Washington Wizards: @Jensrules at the Boston Garden for Game 5

May 10, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Wizards 123-101. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards went into the unwelcoming TD Garden Wednesday night looking to win a pivotal Game 5 on the road. Instead, the team floundered early and often, let the opposing Bradley score a playoff career-high, and could do nothing as 17,000 screaming fans cursed at its youngest player.

To say the Washington Wizards entered a hostile environment at TD Garden to play the Boston Celtics, would be a gross understatement.

I swam with crocodiles in the Black River of Jamaica, and that was more welcoming.

So when the Boston Police Officers and others told me I was brave inside the Garden and to come alone, I didn’t see it that way.

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Because a true friend (fan) is not someone who is there when times are easy, he/she is there for you when times are difficult.

I knew the Wizards were walking into an unfriendly environment, and although they would not notice me, I still wanted to be a friendly face and show my support.

When Celtics’ fans asked me how I wasn’t a Celtics’ fan since I grew up here, I told them that I never was.

I grew up a Lakers fan, and Magic Johnson exemplified everything to me – leadership and a championship heart. There was no better player on the planet at that time.

Side note, I said, “Hi, Mr. Grunfeld”, before the game. I don’t care what anyone says, he is a very pleasant man. He’s in hostile territory even at home, and that should change.