Well the Coach of da Bulls fractured his thumb. We'll that's that.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

San Antonio Spurs 108 Memphis Grizzlies 110 F/OT

In the closing seconds of overtime, Marc Gasol was able to drive down the lane into the paint and hit the game-winning floating jumper to give the Memphis Grizzlies the victory. Yet while Marc Gasol had a good game himself, scoring 16 points including the game-winning shot as well as grabbing 12 rebounds, it was Mike Conley Jr. who was the star of this game for the Grizzlies. He scored a franchise postseason record of 35 points which included a game-tying shot near the end of regulation. Memphis managed to send the game into overtime despite a herculean effort from the Spurs' Kawhi Leonard, who scored 43 points including seven 3-pointers as well as grabbing eight rebounds and making six steals. The Grizzlies also overcame their own foibles, blowing a 10-point lead with 7:38 left in regulation and committing 23 turnovers that San Antonio turned into 31 points.

The Spurs also kept this game close by going a perfect 17 for 17 from the free throw line. They also got help from Tony Parker, who scored 22 points while LaMarcus Aldridge added 13 points. Kawhi Leonard rallied the Spurs by scoring the last 16 points of regulation but missed a 21-footer short of the rim with James Ennis defending him just before the buzzer, thus sending the game into overtime. The overtime period became a battle between Kawhi Leonard and Mike Conley Jr. But the closing seconds of overtime saw the Spurs attempting to double team Conley, which allowd Marc Gasol to score the game-winning shot. In addition, Jamychal Green scored 14 points off the bench for Memphis while Vince Carter scored 13 points including three 3-pointers, and Zach Randolph scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds despite shooting 4 for 12 from the fiield. Pau Gasol scored eight points and grabbed 11 rebounds for San Antonio.

Series tied at 2-2.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Golden State Warriors 119 Portland Trail Blazers 113

The Golden State Warriors came into game 3 once again without Kevin Durant but also without their head coach Steve Kerr, who stayed at the team hotel due to an undisclosed illness. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers got back the servies of Jusuf Nurkic, who missed the final seven games of the regular season and the first two playoff games of this series because of a non-displaced fracture in his right leg. The Blazers came out on fire, jumping out to an early 17-9 lead which they extended in the second quarter, with Al-Farouq Aminu and Allen Crabbe showing spark after being largely quiet in the first two games. Crabbe's 3-pointer and a free throw put Portland up 49-33. Portland then went on a 14-5 run to extend their lead to 17 points.

But the Warriors would fight their way back. Golden State went on a 21-3 run in the third quarter to pull in front 85-83, capped by a pair of baskets from Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green. The game went back and forth in the early part of the fourth quarter, but the Warriors would pull away thanks to Stephen Curry, who scored 34 points including a 3-pointer with just about a minute left that all but sealed the victory. Klay Thompson scored 24 points, Andre Iguodala scored 16 points, JaVale McGee added 14 points, and Draymond green added nine points while also grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out seven assists, and blocking six shots. C.J. McCollum led the Blazers with 32 points while Damian Lillard added 31 points and seven rebounds. Evan Turner added 17 points while Al-Farouq Aminu added 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Golden State leads series 3-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Cleveland Cavaliers 106 Indiana Pacers 102

Once again, the king was holding court.

Lebron James wasseeking to not only close out this series but was also looking to reach a playoff milestone that has only been matched by the showtime Lakers trio of Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Michael Cooper in the 1980's of winning his 21st consectuive first round game. The Indiana Pacers wouold not make it easyt, though, as they hung in early on. But then the Cavs would pull away to a 13 point lead early in the fourth quarter before the Pacers made one more final run to take the lead with 1:31 remaining in the game.

But Lebron James would hit a 3-pointer that would put the Cavs back in the lead, and they would not relinquish it. Lebron finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving finished with 28 points while Deron Willimas added 14 points of the bench. Lance Stephenson led the Pacers with 22 points while Myles Turner added 20 points. However, Paul George was held to a series low 15 points. James' teams have eliminated the Pacers four times in six years and completed the first four-game sweep in Indiana's NBA history. The Cavs now await the winner of the Toronto-Mi8lwaukee series.

