Video: Celtics Honor Perkins on Jumbotron at Boston-OKC Game
The Boston Celtics played this video on the Jumbotron at the TD Garden at today's Boston-Oklahoma City game to honor Kendrick Perkins for his time in a Celtics Uniform. Perk got a standing ovation during introductions.
Updated: Journalist Scott Souza recounts the scene in the Garden as the tribute video was playing.
Updated: Journalist Scott Souza recounts the scene in the Garden as the tribute video was playing.
Kendrick Perkins got the nice ovation when introduced during the starting lineups everyone knew he would in his first game at TD Garden since being traded from Boston to Oklahoma City last February. He was introduced last for the Thunder, but 18,624 Garden fans were quick to let him know there was still a part of him that will always wear a shamrock and always have a place in this city’s heart.
As sweet as that was, it was nothing compared to what followed during a timeout midway through the first quarter. Without warning, the highlights began to show on the Jumbotron. The quintessentially Perkins highlights. The scowls, the blocks, the passion and the heart. The goosebump parade rippled through the building as the fans collectively rose.
Amid the focus of the timeout, many of the players didn’t know what was happening at first. But soon they did. And soon Perkins did. And that’s what made the moment one those who were there will place in the scrapbook of the mind along with all other the banner-raisings, tearful speeches and confetti showers they’ve witnessed on that footprint of North End land.
Perkins raising his arms to the crowd as the words “Thank You, Perk” hovered over the arena was a moment for the ages.