Game 7: Knowing More Than Who Our Parents Were

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make hers mark
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Oct 6, 2010
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Moving the Line
With apologies to Mark Twain for the title's inspiration out of the way...

A few nights ago, there was Game 6. It was won, it is over. Don't mistake that activity for achievement. Because much awaits. As we wait for the final 48, we need that pain we secretly relish, that of anticipation. It tells us the truth: That we are alive. That this phenomenon can be as gratifying as its actuality.

If you want to fear again as so many did before the last game? Go ahead. This time, I won't judge. Think negatively. But if you go this route, I want you to think more broadly and you might reconsider: What's the absolute worst that could happen? And if it does, you have contingency plans. Think about all that you've not worried about if this is you. Because I assure you, no matter what, the Celtics have a plan. You critics might be loud, but success tends to always be louder.

And that is the beauty of sports and its eternally changing dilemmas, such that its most beautifully indelible moments, people, and games are worth having because they are not wrapped in silk, but rather a biting crown of thorns. From only then and there can you unwrap the enveloping, blooming rose that makes up this team and its story in the coming months. After all, all else equal, wouldn't we value this rose growing more in the desert than the rainforest?

But to that end, be secure. Be secure that all matters are covered and prepared for. If there is superior strength to be had by Embiid, evade. If Harden can be moody, he should be ignited like a flame. Show humility so that we may appear weak when we are strong. If they do not care, or show a lack of effort, it is all the reason to never rest, and only ever show that much more. Divide their attack, and separate the double team. Attack where THEY are unprepared. In so doing, you are set to be where unexpected. Prepare, and your chances such as this will come. Opportunity will not waste its time with us if not.I included Shakespeare last time, so there is the obligatory mention, this time from one of my favorites, Henry V: All things are ready, if our mind be so.

On the power of the mind, basketball is uniquely associated with a phenomenon, even as a statistician I absolutely believe in: The hot hand. And in that respect, the mission should be simple and effective to both explain and execute. As Philadelphia tries to be an irksome, buzzing, hissing bug upon the garden of our bliss, as the moth to the Boston's flame. Absolutely ignite ourselves in what makes us highly spreadable arson, to deprive the poor moth of not only its life and sense of being but quite literally incineration of them to ashes, to what was of them shall be no more, with no further traces, in retrospect. There are but many virtues I wish to extoll: Persistence, patience, power, and prioritization. That is how to remain level.

This is everything. It's also potentially nothing. But Miami is not guaranteed. It's worth fighting about right now. The Celtics should have no fear of perfection. If they do, they'll never reach it. It's time to stop talking and start doing. This is, as said, it. One more...one more game of action to make your dreams, one more passion to create your name. Give it all again once more, without thinking twice. And no matter what, from there, there will be no regrets. Once again, this is a beginning. But for what is a beginning but always today? Let's start it off right. As will always be the case, it is always the most important part of the work.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
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Guys I’m in the United Club at Newark and unless I am mistaken Tony Brothers is right behind me. Trying to find out if he’s flying to Boston…..

Wife wants me to say something but I’m terrified of accidentally incepting some kind of bias. Also, what do you say, “Big fan! Let them play! Also fuck off!”

Edit: Some research tells me he was the replay center official last night in Secaucus which would explain why he’s here at least. So maybe he is just headed home before round 3.
 
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RSN Diaspora

molests goats for comedy
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Jul 29, 2005
11,345
Washington, DC
The 3:30 tip on Mothers Day is a killer. I’m trying to figure out if I just DVR it and shut off all devices while celebrating the Diasporette, or augment her Mothers Day gift to the point that she gives me a pass for the game.
 

Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat

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The 3:30 tip on Mothers Day is a killer. I’m trying to figure out if I just DVR it and shut off all devices while celebrating the Diasporette, or augment her Mothers Day gift to the point that she gives me a pass for the game.
Seems like B is the easy option. Money can buy happiness.

EDIT—yes, I’m divorced.
 

djbayko

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Jul 18, 2005
25,894
Los Angeles, CA
Guys I’m in the United Club at Newark and unless I am mistaken Tony Brothers is right behind me. Trying to find out if he’s flying to Boston…..

Wife wants me to say something but I’m terrified of accidentally incepting some kind of bias. Also, what do you say, “Big fan! Let them play! Also fuck off!”