Cleveland wins series 4-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Houston Rockets 113 Oklahoma City Thunder 109

This series has been labeled as a battle between the MVP candidates, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, and for the first three games it has mostly lived up to that billing. Russell Westbrook has lived up to his spectacular play in the regular season by continuing it in the playoffs while James Harden has shown why he was the NBA's leading scorer. But while Westrbrook once again had a spectacular game, Harden struggled in this game, shooting just 5 for 16 from the floor and scoring just 16 points. But he was helped by his supporting cast this time around.

OKC would jump out to an early lead, with Westbrook having another triple double by halftime, scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists at the break. The Thunder opened the second half with a 10-2 run, but Houston closed to 77-73 at the end of the third quarter thanks to some spectacular play from Nene, who finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, shooting a perfect 12 for 12 from the floor. The Rockets would take the lead late in the fourth quarter but OKC would cut the deficit to four after Steven Adams made the first of two free throws with 21.7 seconds remaining. He rebounded his missed second free throw and found Westbrook for a 3-pointer that cut Houston's lead to one point. But the Thunder lost track of Nene on the other end, and he converted a three-point play that sealed the victory for the Rockets. Eric Gordon and Lou Williams each added 18 points for the Rockets while Trevor Ariza added 14 points. Russell Westbrook finished with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists. Steven Adams added 18 points while Victor Oladipo added 15 points and Andre Roberson added 13 points for OKC.

Houston leads series 3-1.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Boston Celtics 104 Chicago Bulls 95

With Rajon Rondo absent from their lineup, the Chicago Bulls had no answer for the Boston Celtics in game 3 and were trying to figure out what adjustments they needed to make to stop Isaiah Thomas. Meanwhile, the Celtics were hoping to use the momentum they got in game 3 to even up the series.

Early on, this game was a carbon copy of game 3, with the Celtics storming out to a 20 point lead in the second quarter before the Bulls managed to cut their deficit to 10 points by halftime. Chicago would come stampeding back in the third quarter to take a two point lead, led by Jimmy Butler who scored 33 points in this game as well as dishing out nine assists and grabbing five rebounds. But the Celtics would re-establish their dominance after that, with Isaiah Thomas answering the Bulls rally with back-to-back layups and scoring 10 points in a 12-0 run that gave the Celtics a 75-65 lead, and they withstood a push by the Bulls early in the fourth. Thomas would finish with 33 points and seven assists while Gerald Green added 18 points and seven rebounds, and Al Horford added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Nikola Mirotic and little-used point guard Isaiah Canaan each added 13 points for the Bulls, yet Dwyane Wade struggled in this game, scoring jsut 11 points of 5 for 12 shooting from the floor.

Series tied at 2-2.

Aside from watching my Warriors killin' it (get well soon Coach Kerr), I've been enjoying the Wizards vs. Hawks. John Wall...yeesh, that man is the truth. I would love to see them meet up with the Cavs and give them a hard time from the cake walk that they are used to in the East.

Kind of feel sorry for the Clippers. At least it sort of seemed like they could've had a chance at getting past the Jazz in round 1, now with Blake out (yet again) and for the rest of the post season, it's pretty much over for them.

Dang, the Bulls seemed to be on the way to an upset. So Rondo really was difference for them. Wow. The Celtics seem like they are back in for the kill. Hoping Jimmy B. & company can at least pull out another win. If so, this could stretch to a game 7, possibly.

Oh Russell Westbrook. Mr. Triple Double taking more L's from making poor decisions in closing time. Some things never change. Houston got it locked and deservingly so.

Can Kawhi Leonard get any better? He's a beast. Kudos to Memphis for giving it their all though. This match up has been pretty good. Perhaps a 7 game series here.

The best is yet to come.

[Edited 4/24/17 4:27am]

missfee said:

Oh Russell Westbrook. Mr. Triple Double taking more L's from making poor decisions in closing time. Some things never change. Houston got it locked and deservingly so.

Bad offense and bad coaching decisions killed OKC down the stretch. Houston has more than one cat who can make shots at winnin' time. I bet Westbrook misses Durant now.

uPtoWnNY said:

missfee said:

Oh Russell Westbrook. Mr. Triple Double taking more L's from making poor decisions in closing time. Some things never change. Houston got it locked and deservingly so.

