Instant Classic! Bulls vs. Celtics

People like to throw the term "Instant Classic" around too much. I often hear commentators use this term while the game is still going on. How can you know it's an instant classic if it hasn't even ended yet. There's something very special going on in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs between the Celtics and the Bulls.

Going into the playoffs, most Bulls fans would've been ecstatic if they had advanced past the first round. Expectations were low for both teams. These are not two teams that are expected to contend for a title. What has developed is a drop down, grinding slugfest in which both teams refuse to give up. The Celtics could've easily used Kevin Garnett's absence as an excuse. To lose that kind of leadership and defensive presence would be a staggering blow to any team. But the youth and the spirit of this young Bulls team have made it truly a sight to see.

As a Bulls fan, I was just wanting them to be competitive and not get blown out. Maybe even win a couple of games. I was not expecting, Double and Triple Overtime, with multiple heroes, flagrant fouls, and bloodied lips. The entire basketball world is tuning in to see who wants it more. When people in LA care more about what's happening in this series than the Lakers series, it means there's something truly unique taking place.

I find it most interesting that they are fighting so hard for a First Round game. This isn't the conference finals, the semifinals or even the Championship. This is the First Round. Supposedly the easiest round and after 7 Overtimes, 5 of the 6 games settled by less than 3 points, it's proving to be a daunting task for either team.

And this has come down to more than just advancing to the next round. Whoever wins the Finals this year, will not be remembered as long as people will First Round series. Whoever wins this series is probably going to get taken down in the next round or two. That doesn't even matter. It's all about the moment. The moment to prove that you dug down deep and had something extra when it counted. That you fought for everything and didn't give up. That no matter whether you've a veteran team just off a championship looking to save face, or a less experience young team looking for some respect, this is their championship. This is not playoff basketball, this is history.