Somewhere, someplace Red Auerbach is smiling brightly while puffing gleefully on a cigar that unmistakably signifies the Boston Celtics convincingly winning their 17th National Basketball Association Championship. His name was penned respectfully on the court and his spirit was undoubtedly in the building.

The Gatorade soaked shirt of Celtics coach Doc Rivers, the champagne drenched jerseys of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and James Posey, the faint stench of a cigar filtering through the building and the morally destroyed purple jerseys scurrying off the floor all signified the beginning of something beautiful. Something that gives you the chills, something that makes the hair on your arms stand on end, something that puts a smile on your face and also gives you the gratification of knowing that the NBA’s most storied franchise is back in full force.

Ever since Comcast SportsNet’s coverage began in Rome, I’ve never been so impressed with a team that I’ve covered and a player that I’ve watched mature like Pierce. Since the time that he was drafted out of the University of Kansas with the 10th overall pick in 1998, to being crowned world champion and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, I almost want to shed a tear in expression of how happy I am to see what I’ve known forever. That being of course that the 30-year-old veteran and now certain Hall of Famer is a champion, and always has been.

Then there is Garnett, “K.G.” if you will, a 6-foot-11, 253-pound freak of nature who in my mind is one of, if not the best power forward to ever play the game. Take a back seat Karl Malone, K.G. now has the hardware and the pristine jewelry to take your crown, and take it with dignifying authority. Garnett has probably checked off the last feat he wanted to accomplish. I mean, he’s won an MVP, he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award this season, and now he has won a championship. Not to mention, he has dominated the league since his inception in 1995 when he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the fifth overall selection. Kevin you’re a true champion, a true man and a true great. No wonder why Bill Russell loves you and your game. He sees him in you, you play his game.

Then there is Ray, a player who is considered by many to be one of the best pure shooters to ever grace the hardwood, a player that did it all for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Seattle Supersonics, except win the big one. Now, with the Larry O’Brien trophy in toe, a ring on the way, and a 17th banner to help hoist to the rafters, Allen has, like Pierce and Garnett, solidified himself to be inducted into the hallowed halls of Springfield someday.

I couldn’t leave out their defense, a defense that stifled opponents from day one, and was one of the best defensive units that the game of basketball has ever seen. There is no denying it, no downplaying it and absolutely no doubt. Take note Los Angeles, defense, not offense, wins championships. Just read today’s sports section in the Los Angeles Times, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

There is no denying what these guys have done. There was no denying it when Russell, John Havlicek and Bob Cousy won it all. There was no denying it when Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale won it all. Now, with Garnett, Allen and Pierce doing it on their first chance, they can legitimately be called the newest edition of “The Big Three.” Congratulations boys, you did it.