Van Robbins, a 24yearold from San Antonio, was in his James jersey and wondered if Spoelstra's decision was "revenge" for Spurs Coach Greg Popovich's having sent Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Danny Green home to San Antonio rather than suit them up for a game against the Heat in Miami on Nov. 29. "I think the shoe is on the other foot," he said, "but it's sort of the same, too.The Celtics' success has always mocked the misery of Red Sox fans and the mediocre tradition of the preBrady Patriots. In most parts of this country, New England's 1986 would have been a year to savor. The Celtics won their third and final title of the era.

He led them to a run of four straight NFC championship games, a streak that ended with a trip to the NFL title game. But the team hasn't won a playoff game since 2008 and after last season's 88 finish, owner Jeffrey Lurie said he was looking for improvement this year. Instead, it was even worse.Seth Kramer, 4.