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| Matt Damon, Smiling at C's Victory or Lakers Erection? |
LOS ANGELES—Paul Pierce says the Boston Celtics had no reason to discuss their heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the NBA finals last summer before they returned to Staples Center on Sunday. With a spectacularly fluid performance on offense against the outclassed Lakers, Pierce and the Celtics showed some things just don't need to be said out loud. "It's another game, but it was definitely an emotional game, especially because we lost Game 7 here," said Pierce, who dueled down the second-half stretch with Bryant. "It feels good to come back in this building and get a win."
This is presumably going to be the talk of the office for most guys today. The Celts walking into LA, at basically full strength, and and spitting in Pau Gasol's eye (no offense you just look like someone who's been spit in the eye a few times).
Some of you'll undoubtedly feel tempted and swayed by loud mouth sports anchors that this exacted some measure of revenge for blowing game 7 of last years championship. I'm hear to warn you this would be the wrong approach to take, and could result in a lack of promotions and blacklisting if any of your bosses are actual sports fans and overhear such stupidity.
The fact that this is the first time I've really thought about or discussed the C's at length since that day (as it is for some of you I'm sure) should be enough to help gauge the meaningfulness of the two games.
Did it feel nice to see them walk in and get the victory, absolutely. They showed the desire and swagger I hoped for, but Pierce said it best "It's another game, but it was definitely an emotional game, especially because we lost Game 7 here." The fact is, it was a regular season game, and no regular season game can make up for the nearly unspeakable blown lead of last years championship game.
As much as the thought of Kobe angrily cursing out his teammates after the game comforted me when I went to sleep last night it's important to keep your exuberance in perspective. Remember two things: One, it's a still a long time until June, and two, no banners were raised and no rings were won after yesterdays game. We're not Jet's fans, lets all act like we understand the difference between the regular season and the championship today.
And someone get Matt Damon for an interview and ask him what he was smiling about, that's going to bother me all day.