Bad offense and bad coaching decisions killed OKC down the stretch. Houston has more than one cat who can make shots at winnin' time. I bet Westbrook misses Durant now.

Yeah, this too. Houston really made a mockery out of Andre Roberson at the free throw line. I didn't even notice that Houston's whole bench was clowning him while he was shooting. Cold blooded.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Los Angeles Clippers 98 Utah Jazz 105

The Los Angeles Clippers were able to defeat the Utah Jazz on their home court in game 3, but it cost them the services of Blake Griffin, who suffered a plantar plate injury to his right big toe and will be sidelined for the rest of this season. Meanwhile, Utah had problems of their own, as Gordon Heyward came into this game with an illness that required him to have IV fluids before tipoff. He would end up playing only nine minutes in this game. On the other hand, Rudy Gobert returned from his knee injury to play in this game.

This game went back and forth for the first three quarters, yet the Clippers would jump out to a seven point lead with 7:37 remaining in the fourth quarter. But Joe Johnson would take over for the Jazz, scoring 11 straight Jazz points during a critical stretch, including a pull-up jumper for a 91-90 lead with 3:55 remaining. The Clippers never led again after controlling the game for most of the night. Johnson finished with 28 points in the game while Rodney Hood added 18 points and Derrick Favors added 17 points and six rebounds. Rudy Gobert would score 15 points and grab 13 rebounds for the Jazz. Chris Paul led the Clippers with 27 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Jamal Crawford scored 25 points off the bench while DeAndre Jordan scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. J.J. Redick also scored 12 points for the Clippers, yet collectively they shot just 44 percent from the field.

Series tied at 2-2.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 5

Milwaukee Bucks 93 Toronto Raptors 118

The Toronto Raptors shuffled their lineup for this game, starting Norm Powell in this game to counter Milwaukee's defense and to add some offensive spark for the team. It paid off handsomely, as the Raptors would jump out to a 19 point lead in the second quarter. The Bucks would cut the lead to seven just before halftime, but Toronto would take off once again, never looking back as they would take this victory rather easily. All of Toronto's starters would finish with double digits in scoring, led by Norm Powell, who scored 25 points. Serge Ibaka scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds, DeMar DeRozan added 18 points, Kyle Lowry added 16 points and 10 assists, and DeMarre Carroll added 12 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points and nine rebounds while Michael Brogdon added 19 points. However, Greg Monroe and Khris Middleton both struggled in this game, scoring just 11 and eight points respectively. The Raptors can close out this series in Milwaukee in game 6.

Toronto leads series 3-2.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Washington Wizards 101 Atlanta Hawks 111

The Atlanta Hawks were able to win game 3 with the explosive scoring of Paul Milsap and Dennis Schroder. However, tonight would be a balanced attack, as seven Atlanta players would finish in double digits in scoring. The game would go back and forth, with the Wizards jumping out to an early lead only to have the Hawks come back to even the score. But the Hawks would pull away in the fourth quarter, sparked by Jose Calderon, who led a fast break with Tim Hardaway Jr. that would lead to a tip-in after Hardaway's missed layup. Paul Milsap and Dennis Schroder would seal the victor with some key buckets down the stretch. Milsap finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Schroder finished with 18 points. Dwight Howard, who was a non-factor through the first three games, had a double-double by halftime and finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Kent Bazemore added 16 points off the bench while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15 points for the Hawks. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points while John Wall added 22 points. Otto Porter Jr. and Bojan Bogdanovic each added 13 points for Washington.

Series tied at 2-2.

Warriors pulled out the golden brooms last night

missfee said:

Warriors pulled out the golden brooms last night

Without Durant, Cavs have a chance. But if he's completely healthy, Warriors win the Finals in 5.

uPtoWnNY said:

missfee said:

Warriors pulled out the golden brooms last night

Without Durant, Cavs have a chance. But if he's completely healthy, Warriors win the Finals in 5.

