crazy. The last few minutes Boston was up 4 points with less than a minute on the clock. I cannot emphasize how dramatic this is. Times like this is what Ray Allen is all about. Not today though because he's now on the other side. 

Timeout. Heat possession. Ray Allen was left on the corner and hits a fadeway three. Of course he sinks one f-you on his return to the Garden. I'm fuming. Ughhhhh. Boston scores two more off Jason Terry's free-throw. Now with less than 20 seconds on the clock, it's another possession for the Heat. The clock is winding down and Allen tries another three, bounces to Lebron, and Lebron hits a desperation three-pointer. Goddamit. Ugghh why can't I root for a team who can win games "on-time." I just want to punch Lebron in the face because he's just sooo good. A three-pointer with 10 seconds on the shotclock? Unreal.

KG kept this team alive in the first overtime, shooting two big jumpers. I think it was also around this time when Paul Pierce, once again, morphed into a turnover machine. PP is just all over the place lately. Because of that, the game extends to a second overtime. I'm just about to shut the computer screen because I couldn't take it anymore. I'm trembling. I just don't want them to lose after all this shit. They have given their best the past two games and their effort has yet to be rewarded. Good thing PP redeemed himself by hitting a game-winning jumper in second OT. Last possession by the Heat ended with Shane Battier throwing an airball. 

I'm relieved for now. They more than deserved this win.

As for the rest of the season, I'm not really sure how they can pull this off without Rajon Rondo. Yes, at the back of my mind, this might be the best thing that ever happened to them, thinking some of the overshadowed players on this team will now have a chance to step-up. I know they are capable of winning big games without Rondo (Knicks and now Heat). I'm just not sure if they can last the play-offs or even assert themselves as a contender in the pitiful 8th seed. 

I love Rondo to death, and seeing him during the last few minutes of the game in street clothes was heartbreaking.  He looked devastated. Rivers hugged him after the game. He was supposed to start for this year's All Star, his first time. He was doing great this season, so great he just had back-to-back triple doubles. Earlier this season, he tied John Stackton's assist streak, second in the NBA. And now this. I don't even look forward to games without Rondo. I'll miss watching Rajon play. Why God why?

Jeff Green, if you read this, you better play your hardest this season. I beg you.

this is getting old

Oh thank God for gifs. 

I've had enough with the Celtics. Watching them stretch their game to two OTs after leading 27 in the first half just makes me want to pull my hair on all sides. This is just ridiculous. I have read just about every blog there is to read just so I could understand what the hell happened. I thought the worst of times happened during their pathetic West road trip last December, when LA's younger teams schooled this embarrassing team. Boy was I wrong? This is rock bottom. If only I could say with ease that "I'll see them in the play-offs." Yeah right!

- I don't understand why Doc Rivers doesn't put Jeff Green in the starting line-up. I don't understand why he keeps playing Paul Pierce when clearly, for the past few weeks, he's utter garbage. I know it's too strong a word for someone who's always been the face of this franchise. But right now, age is really starting to catch-up on Pierce. He just looks tired. If only there is such a thing as "taking-a-break-when-you're-in-a-deep-funk," Paul Pierce should be the first candidate. I close my eyes come crunch time.

- I've said it before, I'll say it again. Oh please let Jeff Green play, set up plays for him for the love of God. I agree with the observation that when Paul Pierce and Jeff Green play side by side, Green gets overshadowed. It's like he can't fucking do his thing because there's an unwritten rule that everything should be a Pierce's play. I've seen Green burst into incredible shooting nights when he's allowed to play more minutes. I know I maybe wrong here. But clearly, letting PP play with such long minutes is not working. Give Green a chance to prove his worth. Give Green all the responsibility. Let him suck on court, but please it's time he runs the show. I think Paul Pierce will be better if he comes off the bench. Right now, I cannot stand the sight of him. 

- I feel bad for KG and Rondo. I know they've had their own share of ugly mistakes. If only every time I yell on my computer screen when I see Rondo give-up an easy lay-up for an assist, some divine wake-up call reaches Rondo; he'd be beating the shit out of me right now. I hate when he accumulates lots of turnovers, but I hate it even more when he's risking a perfectly open lay-up for a goddamn assist. Please Rondo, you can only do that when you're leading 30, not a close fight. However, I must applaud his effort. He's doing everything on both sides of the court. Rondo won't be Rondo if he's not this crazy risk-taker. He's the type of player where you take both the bad and the good. I just hope it's more of the latter, dammit.

- KG played with so much heart the past few games, especially tonight. I can only imagine his frustration, being surrounded with such BS lately.

- Sully is the only consistent player on this team. Too bad he's a foul magnet. I can't blame him for that but I sure hope he learns to manage his fouls sooner rather than later. He is very much needed, badly needed. No injury for Sully please.

- Courtney Lee has been playing well the past few games. I don't want to see him traded. This is the same way I feel for Avery Bradley and Barbosa. If only Doc Rivers trusts the second unit more, especially during times when the starting line-up is clearly in a funk. Hello PP!

- Bass and Terry, I have no good words. I'll just curse like this is actually affecting my daily life. Both are just fucking useless. I'm not sure they're a trade bait since trades need players with value. I don't see any value but dead weight. Geez.

