Studying abroad in Germany since March 1 has been an incredible journey. However, it has come with the challenge of staying connected to my beloved Boston Celtics. With a six-hour time difference from Eastern Standard Time, Celtics games often start between 1 and 2 a.m. local time, adding an interesting twist to my experience in Berlin.
Adjusting to Time Zones: A Celtics Fan’s Challenge
Watching Celtics games live from Germany requires determination. Adam Taylor, a seasoned Celtics blogger from England, has been managing this for years. “I know a lot of English and European people that stay up late to watch the games live. I can’t do that,” Adam shared. As a parent with morning responsibilities, Adam relies on the “hide scores” feature on NBA League Pass to watch replays without spoilers. This tool has become essential for many European basketball enthusiasts who wish to avoid game results until they can watch the full replay.
Embracing the Live Game Experience
Unlike Adam, I often choose to stay up until the early hours to watch the Celtics play live. I’ve adapted my schedule to sleep from 6 a.m. to noon, leveraging my flexible class timetable and excellent blackout curtains to maintain this routine. While this might seem extreme, the excitement of watching my team live outweighs the inconvenience. This schedule allows me to immerse myself fully in the playoff run, experiencing every high and low in real time.
The Berlin Break: Challenges and Adaptations
My dedication to live games was tested when my exchange program took a week-long trip to Berlin. Sharing a room with two others and dealing with less-than-ideal curtains, I couldn’t maintain my usual nocturnal routine. Berlin’s vibrant nightlife and our packed schedule made it impractical to stay up all night. For the first time, I had to rely on the spoiler-free replay option, watching games the next morning after my friends woke up.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Replay Watching
Watching replays felt like psychological warfare. The temptation to skip ahead during tense moments was strong, and knowing I could check the final score at any time added to the internal conflict. However, each time I resisted, I remembered why I love basketball. It’s not about the final score but the suspense and thrill of each moment. The uncertainty of a shot in the air, the excitement of a pivotal play—these experiences define my passion for the game.
The Unique Joys of Live Basketball
There’s a unique joy in watching games live, a thrill that replays can’t fully capture. Celebrating Jaylen Brown’s game-winning shot over Pascal Siakam in silent jubilation or quietly rejoicing at Jayson Tatum’s crucial pass to Al Horford at 6 a.m.—these moments are irreplaceable. Despite the challenges, these live experiences deepen my connection to the Celtics and highlight the emotional highs of being a fan.
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Trusting the Celtics from Afar
During my time in Berlin, I had to trust the Celtics to perform without my immediate support. This shift from active participant to passive observer was difficult. Watching the games on replay felt detached, like a historian reviewing past events. However, it allowed me to appreciate the team’s efforts in a new light. My prediction of a Celtics sweep against the Pacers was about to come true, reaffirming my faith in the team.
Conclusion: A Grateful Fan’s Reflection
This week-long break in Berlin gave me a new perspective on my relationship with the Celtics. It taught me to balance my passion for basketball with the need to enjoy other experiences. The team’s performance allowed me to relax and explore Berlin without the anxiety of missing out on live games. As I prepare to return to my nocturnal routine for Game 4, I’m thankful for this opportunity to enjoy both my studies in Germany and my unwavering support for the Celtics.
In the words of many, “the job is not finished.” But for now, this is my heartfelt thank you to the Celtics for making my time in Berlin truly memorable.