On June 18, 2024, the Boston Celtics defeated Luka Dončić’s Dallas Mavericks 106-88, clinching the 2024 NBA Finals with a 4-1 series victory. This triumph marked the Celtics' 18th championship, making them the team with the most NBA titles, surpassing their long-time rivals, the LA Lakers.*

*The LA Lakers previously shared the record for the most NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, each having won 17 titles.

※ The Celtics' championship moment in the 2023-24 season (source: Boston Celtics)

The team's stars, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, led the way, averaging a combined 43 points per game over the five Finals games. Jaylen Brown's outstanding defensive performance against the league's leading scorer, Luka Dončić, earned him the Finals MVP. This victory ended the Celtics' second-longest championship drought in their history.*

*The Celtics' longest championship drought was from 1986 to 2008, ending when their "Big Three" (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen) led them to victory.

 

#11 Championships Led by Bill Russell

※ Bill Russell in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals (source: NBA)

The Boston Celtics, under Bill Russell's leadership, were the NBA's first dynasty and the top team of their era. During Russell's 13-year career, the Celtics won the Finals in all but two seasons. Russell's 224 cm (7'4'') wingspan* helped him average an astounding 22 rebounds per game over his career. Despite the racial discrimination that persisted in the NBA at the time, Russell's skill and character helped break down racial barriers*.

*Wingspan: The distance from the tip of one hand to the tip of the other when both arms are extended.

**Black players were often assigned to defensive and rebounding roles rather than scoring, but Celtics coach Red Auerbach recognized the importance of rebounds and made Russell a key player. Russell's success in this role led to his recognition as a trailblazer who helped challenge racial prejudices.

***In honor of Bill Russell’s contributions, the NBA retired his number 6 league-wide after his passing in August 2022, and the Finals MVP trophy is now named the Bill Russell Trophy.

#John Havlicek: From Supporting Player to Star

※ John Havlicek’s steal in the 1965 Finals (source: NBA)

Ask any NBA fan about John Havlicek, and they’ll likely recall Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals. With just five seconds left on the clock and Boston leading by two, Havlicek made a game-saving steal right after the inbound pass. This play was immortalized by the broadcaster's famous call: "Havlicek stole the ball!"

Despite his talent, Havlicek spent the first seven years of his career as a sixth man*, a term that wasn’t even in use at the time. He was the Celtics' secret weapon, entering games at critical moments to turn the tide in Boston’s favor. After the core of Boston’s first dynasty retired, Havlicek moved into the starting lineup and became the team's leader. He led the Celtics back to the top of the NBA, winning the 1974 Finals MVP.

*Sixth Man: A player who is not a starter but is the first substitute off the bench, often contributing significant scoring and defense. Havlicek is credited with defining this role due to his effectiveness in crucial moments.

 

#Larry Bird: Magic Johnson's Eternal Rival

※ 레리 버드의 60득점(커리어 하이) 하이라이트 경기 (출처 : NBA)

Before Larry Bird joined the Celtics, the team had a dismal 29-53 record. But Bird's arrival immediately propelled Boston to the top of the standings. In his rookie year, he edged out fellow rookie Magic Johnson for the Rookie of the Year award in the 1979-80 season.

Though he lacked exceptional physical attributes, Bird’s unparalleled basketball IQ* made him one of the greatest players in history. His intense rivalry with Magic Johnson, who played for the Lakers, dominated the NBA throughout the 1980s. Between 1980 and 1987, with the exception of 1983*, either the Celtics or the Lakers, led by Bird and Magic, respectively, won the NBA Finals, helping to boost the league's popularity to new heights.

*BQ: Basketball IQ, a term used to describe a player's understanding and instincts for the game.

**The 1983 championship was won by Julius Erving’s Philadelphia 76ers.

***Larry Bird's impact is evident in the numbers: during the 1990 season, when Bird missed many games due to injury, the Celtics won 76% of the games in which Bird played but only 45% of the games he missed.

 

#The Big 3's Desperate Pursuit of a Championship

※ 2008년 보스턴 셀틱스 파이널 우승의 순간(출처 : NBA)

The term "Big 3" has become common in today’s NBA, but it originated with the Boston Celtics. After 22 years without a title, the Celtics brought together three veteran stars who had yet to win a championship despite their illustrious careers. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen were not given much attention at first. Although they were past their primes, these three veterans were united by their shared desperation for a championship. Rather than competing for the spotlight, they put the team first and, in 2008, led Boston to ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

The 2008 championship was particularly emotional for Celtics fans, as it symbolized the fulfillment of the team’s—and its veterans’—dream of winning a title.

*When multiple star players come together on one team, they often struggle to share the spotlight, leading to disappointing results. However, the Celtics’ Big Three found harmony quickly, with Kevin Garnett focusing on rebounding and defense and Ray Allen excelling in three-point shooting. Their ability to balance their roles led to instant success.

 

"Celtic Pride"

Boston Celtics players and fans share a deep love for their team. With 21 retired numbers, 18 championship banners, and a culture that prioritizes the team over individual glory, the Celtics are unlike any other franchise. Players often play through injuries for the good of the team, and even the biggest stars embrace the team’s defensive-first mentality upon joining the Celtics.

In 2024, the Boston Celtics claimed their 18th championship. Will they continue this legacy of excellence in 2025 and beyond?

"The Boston Celtics are not a basketball team, they are a way of life."

- Red Auerbach, former Boston Celtics head coach

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