It would be a beautiful thing to see two completely different teams in the finals.

missfee said:

Aside from watching my Warriors killin' it (get well soon Coach Kerr), I've been enjoying the Wizards vs. Hawks. John Wall...yeesh, that man is the truth. I would love to see them meet up with the Cavs and give them a hard time from the cake walk that they are used to in the East.

Kind of feel sorry for the Clippers. At least it sort of seemed like they could've had a chance at getting past the Jazz in round 1, now with Blake out (yet again) and for the rest of the post season, it's pretty much over for them.

Dang, the Bulls seemed to be on the way to an upset. So Rondo really was difference for them. Wow. The Celtics seem like they are back in for the kill. Hoping Jimmy B. & company can at least pull out another win. If so, this could stretch to a game 7, possibly.

Oh Russell Westbrook. Mr. Triple Double taking more L's from making poor decisions in closing time. Some things never change. Houston got it locked and deservingly so.

Can Kawhi Leonard get any better? He's a beast. Kudos to Memphis for giving it their all though. This match up has been pretty good. Perhaps a 7 game series here.

The best is yet to come.

[Edited 4/24/17 4:27am]

This is what happens when your coach is the point-guard. The Bulls should be grateful that Rondo wants to comeback. Coach Fred Hoiberg is a fucking joke, he need to go. But Johny Pax's and the Bull owner would rather have a yes man coach on the payroll.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Golden State Warriors 128 Portland Trail Blazers 103

The Golden State Warriors once again had the services of Kevin Durant, and with him in the lineup the Warriors wasted no time in closing out this series. They scored the first 14 points of the game and were never even remotely threatened at losing their advantage, leading by 23 at the end of the first quarter and leading by as much as 33 points before cruising to victory. Stephen Curry scored 37 points in just 30 minutes of play while Draymond Green scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, Klay Thompson added 18 points, and Kevin Durant scored 10 points in 20 minutes of action. Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 34 points while Al-Farouq Aminu added 25 points. C.J. McCollum struggled in this game, scoring just six points on 2 for 12 shooting from the floor. THe Warriors now await the winner of the Clippers/Jazz series.

Golden State wins series 4-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 5

Oklahoma City Thunder 99 Houston Rockets 105

James Harden and the Houston Rockets were looking to close out this series with a bang, but in order to do that they would have to withstand another furious push from Russell Westbrook. OKC would once again jump out to an early lead, but Houston would come rallying back to take a 51-44 lead into halftime. The Rockets would extend their lead to 11 points midway through the third quarter but the Thunder would roll ahead, using a 12-3 run with seven points from Westbrook to get within two with about 5 minutes remaining in the quarter. Houston's offense went cold in that span with its only points coming on free throws by Harden. Five straight points by the Thunder a couple of minutes later, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Westbrook, gave the Thunder a 69-68 lead.

But tHe Rockets would launch their comeback in the fourth quarter. Houston used a 10-2 run to take an 86-81 lead with about 9 minutes remaining in the game, sparked by Lou Williams, who made the last eight points in that stretch, making three free throws to start it and capping it with a 3-pointer from way behind the line. Williams would finish with 22 points. Westbrook would singlehandedly try to keep OKC in the game, but after scoring 20 of his game high 47 points in the third quarter, he made just 2 of 11 shots in the fourth. Nevertheless, OKC would cut the Rockets lead to just four in the final seconds, but James Harden would seal the game and series victory from the free throw line. Harden finished with 34 points while Patrick Beverley added 15 points and Nene added 14 points for the Rockets. Russell Westbrook finished with 47 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Jerami Grant and Alex Abrines each added 11 points while Victor Oladipo and Taj Gibson each added 10 points for OKC. The Rockets now await the winner of Spurs/Grizzlies series.

Houston wins series 4-1.

TD3 said:

missfee said:

Aside from watching my Warriors killin' it (get well soon Coach Kerr), I've been enjoying the Wizards vs. Hawks. John Wall...yeesh, that man is the truth. I would love to see them meet up with the Cavs and give them a hard time from the cake walk that they are used to in the East.

Kind of feel sorry for the Clippers. At least it sort of seemed like they could've had a chance at getting past the Jazz in round 1, now with Blake out (yet again) and for the rest of the post season, it's pretty much over for them.

