Preparing Celtics fans for the regular season doldrums

Some games are easy to get up for. Opening Night (in particular, when it’s a Banner Night) is euphoric. Primetime matchups and nationally televised games generate a lot of buzz. The playoffs are a whole other level. But it is a long NBA season and sometimes it is hard to get excited about a random mid-week game against a team counting ping pong balls. I’m not even talking about the players (that’s Joe Mazzulla’s challenge). I’m talking about fans.

The new-car smell of the start of the 82-game regular season has already worn off. The Celtics picked up their first loss, so there’s no epic winning streak to track at the moment. Football is still going on. The election is a distraction from the importance of NBA games. Soon, most will be shopping and traveling for the holidays.

We already established that the customary 20-game rule doesn’t apply this year. We know who this team is and what they are capable of (even if they don’t show it every quarter of every single game). So how should we approach the rest of the year as we wait for the playoffs? I have some suggestions.

Make up mini-challenges

This is pretty much the approach that we take on the blog. Look for storylines in the mundane. Tease out an angle that others may have overlooked. Get creative.

Everyone is already tracking Jayson Tatum’s MVP status, but what about Payton Pritchard’s 6th Man of the Year case? How about Jordan Walsh’s development checkpoints? Track career milestones for Al Horford and Jrue Holiday. Hyper-analyze Xavier Tillman’s corner three shooting mechanics.

We need someone tracking the team’s record in various alternative records and Tatum 3’s colorways. Someone should be monitoring Jaylen Brown’s social media posts armed with the Enigma cipher machine to interpret for the rest of us. Have fun with it.

One quick don’t: Don’t join one of those NBA conspiracy cults. I know they have fun flyers with pictures of Tommy yelling at refs on them, but just steer clear. I mean, if there really was a conspiracy against the Celtics, they have failed miserably, and I feel bad for them.

Schadenfreude

This one kind of speaks for itself, but I think it is important to do this responsibly. We don’t want to anger any basketball spirits in the process. So obviously no cheering for injuries or unfortunate events off the court. And don’t be a front-running troll online (unless provoked and even then maybe consider rising above the mud and muck, lest you get sullied yourself).

With all that said, it is always fun seeing the Lakers lose. I’ve never gotten tired of watching the process falter in Philly. The Knicks might be a worthy foe this year, but if/when they fall short, it will be fun as usual.

Mix in a 2nd hobby

Look, I’m at peace with my singular obsession. I know that on Christmas morning I’ll open several Celtics related items because “we didn’t know what else to get you.” I’ve had to stare blankly at people when they talk about “the big football game” (college or pros). And when I explain that all my basketball consumption leaves no time for other sports the look of mixed pity and disgust is something else entirely. When people brag about the home project they completed or the 20 lb. pork shoulder that they smoked, I smile and nod and wonder if the injury report has been released yet.

With that said, I’ve tried to expand my horizons over time. I read a pretty good amount. I try to volunteer at church. I actually kind of enjoy yard work (if you don’t shake a handful of peanuts in your hand while staring out the window at your lawn, are you even a dad?). The point is, find your other thing and enjoy it (at least when the game isn’t on).

Oh, and I shouldn’t have to say this, but always do life first. Basketball games can be recorded. Be there for your friends and family.

Enjoy the season! Go Celtics!