By Rob Mason, PSO President of Sports Operations
Jun 18, 2024

The Boston Celtics proved to be one of the best assembled teams ever. Combining eight good shooters & five great defenders is almost unbeatable. The way they space the floor, move the ball, and rotate/switch defensively is all at an A+ level. The wise bet would be to assume more championships are coming for their young core if they stay healthy. 

This triumphant journey to their 18th NBA championship was a testament to the collective efforts of key figures who shaped their path to glory. Let’s dissect the pivotal roles each played in securing this historic victory.

 

  • Brad Stevens was hired from Butler & handed the keys to the Boston organization ever since
  • He developed Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, & Al Horford’s game
  • Helped train and advise Joe Mazulla as the brand new HC
  • Then acquired Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, & Derrick White as GM
  • His handprints are all over this
  • One team RARELY dominates an entire series
  • It’s usually either because the talent discrepancy is so high or the Coach was making all the right decisions
  • This Championship matchup featured both
  • Mazulla’s offensive & defensive designs, perfectly-timed timeouts, and adjustments were all elite
  • Drafted Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum in back-to-back years after:
 

– Ben Simmons (#1, PHI)

– Markelle Fultz (#1, PHI)

– Lonzo Ball (#2, LAL)

– Brandon Ingram (#2, LAL)

 
  • Signed Boston’s best offseason signing ever in Al Horford
  • Handed the keys to Brad Stevens
  • Finals MVP & Conference Finals MVP
  • Highest-paid player in NBA history used that as fuel and balled out
  • Clutch plays, consistent performances, and outstanding defense
  • Proved to be the best player on the Boston Celtics during this Playoff run that led to the title
  • Saved his best performances for the biggest 2 games of their season (Games 3 & 5
  • Already made the All-NBA 1st Team 3 times
  • To accomplish that & a Championship at 26 is extremely rare for that level of player
  • Winning a ring should increase future consistency
  • NBA’s best perimeter defender showed it in the Playoffs again to help another East contender get over the hump
  • Every Celtics player says his Championship presence & poise had a big impact on this run

 

Now:

  • 6x All-Defense
  • 2x All-Star
  • 2x Champ 

 

HALL OF FAME

Horford brought 3 invaluable things to the table for this team:

  • Great leadership
  • Playoff experience
  • Respected intangibles

 

  • Sacrificed a starting spot and still played well this Postseason
  • Avoids setting the NBA record for most Playoff Games without a ring
  • Coincidence or not, D-White has taken his game to another level ever since going bald
  • Much different player than in their last Finals
  • 3-point shot making & handles improved a lot
  • Hustle plays set the tone
  • Locks down the best backcourts with Jrue Holiday
  • Won an absurd 25 of 28 home games when suited up
  • Boston’s biggest mismatch spaces the floor & is their best rim protector
  • Inspired toughness by playing through an injury that needed surgery & saying “I’ll die out there”
  • 3 Playoff games vs Miami, 3 vs Dallas
  • 1st 3 matchups weren’t equal from a talent standpoint
  • Especially after Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton missed games
  • Dallas’ all-time offensive backcourt gave them a chance
  • But the fans helped neutralize Kyrie in 3 Boston games



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