| Protecting Red's Legacy Authored by Randolph Charlotin - June 2, 2009 - 12:38 pm
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“You have defeated me. The pupil has finally surpassed his teacher,” says the green-clad sensei with long white hair and beard. “It is your destiny to slay the leader of the Purple Serpent Clan and his followers. Protect our legacy and do not leave any survivors.”
This is the message from the Boston Celtics to the Orlando Magic as the 2009 Eastern Conference Champions prepare to take on the Los Angles Lakers for the NBA Championship.
Boston is concerned about their shrinking lead in NBA Championships. The Celtics had been sitting at 16 since 1986. Between the 16th and last year’s title number 17, the Lakers won five championships and L.A. is now just three behind Boston. The Celtics do not want their lead to shrink any further.
But at greater risk is the unofficial title of greatest coach of all time. Celtics Legend Red Auerbach coached Boston to nine championships between 1956 and 1966. Current Lakers coach Phil Jackson has an equal number of titles under his belt between his six with the Chicago Bulls and three with LA.
The thought of Red being second to anyone offends Celtic Nation. But for Auerbach to be passed by a coach of the rival Lakers induces violent sickness.
Boston looked up to the task of stopping the Black Mamba (the self-monikered Kobe Bryant) and his Clan for a second consecutive time, but injuries to spiritual leader Kevin Garnett and the hard-working Leon Powe crippled the team.
The Celts fought on, without making excuses. Forever stubborn, the team dug deep into their Celtic Pride and gutted out a seven-game series win over the Running Bulls Clan.
But Orlando proved to be too much for Boston. The Magic perfected their arts in games 6 and 7, and the injured Celtics finally fell.
In defeat, Boston left a two-word challenge to whoever emerged from the East: Beat L.A.
That team was the Magic, as the Cavaliers lacked the combat skills only their leader had.
Cleveland didn’t remember: Only when all contribute their firewood can they build up a strong fire.
Boston hopes Orlando learned from their seven-game battle and effectively use all weapons in combat against the Purple Serpent Clan. A heavy dose of hand-to-hand combat from the powerful Dwight Howard can wear down the deep Lakers. Efficient use of daggers by eagle-eyed Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and others can keep L.A. at bay while still being aggressive. And a combined effort to keep the Black Mamba cornered can limit his damage.
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.
The biggest lesson the Celtics hope the Magic learned is mental toughness. Orlando lacked it the past two years when their previous trips to the playoffs came to an end quickly – a first round exit in 2007 and a 4-1 second round drubbing in 2008. The experiences put the bitter taste of defeat in Orlando’s mouth. So when they smelled defeat this time, the Magic showed the guile needed to win in a dire situation as well as how to put away a staggered foe.
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.
Orlando feels steeled for the final battle, but nothing can prepare the Magic for the intensity of the NBA Finals. Orlando enters the series confident because they swept the season series 2-0. If the regular season is a precursor like the last two series (3-1 against Cleveland before a 4-2 win; 2-2 against Boston before edging the Celtics in a come from behind 4-3 victory), then the Orlando Magic will defeat the Purple Serpent Clan, win the title, and protect Boston’s legacy.
In the meantime, the Celtics will heal. They have every intention to add to their legacy next year.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
You may read more by Randolph Charlotin by visiting his blog at RandolphC.com.. He can be reached at talktome@randolphc.com. |
