Celtics-Lakers: A Dream Come True

It began a little after midnight last night as I watched the final seconds tick off the clock in Auburn Hills as the Celtics had finished off a great veteran Detroit Pistons team on their floor.

Can it really be? I must have drifted off into a dream.

The Celtics are back in the NBA Finals after 21 years. They will be playing the Los Angeles Lakers.

Regardless of your allegiance, it doesn't get any better than this: East Coast-West Coast.... Kobe-Pierce......Nicholson-Marky Mark.......Phil Jackson-Red Auerbach.....Bird-Magic.......McHale-Rambis.......Russell-Chamberlain.....Johnny Most-Chick Hearn........Showtime-Grittime.......Hollywood-Beantown.........Henderson stole the ball-Magic hits the babyhook.....The Forum-The Garden....Cousy-West........

One of the greatest pro sports rivalries is about to begin again. It has been 21 years since they last met in the finals.

The two greatest franchises in the history of the NBA, 30 Championships between them (Celtics 16, Lakers 14) out of 61 total!!!!

A match-up for the ages. It is the past vs. the present. It is riveting drama. The die-hard fans screaming in unison in a deafening roar "DEFENSE, DEFENSE", "BEAT LA, BEAT LA.”

I have goosebumps just thinking about it. The roots run deep. No matter how old you are, it brings out the little kid in you.

You sit on the edge of your seat. Maybe changing where and how you sit in belief that your individual actions have a direct impact on the luck of your team and the games' result.

We experience wild swings in emotion, our hearts race, our palms sweat, and we almost cannot take the pressure during crunch-time as we are glued to the television set.

If you are lucky enough to have a ticket to a game, treasure it. Put your cell phones away, stop your texting, and stay out of the concession stands and bathrooms as much as you can while the games are in progress.

You will not want to miss a second of action. Be active and participate in cheering your team on. Let the 10-year-old kid come out in you again and have fun! You make a difference, and you make it special.

The teams are pretty evenly matched. Early previews give the edge to LA.

The Lakers are playing better, more rested, younger, deeper, and have one of the all-time greats in Kobe Bryant.

Their offense is considered unstoppable right now, and they just disposed of the great San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan in only five games. They are on a roll.

The Celtics had the best record in the NBA, the best road record in the NBA, and boast a new version of the Big Three—Paul Pierce a/k/a "The Truth,” Kevin Garnett a/k/a "KG-The Big Ticket" and Ray Allen one of the best shooters of all time.

They were the best defensive team in the NBA this year as well. They've had their issues on the road in the playoffs and had to go seven vs. Atlanta and Cleveland. Ray Allen has slumped.

Now, they've been rejuvenated. Beating a tough talented veteran Detroit Pistons’ squad in six, finishing them off on the road. Ray Allen has found his sweet stroke again.

Those of us that have watched this rivalry unfold know better than to put too much stock into previews and predictions. Throw them all out the window.

Once the ball goes up in game one, each possession, quarter, game, and the entire series takes on a life of its own. Wild swings in momentum and new story-lines emerge.

You wish that late announcers Johnny Most and Chick Hearn were here to announce these games because they were truly special to listen too.

If you are a Boston fan, you think back to seeing Red Auerbach light up the victory cigars. Their memories and the special memories each of us have all come flooding back to life. 

Last night, there was Boston Celtic Captain Paul Pierce chanting "Beat LA,” and "bring it on." Pierce grew up in LA, a big Lakers’ fan.

The Lakers-Celtics games were a big reason why he started playing basketball. Growing up hating the Celtics, now their captain propelling them to the Finals and a match-up against his childhood team.

The Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers are playing each other in the NBA Finals.

It is special, magical, and to be treasured. It is the reason that sports matter. It is why we watch.  

Please don't wake me from this dream.