Dang, the Bulls seemed to be on the way to an upset. So Rondo really was difference for them. Wow. The Celtics seem like they are back in for the kill. Hoping Jimmy B. & company can at least pull out another win. If so, this could stretch to a game 7, possibly.

Oh Russell Westbrook. Mr. Triple Double taking more L's from making poor decisions in closing time. Some things never change. Houston got it locked and deservingly so.

Can Kawhi Leonard get any better? He's a beast. Kudos to Memphis for giving it their all though. This match up has been pretty good. Perhaps a 7 game series here.

The best is yet to come.

[Edited 4/24/17 4:27am]

This is what happens when your coach is the point-guard. The Bulls should be grateful that Rondo wants to comeback. Coach Fred Hoiberg is a fucking joke, he need to go. But Johny Pax's and the Bull owner would rather have a yes man coach on the payroll.

Chicago had a good coach in Tom Thibodeau but when Chicago had injury issues all of a sudden

he couldn't coach. Some of yall Bulls fans wanted change. Well you got change Fred Hoiberg. He makes Nate McMillan look like a genius.

So basically it'll be Golden State vs. San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals.

missfee said:

So basically it'll be Golden State vs. San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals.

Bite your tongue!

728huey said:

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 5

Oklahoma City Thunder 99 Houston Rockets 105

James Harden and the Houston Rockets were looking to close out this series with a bang, but in order to do that they would have to withstand another furious push from Russell Westbrook. OKC would once again jump out to an early lead, but Houston would come rallying back to take a 51-44 lead into halftime. The Rockets would extend their lead to 11 points midway through the third quarter but the Thunder would roll ahead, using a 12-3 run with seven points from Westbrook to get within two with about 5 minutes remaining in the quarter. Houston's offense went cold in that span with its only points coming on free throws by Harden. Five straight points by the Thunder a couple of minutes later, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Westbrook, gave the Thunder a 69-68 lead.

But tHe Rockets would launch their comeback in the fourth quarter. Houston used a 10-2 run to take an 86-81 lead with about 9 minutes remaining in the game, sparked by Lou Williams, who made the last eight points in that stretch, making three free throws to start it and capping it with a 3-pointer from way behind the line. Williams would finish with 22 points. Westbrook would singlehandedly try to keep OKC in the game, but after scoring 20 of his game high 47 points in the third quarter, he made just 2 of 11 shots in the fourth. Nevertheless, OKC would cut the Rockets lead to just four in the final seconds, but James Harden would seal the game and series victory from the free throw line. Harden finished with 34 points while Patrick Beverley added 15 points and Nene added 14 points for the Rockets. Russell Westbrook finished with 47 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Jerami Grant and Alex Abrines each added 11 points while Victor Oladipo and Taj Gibson each added 10 points for OKC. The Rockets now await the winner of Spurs/Grizzlies series.

Houston wins series 4-1.

I want to thank you for the tremendous updates you post! For a long time, I thought you were just cutting and pasting but then I realized you write these yourself and I was blown away!

Thank you for the impressive effort you put into the NBA playoffs!

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Washington Wizards 101 Atlanta Hawks 111

The Atlanta Hawks were able to win game 3 with the explosive scoring of Paul Milsap and Dennis Schroder. However, tonight would be a balanced attack, as seven Atlanta players would finish in double digits in scoring. The game would go back and forth, with the Wizards jumping out to an early lead only to have the Hawks come back to even the score. But the Hawks would pull away in the fourth quarter, sparked by Jose Calderon, who led a fast break with Tim Hardaway Jr. that would lead to a tip-in after Hardaway's missed layup. Paul Milsap and Dennis Schroder would seal the victor with some key buckets down the stretch. Milsap finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Schroder finished with 18 points. Dwight Howard, who was a non-factor through the first three games, had a double-double by halftime and finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Kent Bazemore added 16 points off the bench while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15 points for the Hawks. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points while John Wall added 22 points. Otto Porter Jr. and Bojan Bogdanovic each added 13 points for Washington.

Series tied at 2-2.

I'm rooting for Atlanta to win as many games as possible for the sole reason that I get to see my last name spelled correctly - for once!

