Game 7

I'm rather proud that I never cried. 

Apart from that, I can't speak very highly of myself. I went without shaving or showering for days. As far as I know, I also went without smiling. My brain kept replaying times when things could have gone differently and didn't, ways the outcome could have been avoided. I listened to sad depressing music, and spent much too much time on the internet, drowning my sorrows in message boards.

People who loved me kept calling and texting to make sure I was ok. I appreciated their concern. But I hated them for not having to feel the same kind of pain that I was feeling. THEY DIDN'T KNOW HOW I FELT. 

This was by far worse than any break up in human history. Jennifer and Brad, Sandra and Jesse, Tony and Eva, Tiger and Elie, your heartbreak was nothing compared to mine. Yours were mere break ups. Mine was Game 7. 

An NBA season lasts longer than most relationships, so how can I be judged for feeling more upset about this loss than any girl? I spent October through June living and dying with this team. They were my family. Every few days, we communicated. We shared each others hopes and goals. We shared each others joy and pain, up and downs. When the players celebrated, yelled in triumph, suffered injuries, or lost games, I exalted, shouted, hurt, and lost.

I was never trained for this as a young sports fan. Cheering for the Connecticut Huskies and the Chicago Cubs, the lack of anything in between put me in a strange sports position: My teams were either so dominant that they won the championship, or so bad that they trained me to never really give myself up. But then, in '08, I fell in love.

The arrival of Garnett and Allen and the championship that followed stole my heart. A magical season, followed by a magical postseason, and topped only by four truly magical wins in the NBA finals. A lovable team full of lovable players who came through and were able to yell "Anything is possibuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuull" at the end? Amazing. I was smitten. 

I suffered through '09, but the blow of losing in the playoffs was softened by the certainty that Boston would have advanced if it hadn't been for the injury to Garnett. His return, and a gutsy, underdog performance in the playoffs that sparked the Celtics into the Finals in 2010 had me convinced that Boston was on their way to another championship. 

Don't get me wrong, I was terrified that they would lose. I imagined that if they lost, it would cause me unendurable pain, that it would eat at me every day. But after Kendrick Perkins went down, the Celtics blew a 3-2 series lead, a 13 point Game 7 lead, and finally walked off the court heads down as the Lakers celebrated, I felt something else entirely. I was filled with a terrible nothing. The same full, happy feeling that I KNEW, I had experienced two years ago, the feeling that I knew every Lakers fan was experiencing, it wasn't mine. And I knew it. I couldn't stop thinking about it. There was no next year for me, then. There was just last year, and how close we had come. Worse, there was the team and the fans I hated more than any other, all over Sportscenter, celebrating, planning parades, posting their own analysis, and generally being evil. 

A few days after Game 7, I was getting ready to go play pickup basketball, and I was searching my room for a shirt to wear. I grabbed a gray one sitting on my floor and turned it around to see my favorite Celtics 2008 Champions t-shirt. I looked at it for a minute, then pulled it over my head, admired myself in the mirror and walked proudly into the gym. The Celtics could lose every Game 7 for the rest of my life, but there were plenty of things I'd still have. I'd still have the 20 point come from behind, in which Ray Allen still made Sasha Vujacic cry like a little girl by blowing by him from the game winner. I'd still have Paul Pierce, hopping out of the tunnel after being injured in Game 1 to save the day. I'd still have the clinching game. I'd still have 131-92, and the Lakers wandering off the court, looking as dazed as a fighter who just caught a haymaker. I'd still have Garnett, completely incomprehensible, and crying, laughing, yelling, no one could tell exactly what. I'd still have Leon Powe catching Garnett as he swayed, repeating "I got you, I got you". I'd still have Pierce being handed the MVP trophy and raising it to the heavens with a yell, watching the city he had won over scream in delight. I'd still have this t-shirt. And I would always have '08.

