3 Good Reasons Why Basketball is Good for the Soul
By: Bean Jones
I may be a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, but I know that not everyone gets that (especially Mark). People get rid of stress in different ways. Some take up pottery, others do gardening, and some (like my sister Lauren) knit jackets for their pets. But for me, it's basketball.
Let it not be said though that I'm not aware of issues troubling the world. Global warming, human trafficking, and the prevalence of child labor have me worried--and I try to help in my own modest way.
Still, we all have the right to savor some of life's little--albeit utterly inconsequential--pleasures, don't we? So, yes, I didn't restrain myself from beating my chest when I saw Mark after Games 1 and 2. Mark got even after Game 3, though.
My bravado aside, I've come to realize that basketball offers some great life lessons:
1. Competition can be constructive. You're only as good as the people you compete with. As much as I love the Celtics, I have to admit that the Lakers are worthy opponents. It's never fun to compete against someone you know you can easily beat. Basketball shows us how healthy competition can make us better at what we do.
2. Nice guys win big. Basketball rewards fair play and doesn't let foul moves slide. Now, if you're a nice guy with an A-game, you're already a winner.
3. You shouldn't sweat the small stuff. In the end, no matter who wins, the players shake hands. After all, it's just a game. Case in point: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, whose off-court friendship is as famed as their rivalry.
Now, with these reasons in mind and Mark's pick-the-winner challenge in the offing, I sure hope you all put your faith in the Celtics. (They're taking this one home, Mark.)
Comments
an adrillagan, hyped up physically to enjoy the basketball for the game it is.
Basketball is good for the soul having played a full game and the height of exhaustion to a refreshing abilities in virtual satisfaction of competing.
Just a thought, but is there anything to stop someone (eg me) making multiple entries in the basketball competition? No mention of it in the terms and conditions!
Best wishes
Jon
Note from MJ: Hey Jon, of course we'll only count one entry from each person - your first. Otherwise it's not a fair game.
the Celts are back ladies and gents!!!
Hey Bean,
No worries buddy, the refs are in the bag on game 6. If the Lakers thought it was bad in game 2 when our guys shot 38 free throws to their 10, just wait until they see what happens today.
It'll be over midway through the third quarter, then it's party time!
Your friend,
David
P.S. How can this guy Mark be such a seemingly bright guy and not know that I decide who wins the title. Me, and me alone. Simpleology, indeed. More like simple minded.
To me, competition with worthy opponents is something many of us look for and do not often find. It has produced some of the best friendships of my life, like it has for Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
I grew up in Boston as a huge Celtics fan. Some of my fondest memories come from being a college student watching the Celtics and the Lakers battle for the title in the late 1980s. It seems like yesterday and reminds me of a more carefree life. As a Bostonian, the Red Sox and Yankee's produce the same feeling for me.
Of course I am behind the Celtics but best of luck to both teams --- and thanks for the lifetime of memories.
Go our Boys in Green! Love our guys--Go Celtics! I just have one request--could you please bring back the short shorts???
:-)
Kristin
I figured what the outcome would be in the last game. They made it look good...but who wants to win it all on the road? ;)
No big comment I JUST LOVE THE GAME
This finals playoff series has be very enjoyable yet frustrating to see the big let down by the Lakers. I enjoy watching both teams play but the Inevitable is about to happen. Celtic play very big at home and I don't think the Lakers will bring enough consistent heat to derail the big three. Then again my only wish was to see seven games played between these two great teams. I may get my wish :-)
Hey!!
I can watch the last TWO minutes of any basketball game and I am satiated.
I'm with you Bean...It's apparent that leftcoasters like Mark haven't figured out that champions play on the east coast ie; Patriots,Red Sox,Celtics..
Hey is anyone noticing a theme here HEHE
Yes, just keep it healthy it not worth losing friendship over a game
KG didnt' play big time(if he "played" at all with passions) in Game 5. That's not the heart of a champion.
Surely, he'll make up this time on Game 6.If Pierce and at least one from the bench helps "role play," this may be over.
God bless both teams though...they are both getting better.
Wanted to be the first to Congratulate the Celtics on a very impressive series and Season. My Lakers unravelled like a cheap sweater!
Thanks Ken--it was not as 'tight' a game as I like to see. I do like to see the winning team win at home so that was a good thing--and good for the home fans. But I also like to see a knuckle biting ending between two skilled rivals.
Hope you all enjoyed the game.
I will say that as much as I enjoyed the game it didn't have the same excitement as Larry and Magic did--loved both of them!
Mark, if the Celtics lost I was going to send you a lobstah--whatchagoinsendme?
Kristin--2:35 AM and still celebrating! :-) Cheers!