I just want to rant to get it off my chest. I'm preparing for the demolition this Sunday as they face the Heat. My expectations are --- wait, I do not have any expectations anymore. Sadly, I'm actually dreading to see them get spanked this Sunday. But since I'm a masochist, and I do want to see Ray Allen playing in the TD Garden, I'll subject myself to another blood bath.

I'm almost done. Almost.

rondo hohums

A lot of things are swirling inside my head right now. I can't seem to think straight after our whirlind, stressful, action-packed vacation in Palawan. But one thing's for sure. I am too invested with what happened to the Boston Celtics in the past few days. I can't share this much to anyone because I don't have friends who follow basketball like I do. I don't even understand why I like this game too much or why I'm too affected with what's happening over my favorite Boston Celtics. When I ask myself why I care sooo much, all I could think of is that this is a coping mechanism over some uncontrollable things in my life. Sometimes we attach ourselves to things which don't seem to make sense but because it's entertaining and time-consuming, it's the closest thing you can have for a distraction.

In the middle of my vacation, I was shocked to hear Rondo's ejection during the second quarter of Boston vs Brooklyn match. It's an understatement to say I love Rondo. But reading this news made me question if he's worth it. It seems like he's the typical diva star athlete with a ginormous ego. However, I'm biased because I'm a hardcore fan, and now I'm trying to rationalize his motives. This is big because they were actually on a two-game winning streak before this embarrassing brawl happened. Add to that, Rondo already tied John Stackton's assist streak, making him second to Magic Johnson's 47 games of consecutive 10-plus more assists per game. There's a lot to look forward to and then he does this. He's the most important player in the Celtics' roster, and his inability to control his temper over a-not-so-hard-foul by Kris Humphries on Kevin Garnett is simply stupid. It's a good thing he only got a two-game suspension. Considering his history of going after refs last season, Rondo is slowly becoming a disappointment in my eyes. I don't know but I just don't like players who start a fight over something that doesn't even warrant a shrug. He should have done this when Wade broke his elbow. 

I recently became a Celtics fan over the summer, and clearly my involvement with this team is not going away anytime soon. Hell it hasn't even started yet. The Celtics had me when they fought with a lot of heart during the ECF against Miami Heat last summer. Rondo was easily my favorite player. And as I read a great deal about the Boston Celtics history, I began to appreciate all its moving parts, including Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Bradley, and Rivers. I was seriously heartbroken that Allen chose to sign with the Heat during the off-season. Now all I want for these guys is to get banner 18 this year.

I woke-up this morning reading ESPN's piece on Boston's victory (sans Rondo) against the Portland Trail Blazers. It's great they won the first game in their back-to-back games this weekend. I'm hoping that when Rondo returns after his suspension, he's back with more fire than ever. I'm hoping he'd channel this fire in a more positive way, that is helping his team win. Without the assist-record hanging over his head this time, I just hope he'll play the way he did during the ECF: with a lot of heart and tenacity. 

That's the end of my rant for now. I'm still a Rondo fan dammit.

ball madness

It all started the summer of this year when once again I bit the bait and hooked myself to the game of basketball. It's one of the very few things people don't know about me. I love watching basketball. The memories are quite vivid. I remember crying hard in the confines of my room over Purefoods' win against Alaska during early 2000s All Filipino Cup. I "prayed" for that win. Prayed. I loved watching Reggie Miller shoot threes; the same way I feel about watching Noy Castillo (with his typical knee-high socks) shoot balls from downtown. I had a thing for the Stockton and Malone pair-up because I had a feeling they were the underdogs. 

Last summer it all came screaming back to me as I found myself watching the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. I wanted to root for a particular team because it's more fun that way. I hardly knew who the current stars were nowadays. The only familiar face was Kevin Garnett. Actually, that's a lie. To me, he's only a familiar name. As the game continued, one player stood out among all the rest: Rajon Rondo. By then the search for which team to root for was long forgotten. I have found my next Purefoods. 

Today, the first thing I check each morning is the Celtics game results from ESPN. Next, I try to look for uploaded games on Isohunt, hoping each and every time that a generous soul was kind enough to upload any one of the Celtics' regular season games. If nothing comes up, I try to watch some game highlights on YouTube and read sports blogs for a blow-by-blow analysis of last night's games. Because I don't own a television, I am sometimes forced to read the live NBA forums featuring live commentary from people who are currently watching the game, all the while anticipating the scoreboard update in favor of the Celtics. 

If there's one thing I'm grateful for this "MADNESS," it's the fact that I'm learning a whole lot more about the game: its plays, the great historical statistics, and the rare individual talent of select elite basketball players. It's quite fascinating to say the least.

And speaking of fascinating, nothing beats Rondo's talent and persona in the game of basketball. Simply put, he is one of the most fun players to watch in my humble opinion. You just don't know what to expect from him. The way he commands the offense of his team proves he is one of the smartest, most creative players ever to play this game. Rondo is also a great defender, a pest, even, when it comes to stealing the ball with his freakishly big hands and unbelievable speed. He even has a high percentage of boards considering his mere 6'1 frame.