Felger Predicts Banner 18
"These are not the Bruins. This series is over and I think the Celtics are winning it all." - Michael Felger
The Boston Celtics took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Orlando Magic Tuesday night with a 95-92 win at Amway Arena. The Green were led by Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo who combined for 53 points. The series now shifts to Boston for game three Saturday night. Mike and Tony join the Celtics bandwagon.
Felger: "This is one of those cases where a team in this town tries to pin the whole 'nobody believed in us' mantra. However, this is one of the times where this saying is actually true. Everyone was wrong about this team. Everyone. It looked like players were dogging it through this regular season. They got their one ring, they got their contracts, and they see the finish line and were done. They said in response they were going to flip the switch in the postseason and we laughed at them. None more so than Rasheed Wallace and not that he's setting the world on fire, but at least he's now contributing. We were wrong. Everybody was wrong. These are not the Bruins, this series is over and I think the Celtics are winning it all. These are not the Bruins because they have what it takes in the locker room and in the front office. The culture of this organization is winning. This team knows how to win and those are the teams I love. It's why I watch sports."
Mazz: "They are playing great and they are getting some help from Orlando. To me we are getting a good look at Orlando's true colors. They got to game seven last year without Garnett and it never should have gotten that far. Orlando had the Celtics dead to rights in-game five and let them off the hook and got away with it. Vince Carter gagged last night. Gagged, gagged, and gagged. He choked last night. The Magic are just stupid after watching the end of that game last night. Missed free throws and that Redick play. My God was that idiotic. I thought Duke guys were supposed to be smart? This is what the Magic are though Mike. When it comes to crunch time the Magic just crack. They don't know how to get the job done. Even if the Celtics lose in the NBA Finals doesn't that still make everyone wrong? That means they would have defeated both the number one and two seeds in the East without having home court advantage. I think going forward no matter what the results from here that we were all wrong about these guys."
The Collin-tary: Prior to game two in Orlando, Doc Rivers was asked if he was worried about the Magic getting off to a hot start behind the home crowd at Amway Arena. He laughingly responded, "I think most of the guys on our team can't hear the noise because they're too old." The Celtics may be long in the tooth, but veteran leadership has proven reliable once again this postseason. Much like the championship team in 2008, this year's team seems to be unflappable.
As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference the Celtics quietly entered the playoffs. Now, with a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Conference Finals it's hard not to take notice. Most local and national media viewed the Celtics as sacrificial lambs to King James. Some even predicted Boston would be swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the big three are a little old to be kneeling even if it's at the feet of a king. Lebron learned the hard way that even in the NBA, it's important to respect your elders.
The 2010 Boston Celtics have taught the national media and the sports world in general an important lesson. A lesson that transcends the game of basketball. A lesson that can undoubtedly be heard echoing through the walls of Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. Never doubt the heart of a champion.
