by The Success of the Boston Celtics
This has been a season to remember for many. For each team it was another learning experience. The one team that took everything they learned and applied it to achieve the highest level of success in the league is one that now holds the record for most NBA Championships at 18. The Boston Celtics, led by Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown (FMVP) and Jayson Tatum. In this article I will go through a deep dive of what it took for them to get to this spot.
The Mastermind
The Boston Celtics should be extremely grateful for their recently named “Executive of the Year,” Brad Stevens. He is truly the mastermind behind this team and have put them in more of a comfortable space than most teams in the NBA. With the new CBA in effect, The Celtics may be the only team that can avoid any of the ramifications that it may cause for other teams.
Brad Stevens has made some tough yet great decisions for his organization. He made a number of moves this offseason that greatly benefitted the Celtics. The first one involved getting rid of a former Defensive Player of the Year and longtime Celtics player, Marcus Smart. This turned into one of the biggest steals of the Summer in 2023. The Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a 3-team trade that sent Tyus Jones to the Wizards and Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. With his next move, he acquired a 2way guard by the name of Jrue Holiday, recent champion with the Milwaukee Bucks and a pivotal piece to their success. The Celtics were able to pull off another heist by trading two injured players- Rob Williams and Malcolm Brogdon along with an unprotected first round pick and the Golden State Warriors’ 2024 first round pick to the Blazers for Holiday.
Regular Season Dominance
The Celtics entered the postseason as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive 64-18 regular-season record. Their success was fueled by a well-balanced offensive attack and a stifling defense, ranking first in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency. This team was almost something similar of what we saw from the Prime Warriors and Cavaliers form 2014-17. The playstyle and team build was reminiscent of those two teams, prioritizing strength in numbers, size/physicality and shooting. Pure Dominance across the board running a primarily 5-out offense with snipers spread around the floor gave teams problems that were ultimately unstoppable in the end.
Playoff Dominance
The Boston Celtics were transcendent in the postseason, ending with a 16-3 record- going up against the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks. This was an historic feat for them, and it proved that they were truly deserving of this championship because of their grit and discipline in close games and especially during their commanding wins. Overall, this also clinched them another spot in history with an 80-21 record throughout the regular season and postseason. This marks the second time they have done this in the 21st century and makes them one of the 11 teams to win 80% of their games and win the NBA championship
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics etched their name in NBA history by capturing their 18th championship title, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals with Jaylen Brown wining Finals MVP. Ironically, winning this championship on 6/17 coordinates with their area code (617). It also marks the second time they’ve done this in the 21st century. All in all, this triumph not only solidified their legacy but also showcased their remarkable depth, resilience, and unwavering determination throughout the playoffs.
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