Splitting the Credit: Boston Celtics 18th Championship

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.

1. Brad Stevens A+

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

2. Joe Mazulla A

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

3. Danny AingeA-

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

4. Jaylen Brown A-

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

5. Jayson TatumA-

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

6. Jrue HolidayB+

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

7. Al HorfordB

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

8. Derrick WhiteB

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

9. Kristaps PorzingisB-

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

10. Boston Celtics FansC+

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