With a familiar odor wafting through the rafters, Beantown in jubilation

0 Comments | USA TODAY, June, 2008 | by Chris Colston

BOSTON -- As the clock wound down and the Boston Celtics closed in on their 17th world championship Tuesday night, the distinct smell of a lit cigar wafted through the air of the upper press box at TD Banknorth Garden.

It unquestionably was to pay homage to legendary Celtics pioneer Red Auerbach and his famous victory cigar.

Meanwhile, there was pandemonium on the court at the final buzzer as fans flooded onto the floor to celebrate with the Celtics, starting the biggest victory party in Beantown since the Red Sox ended the "Curse of the Bambino" with their World Series victory in 2004, their first since 1918.

When the buzzer sounded, "Big Baby" Glen Davis flung the ball in the air. A Garden employee tracked it down and smothered it. As confetti...