"They are like the guy who dumped his girlfriend and then watched her blossom into Halle Berry, marry Bill Gates, move to South Beach and become the first female president of the United States. They still can manage a smile, they will tell you everything worked out best for both parties and they act like it doesn't bother them. But I'm not buying it. Deep down you know it has to eat away at the Orlando Magic that the likable coach they fired five years ago -- Doc Rivers -- is now playing for the NBA championship."
I'm continually amazed by this guy. We keep underrating him and the Celtics keep winning. Yes, talent wins, but not without unity and a good game plan. We all knew he's a players' coach but reaching the finals proves he's more than just that. Would the Hawks and Cavs series be shorter if the Celtics were coached by any of the available coaches of the past two years? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe this new group of guys just needed to learn how to play with each other in high pressure situations regardless of who was coaching them. I keep wondering if the Phil-Doc face-off is the biggest mismatch of all or no factor whatsoever, and frankly I can't reach a conclusion. At this point, it just may be up to the players to decide. But I digress, this is not a "Phil-Doc, Who's Got The Edge" thread.
Doc, here's to you!
You've withstood the criticism, the losing seasons, the first round playoff exits and through it all you've been miraculously consistent and cool under pressure. Win or lose this series you've brought us this far and for that I'm thankful. 4 wins to go. Let's make this happen. And by "let's" I mean you and the boys since I'm a little out of shape these days. And old. And 5.10". Go Celtics.
