The Celtic Pride…....

“If you dedicate yourself to doing it… They will come… You may have to put your arms around a couple of guys and take them with you but you can’t drag them, you just put your arms around them and take them with you”… a proud Bill Russell said to Kevin Garnett. It wasn’t a traditional passing of the torch it was like a father talking to his son as Russell told KG how proud he was of him in an emotional one on one talk.

Kevin Garnett has been struggling this season after being injured playing only 69 out of the 82 season games. The Celtics finished the season with a respectable 50-32 record placing fourth in the East but they were not suppose to go beyond the first round, they were old, they were undersize, They are no match for Dwayne Wade’s Miami Heat, Lebron James and the Cavaliers will crush them.. But they continue to defy all odds and prove everyone wrong. Everybody doubted them but they never entertained that thought they carry with them a sense of confidence a fighting heart and a resilient mind, no team, no man can break that sense of pride. Cleveland was NBA’s number one team they have the season’s MVP, Lebron James, it was a championship team but somehow the Celtics are not sold to that idea. They are the more experienced team and right after tip-off it was all business for the Celtics.
KG was holding his team up giving high fives, bumping bodies, inspiring everyone and playing defense. “Winning is gratifying,” Garnett said. “You’re playing the best team in basketball; the challenge is there; you don’t have to dress it up. One thing we don’t lack is confidence. We’re a veteran team and we understand when it’s time to lock in as a group. I think we did just that. I think the experience is taking over.”

Kevin Garnett stayed in the locker room looking very intently on his number 5 Celtics jersey… The words of Russell played on his mind over and over again… KG glances at his jersey for a few seconds before nodding and wearing it up… moments later they will play against the much bigger and faster Orlando Magic but not an ounce of doubt that goes on KG’s mind… That’s the enchantment in wearing a Celtics jersey… It’s not about the cotton or embroidered names and numbers it’s about the tradition that every Celtic player upholds… The Celtic pride.