This addition of the big three have had a taste of making it to that championship throne. Even without Perk, they came minutes away from a refill. This 2012 playoff edition may just be the final go around for the green. Similar to the previous couple of years, there are questions and doubts about whether or not this team even has fumes to run on (never mind gas).

Even though Ed Lecerte may have to roll these guys out in wheel chairs, I believe that there is still some fight left in them. Drinking and cleansing themselves with champagne must be a feeling that is like no other for these players. There are two things the guys are very clear on; how hard is to even make it to the finals, and how sweet it is if you’re the team holding the trophy.

These guys are getting closer and closer to retirement. For some strange reason, I have more confidence in this team winning it all this go around than in previous years.

This is it. The final curtain call. Atlanta doesn’t scare me. D-Rose back problems may present more of a problem than people think. Miami can’t find a way to beat us even on their home court.

Other reasons for optimism; Avery Bradley is an absolute stud. I love how well he moves without the ball. Not only is he a lock down defender, but his ability to knock down that three point shot really spreads the defense out. Bass is not only a solid defender but he can be a beast taking it to the hole. Speaking of solid defenders, who would have guessed how effective Stiemsma is in blocking shots.

Then there is Red Bull Rondo. He is a walking triple double, who is the best point guard in the league. That’s right, I said it.

The stage is set and the fat lady hasn’t even warmed up yet. I am anticipating a couple of bows when it is all said and done. Any thing is poooooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiibbbbbbbbbbbbbbllllleeeee!

I refuse to sugar coat it or try and put a positive spin on it. Friday night’s loss bothered me.  I looked forward to the game all day long.  A few buddies came over. We all sat back, put our feet up and cracked open a few cold beverages, anticipating a good game.   The absence of Kevin Durant was disappointing but we all expected that the show would go on, right? Wrong! For three plus quarters Boston let Russell Westbrook and company score at will.  We were all yelling at the TV for someone – anyone to get him – stick him.   It was frustrating watching one player single handedly be a team who prides itself on defense?  Westbrook didn’t do anything spectacular.  He had a hot hand and very weak defense in front of him.

How many times did you find yourself either thinking or saying to someone else " Celtics should have a double digit lead at this point!"

The TD Garden crowd didn’t help matters. The ESPN announcers criticized the home crowd several times.  The kids are making noise and trying to get themselves on the gumbo tran.  What are the adults doing, Twittering on their phones?  The camera actually showed a fan yawning.  Is it too much to ask to show atleast a little interest?

 Second of all, just because KD takes the night off does not give the Celtics the right to do the same on the defensive end.  Playing solid d takes effort, and for most of the game C’s did not give much. I don’t expect Boston to win all 41 games at home nor do I expect them to get the number one seed in the East. However, what I do expect 100% effort on both ends of the court regardless of who the opposition is – no matter what day of the week the game is on. 

By the end of the game we were doing shots…

Who is David Stern trying to kid?  As difficult as it may seem at times, it is important to not take things personally in the work place.  Apparently the commissioner didnt get the memo.  These ‘new rules’ are to settle personal vendettas with certain players.So much for David and his officials using common sense and being consistency.   These ‘new rules’ on technical fouls may not be for just the Celtics, but they CERTAINLY are not going to be used for the entire league. 

In addition,  the "super stars" have been, are and will continue to be the exception to the rule.  Exhibit A: Amare Stoudemire’s reaction during the preseason game vs Boston clearly should have earned him a technical.  But because he is a super star playing in front of his new home crowd, nothing was done.  He clearly broke these new rules but did not get penalized.  Danilo Gallinari even put his hand on the ref to dispute a call.  Kevin Garnett did absolutely nothing to earn himself an ejection.  The ejection was so comical that  Mike D'Antoni was laughing.