Ever since Rick Schroder fell off the acting train, our last name has been absent from just about everywhere.

RodeoSchro said:

missfee said:

So basically it'll be Golden State vs. San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals.

Bite your tongue!

Hey, I'm all for the Rockets being in the WCF over the Spurs...it surely would be the unexpected welcome. I'm glad they sent OKC packing (as expected), despite Houston not even playing well. I'm just not so sure they can upset the Spurs....but we shall see.

RodeoSchro said:

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Washington Wizards 101 Atlanta Hawks 111

The Atlanta Hawks were able to win game 3 with the explosive scoring of Paul Milsap and Dennis Schroder. However, tonight would be a balanced attack, as seven Atlanta players would finish in double digits in scoring. The game would go back and forth, with the Wizards jumping out to an early lead only to have the Hawks come back to even the score. But the Hawks would pull away in the fourth quarter, sparked by Jose Calderon, who led a fast break with Tim Hardaway Jr. that would lead to a tip-in after Hardaway's missed layup. Paul Milsap and Dennis Schroder would seal the victor with some key buckets down the stretch. Milsap finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Schroder finished with 18 points. Dwight Howard, who was a non-factor through the first three games, had a double-double by halftime and finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Kent Bazemore added 16 points off the bench while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15 points for the Hawks. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points while John Wall added 22 points. Otto Porter Jr. and Bojan Bogdanovic each added 13 points for Washington.

Series tied at 2-2.

I'm rooting for Atlanta to win as many games as possible for the sole reason that I get to see my last name spelled correctly - for once!

Ever since Rick Schroder fell off the acting train, our last name has been absent from just about everywhere.

Washington is the better team, but if they don't bother showing up in game 5, it's a wrap.

Celtics are the whites man's team.

2freaky4church1 said:

Celtics are the whites man's team.

J.A. Adande had a great article on that very subject in 2007.

namepeace said:

2freaky4church1 said:

Celtics are the whites man's team.

J.A. Adande had a great article on that very subject in 2007.

A lot of it has to do with the city of Boston, which has a long checkered past when it comes to race. Bill Russell dealt with it (when the Celtics fielded an all-black starting five, the wonderful folks in Boston said the team was "too black"), and then you had the busing issue in the 1970s, which got very ugly. Many black folks perceive Boston as a city hostile to them. Back in the day, all the brothas & sistas I knew who lived there rooted for the Lakers. The Celtics were looked at as a "white man's team". They hated Bird, the Celtics and the Red Sox (the last MLB team to integrate).

Thing was, Larry Bird wanted no part of the "great white hope" crap the media and fans tried to put on him. It made him uncomfortable talking about it (the Magic & Larry special goes into this). All he wanted to do was whip your ass on the court. Dude always gave black ballplayers their due. I hated him because he was a Celtic and always killed my Knicks, but he had my respect as a baller and as a man.

[Edited 4/26/17 15:54pm]

uPtoWnNY said:

namepeace said:

J.A. Adande had a great article on that very subject in 2007.

A lot of it has to do with the city of Boston, which has a long checkered past when it comes to race. Bill Russell dealt with it (when the Celtics fielded an all-black starting five, the wonderful folks in Boston said the team was "too black"), and then you had the busing issue in the 1970s, which got very ugly. Many black folks perceive Boston as a city hostile to them. Back in the day, all the brothas & sistas I knew who lived there rooted for the Lakers. The Celtics were looked at as a "white man's team". They hated Bird, the Celtics and the Red Sox (the last MLB team to integrate).

Thing was, Larry Bird wanted no part of the "great white hope" crap the media and fans tried to put on him. It made him uncomfortable talking about it (the Magic & Larry special goes into this). All he wanted to do was whip your ass on the court. Dude always gave black ballplayers their due. I hated him because he was a Celtic and always killed my Knicks, but he had my respect as a baller and as a man.

[Edited 4/26/17 15:54pm]

I live in Boston, which is still heavily segregated and can be racist as fuck.

But you're right about Bird, and I feel the same way for him.

2freaky4church1 said:

Celtics are the whites man's team.

My dad, who is Black, rooted for the Celtics during the 80s because KC Jones was the coach.