So, the Celtics won the NBA Championship last night, June 18th. Due to my having another article scheduled for this morning; I was up too late to work on this post. But, the wait is over…
Celtics Won the NBA Championship
When they last won the championship; it was on June 17, 2008. Ironically, there last title was exactly 16 years ago.
Though they were in the finals 2 years ago; they lost to the Golden State Warriors. To learn more about their last run; visit my Boston Celtics Will Face Golden State Warriors – NBA Finals 2022 post.
In 2023, the Celtics were eliminated in Game 7 by the Miami Heat. Since Jayson Tatum was injured in the last game of that series; he wasn’t able to play the entire game.
In the off season, Brad Stevens, President of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics built a successful team in Boston.
Is this the beginning of a dynasty?
Celtics v Dallas Mavericks
In the first 3 games, the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks. However, in Game 4 in Dallas the Celtics lost by 38 points. At half time, Joe Mazzulla substituted his regular players for his bench players.
When Game 5 rolled around, there was a lot of speculation the Celtics could be in Dallas for Game 6. However, the Sports Analysts and betting lines; had them as as 6.5 favorite.
Celtics Win
After playing one of their worst games in the playoffs in Game 4; the team was ready to make up for their embarrassing loss. Meanwhile, both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum led the way.
From the first quarter, the team took the lead. Also, before the buzzer went off at half time, Payton Pritchard took a shot that went in. At that point, the team had a 21 point lead as they headed to the locker room.
After half time, the Dallas Mavericks showed some life. But, they were never able to get the score close.
The final score was 106 -88.
Jaylen Brown – MVP
In the off season, Jaylen Brown agreed to a 5-year Supermax contract extension with the Boston Celtics for $304 million.
When the 2023-24 season started; Brown played efficiently throughout the season. At the same time, he defense improved.
In the Eastern Conference, Jaylen Brown won the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Meanwhile, Brown was also named the 2024 Bill Russell NBA Finals after the team clinched their 18th title.
Brown averaged 20.8 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 5 assists in the NBA Finals.
Out of the 11 MVP votes, Brown earned 7 and his teammate, Jayson Tatum was awarded 4 votes.
When Brown accepted the award; he said he couldn’t put into words his emotions. He said he was grateful to all his teammates and said this award could have gone to his teammate, Jayson Tatum.
Since this was only Brown’s 2nd trip to the finals; he hopes to play in many more finals.
Of course, Brown will continue to grow as a player.
Celtics Win 18th Victory
Now that the Celtics won their 18th banner; they have become the team in the NBA with the most wins.
At the beginning of the season; the Celtics were frontrunners to win the NBA Championship.
Indeed, they didn’t disappoint!
In the regular season, the Celtics had the best record in the NBA – 64 – 18.
And, in the playoffs, they were 16 – 3.
Brad Stevens
This year’s team was built with a tremendous amount of talent.
Now that the 2023-24 season has ended; it is time for Brad Stevens to begin planning with his head coach, Joe Mazzulla next season.
Also, there are new collective bargaining agreements which will have an impact on trade limitations for teams that are above the second apron of the luxury tax.
Since the team doesn’t have much financial flexibility in the off-season; they are expected to be 2.9 million over the second apron.
Most likely, there won’t be many trades in the off season. Or, will there be? Indeed, there are still questions remaining. Will Al Horford retire?
As always, I welcome your comments about the Celtics won the NBA Championship. Did you watch this series?