Edit: Some research tells me he was the replay center official last night in Secaucus which would explain why he’s here at least. So maybe he is just headed home before round 3.
Tony Brothers is pretty unmistakable.

Just ask him what he’s putting his money on.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
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4th hand hearsay but hearing that Tatum flew up a group of friends and family from the 314 for the doubleheader tomorrow.
 

InstaFace

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Sep 27, 2016
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makes sense that Brown, Tatum, Smart and Horford all took that L together in the 2018 ECF to Cleveland (along with Scary Terry and Mook Morris). But Horford's other L, where-oh-where could that have been. hmm....

Also it's crazy how the 7-seed Zombie Spurs in 2019 (with Derrick White) took 2-seed Jokic-led Denver to 7 games, and a 4-point game in G7 at that.
 

chilidawg

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Jan 22, 2015
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Phuck Philly.

Also, I loved this:
If you want to fear again as so many did before the last game? Go ahead. This time, I won't judge. Think negatively. But if you go this route, I want you to think more broadly and you might reconsider: What's the absolute worst that could happen? And if it does, you have contingency plans. Think about all that you've not worried about if this is you. Because I assure you, no matter what, the Celtics have a plan. You critics might be loud, but success tends to always be louder.

Here's to some very loud success.
 

pk1627

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May 24, 2003
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Boston
Game 7. Here we are.

I detest the Lakers (and the Knicks) but the Celts-Sixers matchups in 1977, 1980, 1981 and 1982 were good vs evil. Coming back from 1-3 in 1981 convinced me the Bird era was in full swing. 1982 was not going to be a problem - until there was that 1-3 hole again. Celts fought back. Game 7 hurt.

I know these teams played a game 7 in 2012. Didn’t register.

Win this one. Fight like hell with the lead and fight like hell if behind.
 

ilol@u

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Mar 2, 2009
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Foxboro
Need more aggressive version of Tatum in getting some foul calls/paint looks. Limit the silly turnovers (Jaylen I’m looking at you) and play solid defense, and they’ll win this in a low scoring game.
98-88 good guys.
 

kfoss99

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Jul 15, 2009
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I had to watch last Sunday afternoon's game on tape delay. Will likely have to do the same for this one. Win, so I'm spoiled with good news.
 

TrapperAB

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Nov 25, 2002
3,030
West Hartford, CT
My poor poor wife.

Per her Mother’s Day wishes, we will be playing a game (Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle) with our daughter this afternoon while my son sits sentinel in the living room, willing the Celts to win.

I will be listening to his every exhortation. My wife will likely ask me questions during the game, none of them having to do with the Celtics, and receive slow, nonsensical replies. There will be much sighing, and not of the “I feel spoiled on my special day” kind.

I will likely be released from confinement in the 4th quarter. I hope all of it is Geno time.

Oh, and every time Mark Jackson says something stupid, I want a Celtics bench player to smack him upside the head while Breen shouts BANG.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
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Foster is ok since we’re home, right?
NbA must want Celtics Lakers at this point, no?
 

DGreenwood

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Feb 2, 2003
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Seattle
I think Foster's main playoff reputation is that he extends series, which isn't really relevant in a game 7. I believe in game 7s his reputation is that favored teams generally do well against the spread, but it's not super lopsided.

I think Foster was the crew chief in the Cs vs Heat game 7 last year.
 

bankshot1

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Feb 12, 2003
24,651
where I was last at
If The Celts play to their vast potential, with focus and intensity, Wilt, Dr J. and Dave Zinkoff could ref this game and the Celts win by 25.

Play an aggressive suffocating D, push pace, move the ball, and transition Philly into a Cancun vacation.

LETS GO CELTS!
 

TripleOT

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Jul 4, 2007
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Kelly Olynyk Game 7 against the Wizard. Scary Terry Game 7 to close out the Bucks. The Grant Williams Game that sent Milwaukee home in last year’s Game 7. Who is going to be the unlikely hero today.

I‘m guessing this Game 7 will be known as The Malcolm Brogdon Game, as he goes 6-8 from three for 29 points and the Cs go wire to wire for the win.
 

DJnVa

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Dec 16, 2010
53,837
Win.

With an extra helping of Harden going 1-15 from the floor.