The Boston Celtics had one of the best seasons in living memory during 2023-2024, culminating in an epic victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. The win confirmed the Celtics as one of the NBA’s all-time best franchises, adding a record 18th title to its list of accolades.
But the triumph was far from the only highlight of the Celtics’ 2023-2024 season. Fans and players alike benefited from a real spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood over the past several months, creating a feel-good atmosphere that carried the franchise to various triumphs during the season.
Whether you’re ranking Michigan’s sports team logos or recapping the Boston Celtics incredible 2023-2024 season, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of the best moments and highlights from the Celtics’ era-defining season.
Winning the NBA Championship
How could we start anywhere else but with the Boston Celtics victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals? The Celtics picked up a record-breaking 18th title after dispatching the Mavericks 4-1, winning the NBA Championship for the first time since 2008.
Fans and players felt pure jubilation alongside sheer relief, as the Celtics have faltered regularly in the postseason over the past decade. In fact, they have played more offseason games than any other franchise without winning an NBA title during the past eight seasons, explaining the elation on show.
Jaylen Brown wins Finals MVP
Jaylen Brown was tasked with controlling the Mavericks’ Luka Dončić during the NBA Finals series, a role he excelled at. Completely stopping the Slovenian superstar from running the show is largely impossible, but Brown kept him quiet enough that he could not make much of an impact.
While his defensive prowess was on show, it was Brown’s offensive work that gave him the MVP award over teammate Jayson Tatum. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists a game during the series – impressive numbers when the pressure is on.
Epic Game 7 comeback vs the Milwaukee Bucks
The Celtics very nearly didn’t make it to the NBA Finals. The Eastern Conference Final against the Milwaukee Bucks well and truly went down to the wire, with Brown and Tatum needing to perform unforgettable clutch play heroics to overturn a double-digit deficit in the last quarter of the last game.
Celtics fans won’t forget this moment any time soon. In fact, the nature of the comeback instilled such belief in the roster that it looked as though they were destined to win the NBA Finals after this great escape.
Four Eastern Conference Players of the Month
Analysts already knew how well-rounded and packed with quality the Boston Celtics roster was before the 2023-2024 season began, but the franchise wasted no time proving this fact. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Al Horford all won Eastern Conference Player of the Month awards during the season, proving the team’s quality and consistency.
Aside from the clout of winning these awards, they also radically altered the game plan for opposing teams. The dynamic duo of Tatum and Brown were already on franchises’ radars, but the emergence of other key players like Smart and Horford meant teams had to alter their tactics to nullify these new threats.
Tatum’s buzzer-beater against the 76ers
Everybody loves a buzzer-beater, and few have had the crowd going as much as Jayson Tatum’s game winner against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics talisman hit a perfect three-pointer past Joel Embiid to secure a 110-107 victory, coming in clutch to ensure his franchise continued their unstoppable march to the finals.
But this moment was made even more exhilarating by what happened next. Embiid refused to be beaten, throwing a last-minute shot from behind half court that landed perfectly to tie the game. 76ers fans couldn’t believe their eyes, although the buzzer had already sounded milliseconds before, meaning the shot didn’t count.
Horford blocks shot into son’s hands
You would be forgiven for forgetting that Al Horford is 38 years old. The Dominican center plays with athleticism and aggression belying his years, one of the main reasons why he became such an important player for the Celtics this season.
Aside from his multiple game-winning performances, Horford was also responsible for one of the season’s most heartwarming moments. In the matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Horford blocked Trae Young’s shot perfectly into his son’s hands, who was sitting courtside.
The emergence of Grant Williams
Despite the Celtics’ star crop of players including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, their successful season wouldn’t have been possible without other players stepping up when it mattered.
Grant Williams is the perfect example. Previously a solid squad player, he really came into his own towards the end of the season. Without his crucial three-pointers and defensive prowess, who knows whether the Celtics would have reached the NBA Finals.
Team camaraderie and friendship
Fans and players also benefited from a wholesome atmosphere throughout the season, with the strong bond between players and genuine camaraderie adding an extra, positive layer to the narrative.
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