The Boston Celtics celebrated their 18th championship in franchise history with a championship parade deemed “Banner Day.”
The team held the parade on June 21, four days after defeating the Dallas Mavericks with a final score of 106-88 to capture the 2024 NBA title. The championship would also mark the 13th championship won this century by one of Boston’s franchises in the four biggest sports leagues.
The team rode through the city aboard duck boats, vehicles primarily used by sightseeing tourists.
Prior to the parade, the Celtics held a rally inside TD Garden featuring players and their family members, members of the Celtics Organization, arena staff, season ticket holders, and guests including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
As the team prepared for the parade in TD Garden, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum described the occasion as “unbelievable,” as he tried to stay in the moment and take everything in.
From TD Garden on the duck boats, the team first turned onto Causeway Street in front of the arena, then past City Hall, through Boston Common, down Boylston Street and concluded at Hynes Convention Center.
With Tatum and Celtics forward Jaylen Brown having served as a promising duo for 7 years, it’s nice to see them finally break through and hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Al Horford, Celtics center, believed the duo just needed the right supporting cast to reach their ultimate goal. “There was a lot of growth,” Horford said. “These guys were ready for it. Ready for that moment, and we just needed the right group of guys.”
Brown received the 2024 NBA Finals MVP after garnering seven out of 11 votes from the media panel who decided the recipient. During the series Brown averaged 20.8 points. 5 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 44% from the field. He also served as the primary defender on Mavericks superstar Luka Donic.
“Whatever it took for us to win, that’s what I was willing to do. On the defensive side I know that’s what my team needed me to bring. So that’s what I brought to the table,” Brown said.
Championship number 18 for the Celtics also broke a long tie with the Lakers, reclaiming their spot in NBA history with the most championships. Now, with most of this championship roster likely to return, the question is whether the Celtics will be able to repeat this success next season.
Featured image courtesy of Depositphotos.