Keller @ Large: Still Great To Be A Celtic Fan

BOSTON (CBS) - If you are a die-hard Celtics fan like I am, then today is a tough day.

Our team is done for the season, and we're spoiled fans here in Boston, let's face it, anytime the season ends with a loss, we're surprised and hurt.

But for me, the end of the line this year is a lot easier to take than usual.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

Why? For starters, we were beaten fair and square by a superior team, not a much better team, but a better one, no doubt. The refs didn't steal it, the other guys didn't get lucky, and injuries are part of the game.

While I of course wish the Celtics had done better, I don't walk away feeling they gave any less than their best. Frankly, I'd have been more disappointed in them dropping one game to that sorry crew from New York than I am in them losing four to Miami.

And while the end of last night's final game was not what I wanted, I am extremely comforted by the contrast between the way the Celtics bowed out and the disgraceful exit of those frauds in Los Angeles.

There were no Celtic cheap shots at the end, no shirts being ripped off, nothing but appropriate credit to the winners. L.A. has had some great players and some notable success, but they don't have respect, at least not from me.

And for you younger fans, there's a hidden benefit to whatever dismay you may feel in the fact that this Big Three Celtics' era has produced just one title in four years.

That shows you how hard it is to win more than one, how many variables and obstacles you have to overcome.

It shows you what a great accomplishment it was for the Bulls of the 1990's and the Lakers of the early 2000's to win three in a row.

And it teaches you why the common denominator in the never-to-be-equaled eight in a row by the Celtics of the 50's and 60s.

Bill Russell - was the greatest competitor in sports history, and we had him right here in front of us.

Yes, it's great being a die-hard Celtics fan -- even the day after your team dies hard.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.