2/22/2007

RIP Dennis Johnson!



It is a sad day in Boston and Celtic nation. No not because the Celtics have lost 21 of their last 22 games or something crazy like that. Earlier this afternoon freckle faced Dennis Johnson passed away doing what he loved. Playing basketball. Coaching the Austin Toro's of the NBA developmental league DJ went into cardiac arrest and died on the court this afternoon. Not the first time something like that has happened to a Celtic.

Being raised in Massachusetts in the 80's I got to enjoy the intense Celtics and Lakers rivalry that was the NBA throughout those years. DJ was not a part of the "big 3" of Bird, Parish and McHale, but the contribution he made to the team in the 80's was immense, winning game 4 of the 1985 NBA Finals against the Lakers as well as the buzzer beater in the Conference Finals shown above.

He was a scrappy player who was a second round draft pick after only one year of college ball and really showed the competive spirit the whole time he was a member of the Celtics. He was one of my favorite players growing up and the news of his passing today was quite sad.

DJ, thanks for the memories.

No comments: