Just not the Lakers… please
A lifelong Celtics fan, before the playoffs, I resigned myself to the fact that the Celtics wouldn’t repeat. Barring a miracle, I decided I’d like to see Lebron lead the Cavs to a title in the alternative. But if Lebron can’t/doesn’t, then I’m left with… just not the Lakers please. I suspect I’m not alone among Celtics fans - as the Lakers are a longtime rival and natural “enemy”.
Every NBA season, I have two desires, in this order: (1) Celtics win the title, or at least (2) Lakers don’t win the title.
Every NHL season, I have two desires, in this order: (1) Bruins win the Cup (finally), or at least (2) Canadiens don’t.
Obviously every ML season, I have two desires, in this order: (1) Red Sox win it all, or at least (2) Yankees don’t.
And that got me to thinking about football… who’s the equivalent for the Patriots? It’s not the Bills. (Personally, I’ve always liked the Bills actually.) It’s not the Jets - they’ve never been consistently good enough. Sure… the whole Boston-NY thing is there. But it’s the Jets. They’re (usually) poop. Maybe it’s the Dolphins? I guess? I grew up when Miami beat the Pats like 18 straight times in the late 70s and early 80s… and recall the relief/elation when the 1985-86 playoff run included the “Squish the Fish” (finally) game. They are a long-time division rival, and they’ve been far more good than bad over the years. Parcells is there, so until he leaves in a couple years, they’ll likely be very good. I dunno, though… it’s just not the same as the other three.
I actually don’t start the season with, “I have two desires, in this order: (1) Pats win it all, or at least (2) Dolphins don’t.” But I don’t have anyone better to put in there as I think it through. I am a long-time fan of the local team in each of the four major sports - but in only three of them can I come up with long-time rival that I truly despise. I cannot come up with an appropriate Dr. Evil to the Patriots Austin Powers. And somehow, that makes it a little less fun.
But football season hasn’t started yet, the Canadiens are already done (thanks to the Bruins… nice), the baseball season is still early, and the Celtics are out of the NBA Playoffs, so for now - as long as the Lakers are still playing - my focus is clear… “Let’s Go [insert Lakers opponent here - currently Denver]!!!”