Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and avid Boston sports fan, stood out courtside at TD Garden Monday night as the Celtics lost to the Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. did not show up.
Portnoy, a Boston native, withdrew from the game with a fever of 104 degrees Celsius and said he was “dying” in a video he shared on Twitter after the game.
“Well, that aside, the season is over. Game 7 was a big loss at home,” he said of the 103-84 loss, adding that Boston’s stars, including Jaylen Brown, “didn’t play in the elimination round.” he added.
“I’m running a 104-degree fever, and people think it’s probably people’s fault for not going to the game,” Portnoy, who wore a green Celtics T-shirt, continued. “But the problem is that my stomach hurts and I can’t eat, I’m just sweating. Sport is great, but without health you get nothing.
“I’m dying, what’s actually more important? Sport or death? – Death.”
Portnoy wrote in the caption, “(Please don’t make mean comments because it makes me sick).”
But Portnoy has clearly taken a turn since then and seems to be on the mend.
“The good news is that I feel much better this morning.” he tweeted on tuesday. “The bad news is that I’ve been wanting to dig deeper into the Celtics game, but I was so stunned last night that I don’t remember much.
“The important thing is to feel good and be healthy. Without health, you are nothing.”
and I posted a separate video Before Game 7, Portnoy said he had been sick since Sunday and was bedridden.
“Yesterday around one o’clock I felt sick,” Portnoy said. “Chills, shivering, anyway… still haven’t gotten out of bed. I’ve been in bed 24 hours, 30 hours straight now, haven’t eaten anything, haven’t been to the bathroom. Can’t get up.”
“I think I put all of my energy and emotions into helping the Celtics win the series. If it’s over, so be it.Dave went down hoping the Celtics would come from 0-3 for the first time in NBA history.”
Portnoy watched Boston win 110-97 in Game 5 at TD Garden.
The Celtics were poised to make history as the first team to win a series after trailing 3-0, but fell short on the home floor.
Boston star forward Jayson Tatum injured his ankle on the first play of the game, but played through the pain and remained grimacing for much of the night.
As All-Star forward Jaylen Brown stepped up, he had a career-high eight turnovers, according to ESPN Stats & Info. It is the most by Celtic in a playoff match since Larry Bird in 1981.
The Celtics also struggled on 3-point shots in front of some of the franchise’s greatest players in attendance, including Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo.
Miami is seeking its second NBA Finals appearance in four years, and Game 1 against the Nuggets is scheduled for Thursday at the Mile-High City.
Denver will reach the finals for the first time.