For some people, this whole column probably seems over dramatic and silly. To them, sports don't mean much. The rollercoaster of emotions might seem ridiculous; that people live and die over the outcome of a bunch of overpaid men running up and down a wood floor for 48 minutes is not only ludicrous, but dangerously irresponsible in comparison to world and social issues. And maybe they have a point.

These are people who have never felt the true agony of seeing their favorite team lose. But they also have never felt the satisfied joy of victory of seeing their team win.

I pity these people.

Shaq Finds a Home

The word "home" is defined as somewhere where one resides, but more specifically where one feels comfortable and relaxed, or welcomed. When a star player doesn't have a specific home, it's often because that player is considered particularly prickly and unfriendly by his fans and peers. But that's never been the case with Shaquille O'Neal.

It has been pointed out before that perhaps Shaq finds everything else associated with his stardom more fun than actually playing basketball.

It was more fun to make appearances at professional wrestling events, to freestyle rap and ask Kobe "how his ass taste", to play a genie in a truly awful movie, even to discuss his post-career plans to be in law enforcement. Actual games meant opponents playing hack-a-Shaq for 48 minutes, hitting him hard to prevent his thunderous dunks, humiliating him by sending him to the free throw line where, no matter how hard he worked, he was never able to improve. It meant absorbing constant criticism and trying to perform to higher expectations than most of us will ever face in our entire lives.

Orlando expected him to be a savior, but lined him up with Penny Hardaway, an overrated point guard prone to injuries, and virtually no other help, before chasing him out of town, without a title. Los Angeles fans still boo him despite the three rings they won with him as the most dominant player, disappointed with his ugly divorce from Kobe. Miami fans don't boo, for the most part, but their last title occurred when the team had Shaq down low as their second best player (and best player for the regular season); their response seems cooler than one would expect. Phoenix despised him, not only for slowing down their up-tempo, fun style of play, but also for guaranteeing a championship and never coming very close to delivering. Cleveland is impervious to him. They lost their own superstar last season. Shaq's leaving didn't even leave a ripple in an already boiling pot of hatred aimed at Lebron.

During the off season, doubts began to emerge. Could he still perform at a high level? Would anybody want a 39 year old who was visibly getting slower every year, someone who couldn't defend the pick and roll? Shouldn't he just retire and start a successful career in...something else? It seemed as though Shaq, once the most notable and quotable man in the NBA, would quietly fade into retirement, unwanted and unsigned, and, oddly for a such a likable superstar, unbeloved by any fanbase.

But then Danny Ainge came calling. Shaq signed with the Boston Celtics. And the Big Shamrock came to town.

Boston fans have embraced Shaq as no fanbase has ever embraced him before. They excuse his mistakes. They celebrate his successes. They adore his quirks. When O'Neal makes a free throw at home, the building makes like Mount Vesuvius and erupts. When he sprints up the court on a fast break, the fans exult in a combination of hilarity and adoration. When he powers home one of his trademark crushing dunks, the entire crowd stands and roars.

And in return for this open armed acceptance, Shaq puts forth everything he possibly can. In 20 minutes per game, he is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds. His field goal percentage is a stunning (and career high) 67%. He is clearly no longer the O'Neal of old, but Boston doesn't need him to be. Allen and Pierce take the big shots. Garnett anchors the defense. Diesel? He is playing within himself, not trying to do too much, but still trying to win. These things, and a big body down low; this is what the Celtics ask of him. They require him to perform a role, and he does so. Boston's unusually intelligent fans recognize this. And they absolutely, unequivocally love him for it. For once, it seems, fans are appreciating what he brings to the table, rather than wishing for what he doesn't.

There's little doubt that when Shaq enters the Hall of Fame, it won't be because of his accomplishments in Boston. It won't be because of his accomplishments with Phoenix or Cleveland either, for that matter. But it seems entirely possible that for the first time in his career, O'Neal is having fun playing the game. And I, for one, couldn't be happier for him. Here's to two fun years of basketball, Mr. O'Neal. You deserve them.

