The match was not the main event. The Washington Wizards were mathematically eliminated from the tournament, as the Boston Celtics had already secured the first seed throughout the postseason. On Sunday, April 14, we honored Mike Gorman, the renowned broadcaster from Boston.
Bobbleheads featuring Mike Gorman were distributed to season ticket holders, and posters of Gorman were displayed in front of each seat in the TD Garden. After 43 years of employment, Gorman announced his retirement, and a number of former Celtics players and announcers throughout the nation paid respect to him on video.
Gorman took in everything throughout Boston’s 132-122 victory, looking quite emotional.He made one request of the Celtics squad at halftime.
Videos showcasing the love and devotion that former Celtics greats like Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers had for Gorman were played during timeouts.Both Larry Bird and Robert Parish released statements. Following every talk, the camera panned over to Gorman, who was frequently seen blotting tears.
Brian Scalabrine, Gorman’s broadcasting partner and former Celtics player, stepped down to midcourt for a brief conversation during halftime.
Gorman talked about the bonds he had with the Celtics personnel. He talked about how his inability to skate as a child led him to choose basketball over hockey. In addition, he implored the squad to carry Banner 18 home.
“I just want to say to the team, go win this thing, will you please?” stated Gorman. “Go win it, please.”
Gorman received a well-earned applause from the audience. In fact, the wave circled TD Garden many times. On a day when the game mattered nothing at all, the Garden was rockin’. As he did for the previous forty-three years, Mike Gorman amused Celtics supporters all day long.
