Was it just the “same old Celtics” in their loss to the Warriors?
The Boston Celtics blew a late lead to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night and ultimately lost in overtime. On Wednesday’s Felger and Mazz, Mazz gave his thoughts on the loss and how it felt like the same old Celtics in the loss.
Was it just the “Same Old Celtics” in the loss to the Warriors?
Mazz: So going into last night, going to that game, I thought it was an important game. Not because Golden State is anything great anymore, I think that Golden State has slipped. In fact, I think Golden State is in a borderline state of ruin. And I thought it was an opportunity for the Celtics to go out there, even though Golden State had won a couple in a row, to go out there step on Golden State’s throat, let them know this is our league now. Mike, we actually touched on this briefly at the end of last week so I don’t know if you heard this or not, but with the Draymond Green thing, I have this feeling that the Warriors have basically come undone. Andrew Wiggins is a shell of himself compared to what he was two years ago. Klay Thompson’s played poorly and he’s in a contract dispute with the team. The Warriors, in my opinion, are over. They’re over! And I think last night, the Celtics helped revitalize them and breathe some air back into them. And I’m not telling you I fear Golden State, because I don’t. That team wants to fall apart. This was an opportunity to go out there, grab them by the throat, and not just say, we think we’re going to win the championship this year, but to say this is going to be our league for the next five, maybe ten years. I feel like there’s now a void at the top of the league where the Celtics can really step on other teams and say, “we’re the team to beat. We’re the next dynasty in the league”. I feel like they’re in a place to do that. And same old, same old. Same old, same old. They play Golden State’s game, they lapse into it, they have a 17 point lead, they chuck up a ton of threes that contribute to Golden State getting back in the game, and then what happens? Steph Curry, and I say pulls one out his ass but he doesn’t really, because he’s capable of that kind of play. You let them hang around…that guy will win the game. They have a winner. They have a closer. They have a guy who knows when another team has been dicking around. And when he can just stab you in the chest with a dagger. And that’s what he did. But make no mistake, the Celtics opened the door for it by being the same Celtics team they’ve been for years now.
Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony “Mazz” Massarotti, and Jim Murray “Big Jim”. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!
The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, donned in their iconic emerald green and pristine white, have been graced by legendary players whose names resonate through the revered halls of the TD Garden, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball. Proudly displayed alongside the 17 NBA championship banners are the numbers and names of 24 transcendent figures, forever enshrined as immortal legends in the heart of Boston.
One of the latest additions to the pantheon of Celtics greats is Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. In March 2022, the arena erupted with thunderous cheers as his jersey ascended to the rafters, solidifying his place in the Celtics’ lore. Garnett’s impact on the team extended far beyond his awe-inspiring talent, as he earned the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year in the 2007-08 season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Kevin Garnett raises the number retirement banner with his daughters Kavalli and Kapri during his number retirement ceremony following the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The pinnacle of Garnett’s journey with the Celtics arrived in the same season when they clinched the 2008 NBA championship, etching their names into the annals of history once again. Such triumphs are woven into the very essence of the Celtics’ existence, a testament to their ability to cultivate legends and celebrate greatness.
Beyond the confines of basketball, the Celtics embody tradition, excellence, and perseverance. With an impressive collection of 17 NBA titles, they proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with their fierce rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the pantheon of championship triumphs. Boasting an astounding 22 appearances in the NBA Finals, the Celtics’ indomitable spirit continues to shine brightly.
Yet, achieving this legendary status was no fleeting feat. The foundation of their dynasty lies in the players who have proudly donned the green and white, each contributing their unique talents to the team’s ongoing success. The Celtics’ pull for greatness is evident in the staggering 41 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame who have either played or coached for the team. This magnetism is further exemplified by the tradition of retiring 24 numbers, the highest honor bestowed upon players in North American professional sports.
We embark on a journey through the long list of Celtics legends, their numbers and names forever gracing the rafters of the TD Garden, among the championship banners, serving as an enduring tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Boston Celtics.
