On being a fan (Or Game Four Thoughts)

It’s midnight right now, and I should be in bed. Really, at this point in my life, I should have been in bed hours ago. Problem is, I just watched the Celtics come back from a 21 point first quarter deficit, battle back, fighting, playing absolutely stifling defense like nothing I have ever seen..

Maybe tomorrow I can come up with some rational thoughts about this game. Maybe. Right now, all I can think about is that this.. This game was why we are fans. As often as not, teams let us down. Sometimes though, sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes you follow a team through their down times, develop an appreciation for young players learning the game during losing seasons. Most years, the successes are on a relatively small level, maybe a tough win on the road mid season.

Sometimes though..

Sometimes you follow a team, and you start to get a feeling. You start to notice things like, “god, this team really seems to like each other.” You try, all year, not to get your hopes up. (Because, remember, as often as not, teams let your down.) But despite your best efforts, you start to get your hopes up. God. Getting your hopes up as a sports fan, you well know, is setting your self up for disappointment. And yet…

And yet…

Sometimes you get a game like tonight. Where you decide not to give up on your team, because they simply haven’t played that bad all year, so they can only play better. (At least they can make a game out of it..) And you sit there, as the team you’ve followed all year starts to make some shots. Despite yourself, you start to have these thoughts like, well, if they can just get it down to ten by the end of the third, they can still make it a game. Then you stop having any thoughts at all, because really, this is uncharted territory for you.

The last few minutes go by in a blur. A blur of fist pumping, and whispered “YESSSsssss’s,” because your wife is asleep upstairs.

Just a few more possessions now…

Just make these foul shots now….

Just don’t foul them now…

Just….

Just…

Breathe.

Smile.

See, that smile there? That’s why I’m a fan.