Shrek & Donkey back in Boston - Nate Robinson & Big Baby Davis at TD Garden


We won't soon forget it. It was in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the 2010 NBA finals, and the Celtics were on he verge of going down three games to one against the Lakers. Nate Robinson and Glen "Big Baby" Davis stepped up big-time and gave Boston the win to tie the series.


As the game ended, Big Baby let out a primal scream, and Nate hopped on his back - later followed by Robinson's Shrek and Donkey comparison. Well, both were back at the Garden in Boston as part of the BIG3 3-on-3 Basketball League. Shrek and Donkey are no longer on the same team, but they both led their BIG3 teams to victory - and they can both still play the game at a high level.


Robinson is in great shape and never stops moving on the court. As a member of the press corps, I attended the after-game press conference, at which Nate spoke of his recent decision to play overseas on a one-year contract. I told Robinson that his play in the BIG3 game reminded me of his Shrek and Donkey days with the Celtics.



Big Baby is still the hail-fellow-well-met that I remember when he played as a Celtic. He was all over the place prior to his game, talking to fans and signing autographs. In the press room/locker room area, he could not remain still - talking, joking, gesturing.



The folks behind the BIG3 League stressed to me that their players and coaches are very accessible to fans, and that is exactly what I witnessed at TD Garden. The BIG3's combination of Star Power and player/coach accessibility is an important factor in what drives the BIG3's popularity.

Chris "Birdman" Anderson mingling with fans

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Top photo via Jim Davis/Globe staff
Remaining photos via Lisa Lane McCarty and The BIG3