Welcome home.

Power Rankings (January 20, 2011)

I've been writing Power Rankings for a couple months now just for my own amusement, and I think I've been gifted with the SI Jinx. Every time I write that a team is doing really well and I put them towards the top of my rankings, Dirk Nowitzki or Kevin Garnett gets injured, they lose to the Wizards, or something of similar horror happens. Check back in a couple days to see the carnage that ensues after this week's edition.

I'll just list my top 15. Because honestly, do you care if Minnesota is ahead of Sacramento or not? Didn't think so. Here we go.

15. Los Angeles Clippers (16-25)- The Clippers are rolling of late, going 7-3 in their last 10 games, including huge wins against the Lakers and the Heat, to bring them within 5 of the last playoff spot in the West. It doesn't seem too extraordinarily likely that they will claim it, but Blake Griffin is making a fairly loud case to be considered one of the top 5 players in the entire league...as a rookie. Believe me, I will be writing a LOT more about him.

14. Denver Nuggets (24-17)- Talk about the air up there...the Nuggets are a stunning 19-4 at home this year, including last night's impressive win against Oklahoma City. Too bad this record goes completely down the drain as soon as they succeed in finally trading Carmelo. The annoying thing about all this Melo-drama: bloggers all over the internet are complaining about how much attention he is getting, and how much of our time is being taken up with reports on where he will go. Save your breath, guys. As soon as Melo goes, the speculation on Chris Paul and Dwight Howard begins. I blame you, Lebron.

13. Dallas Mavericks (27-15)- Oh Dallas. I thought you were going to turn things around after that big win against LA! And yet, there you sit...tied for third with two other teams and fading fast. Apparently the loss of your best player zaps your confidence completely, even when he comes back. Who knew?

12. Portland Trail Blazers (24-20)- In the freakishly loaded Western Conference, one of the biggest disappointments is that LaMarcus Aldrige probably won't be rewarded for his excellent season so far, carrying the Trail Blazers to a winning record, despite all their injuries. My bigger disappointment for the All Star Game '11: leaving Monta Ellis off, despite his being third in the league in scoring. Ouch.

11. New York Knicks (22-19)- Any rational human being would agree that, despite Amar'e's excellent offensive season and the Knicks turning things around somewhat, his complete lack of defensive presence has to exclude him from the MVP discussion, right? Am I right? There are two sides to an NBA game, and Amar'e plays one, so he's out...right? Please, someone with an MVP vote, tell me I'm right.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder (27-15)- So. Westbrook and Durant continue to amaze. The Thunder continue to be the unsung darlings of the league. But until Westbrook can avoid having games like Wednesday's game where he plays out of control and frustrated for much of regulation, OKC will remain a fringe contender at best. Give him a year. At least.

9. Atlanta Hawks (28-15)- I'll admit, I was doubtful of the Hawks. You know, because they never show up in the playoffs. And they started off the season streaking against truly bad teams. But beating Miami with Lebron back in the lineup went a long way in convincing me of their legitimacy. Yes, Atlanta, you can look forward to yet another playoff birth, and probably yet another early round exit. Good thing you spent all that money on Joe Johnson.

8. Utah Jazz (27-15)- The Jazz continue their campaign to be a contender! Except then they don't. But they do! Or not. On their good nights, watching Deron Williams run the offense, Al Jefferson post up strong, Paul Millsap stretch the post, and AK-47 bomb away is one of the more rewarding things a basketball fan can see on a nightly basis. On their bad nights, watching D-Will go 1 on 5 makes me shake my head in despair. But hey, if the Jazz suck, at least you can watch their mascot beat the crap out of an opposing fan (the best moment is at 1:15). I leave it to the reader to decide if the fight was staged or not.