Again, the refs did nothing about Stoudemire and Gallinari but were all over the green..Tommy Heinsohn’s reaction was right on the money this time: ‘THIS IS STUPID’! I rarely side with Tommy.  Usually I just tune him out.  But this time I was over come with laughter. 

There is no consistency here! Even through my green tinted glasses I can see that the Celtics need to calm down and stop complaining to the officials. Kevin and company do need to keep their mouths shut – no doubt about it!

But so does players like Amoure Stoudemire.   If I had to make an educated guess of how many players break these new rules, I would say atleast 75%.  Imagine if the refs actually were consistant with these rules.  If you think it's bad now, huh!  I can just see it now, game #1 against the Heat.  Players on both teams will break these new rules, even LeQueen.  But I would be shocked if he got teed up or even tossed.

David Stern wants certain players to be focused on – not the entire league. This is about power and insecurity.  Again,  he and his boys in stripes have a personal vendettas against certain players.   Officials are also petrified of losing control of games as well as being shown up.  The commissioner is trying to make his officials less part of the show. But the exact opposite is happening. Emotion is a component that makes the NBA so entertaining to watch.  But David does not agree.   Mr. Stern is out of touch with the players and fans of his league and his officials are clueless.

For those of you who think this is just a wrinkle that will be ironed out during the regular season, think again. 

At the beginning of his illustrious career he was the youngest announcer working in the NBA.  He has broadcasted games in multiple sports, levels and media. In 1999, he earned himself an Emmy for his work in the NCAA College Hockey tournament. Last December Mr. Sean Grande broadcasted his 1000 NBA game.  It goes without saying that people don’t stick around for this long if they aren’t good.  As if all of these accomplishments weren’t impressive enough, Sean Grande has also made a cameo appearance in a major motion picture. 

Sean has been the voice of the Celtics since 2001.   He has covered both sides of the win and loss spectrum. Sean was on the air waves covering the longest losing streak in team history as well as the 17 championship.  He is insightful, charismatic, sincere and honest.  He adds just the right amount of emotion, sarcasm and witness at just the right times. He is always well prepared.  The speech he gave during the closing seconds leading up to the 17 championship was priceless. 

There were a few games when Max was not available and Sean was on his own on the air.  He worked the games with ease and grace.  Even when Max does work a game, Sean is the one who reads the ads from sponsors. To have both the confidence and ability to hold the audience's attention for that time span by himself speaks volumes to what this man is capable of.   

Sean reminds me of the late and great Johnny Most.  Sean's style, personality and approach as a play by play announcer is totally different than what Johnny's was. However, like Johnny used to, Sean presents each game as if it were an event.   Not just any event, either.  He sincerely genuinely understands and appreciates how distinct this franchise is from the others.  Most important, while Sean does not see the world through green tainted glasses, he respects the fact that most of his listeners and fans do. I was lucky enough as a kid to be able to listen to Johnny Most.  He made listening to the games and following the team feel like a civic duty. Again, we are talking about two totally different styles, personalities and eras, but very similar greatness. 

It's been a long time since I have turned down the volume on the television to listen to the Celtics broadcast on the radio. Ever since Sean has come to Boston, I have started doing this again.  The television broadcast does have a few second delay, which makes it challenging to follow the game in this manner.  But its still worth it.

 I strongly believe that Sean Grande belongs in the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

 Any thoughts?

Red would turn over in his grave if this were to happen  Never in my wildest nightmares did I ever think it would ever become reality. For decades it has been an honor to be able to say that I am a fan of the most successful franchise in NBA history.  ESPN has always favorited the Lakers and I don't even want to consider would cover the Lakers taking the lead in titles.  

While Boston may still lead the Lakers in this department, their lead is as thin as ever.  If Los Angeles does end up surpassing Boston in championships won, I’m gonna head to the Tobin Bridge.   LA is once again the favorites to win it all this season.   If nobody can stop them, then we are all tied up at 17. 

So CelticsNation, lets all hope and pray to the basketball gods that this does not happen in our life times.