7. Orlando Magic (27-15)- After streaking out of the gate with their brand new lineup, the Magic have gone 2-3 in their last five, with one of those wins being a nailbiter in overtime to Philadelphia. Not only that, but GM Otis Smith had some choice words to say about the toughness of the Boston Celtics...after his team had just lost to the Gang Green. Not wise timing, Otis. Then Gilbert Arenas stole the Celtics' and Lakers' nickname for their bench. Sounds like a team with a bit of an identity crisis.

6. New Orleans Hornets (27-16)- Is it possible that New Orleans is just streaky? It certainly seems that way. After starting the year 11-1, hotter than any other team, the Bees went on a troubling 10-15 run, followed up by this current 6 game winning streak, the second longest active streak in the NBA. That's a lot of numbers to say one thing: if this team can get hot in the playoffs, they could conceivably do some damage.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (31-13)- After losses to the Clippers and the struggling Dallas Mavericks, I was hesitant to put LA in my top 5. But since every other contender besides Boston and San Antonio keeps losing to crappy teams even more than the Lakers do, I see no other choice. I've watched the Lakers more than I care to admit, and while they are a good team, and some of their players are undoubtedly very tough, talented veterans, it can't just be me who thinks that this is a team that doesn't seem to enjoy playing together?

4. Miami Heat (30-13)- Miami's recent 4 game losing streak can certainly be partially accounted for by injuries to Chris Bosh and (most notably) Lebron James. But it is disturbing (or, in my case, thrilling) to see how quickly these Heat fold if any of their big 3 go down.

3. Chicago Bulls (29-14)- Chicago continues to impress, and make their case as a title contender THIS year. Big wins recently include grind it out wins against the Celtics and the Pacers in the last two weeks, and in the last week, a thrilling defeat of Miami. And all this without the presence of Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer? That handicap alone is enough to make me overlook two bad losses to the Bobcats in the past week and a half. Also, I'd like to declare my support to Derrick Rose as an MVP candidate this year. More on that soon to come.

2. Boston Celtics (32-9)- I'd love to give the Celtics the nod as the number one team on this list, but their defeat of the first place team comes with the caveat that it was the second day of a back to back for team #1. Still, Boston continues to grind through the year at a 60 win pace despite a myriad of injuries that have held them back so far. Once Boston can boast a fully healthy Kendrick Perkins and Delonte West to compliment their already deep and stacked lineup, this is a team that has already rattled off a 14 game win streak this season. Another isn't out of the question.

1. San Antonio Spurs (36-6(?!!))- Ho hum. Another day, another 7 game winning streak for the Spurs. Don't look now, but the Spurs are on pace for a 70 win season. And tell me something, how much have you heard about the Spurs this season? Does ESPN have a special section on their website called "Final Round: The Spurs"? Do they have columnist after columnist extolling the values of Manu Ginobili? Nope. Not a word. Which, honestly, probably suits the Spurs just fine. Color me terrified of San Antonio.

By the way: tomorrow night, Utah vs. Boston. Tune in to see my power rankings jinx in effect.

Tom and Sports

Hey guys,

My name is Tom. (Hi Tom.) I've been addicted to basketball since the age of 3 when I would wake up my parents playing Nerf basketball early in the morning. I've been a fan of writing ever since I discovered that I was allowed to write about things that I enjoyed. And thus, combining my obsession with my only real talent (and a fairly useless one at that), Gym Rat Rants was born.

I don't have any basketball insider knowledge, I've never met an NBA player that I'm aware of. I'm just a fan of the game who (chances are) watches more games than you do, and thus has an opinion on everything related to the hardwood. If you care to disagree, I'd be THRILLED to argue with you.

One last thing...I may or may not be a raging Celtics fan. I'll try to keep homerism out of my pieces as much as possible, especially the more subjective ones, like my weekly Power Rankings or my monthly MVP rankings. But this needs to be said...Laker fans? Game 7. Last year. If we'd had Perkins, we would have had you. WE WOULD HAVE HAD YOU. And yes. It still hurts.

Gahhhhhhhhhhh.