The Boston Celtics clinched their 18th NBA championship by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Celtics, as they continue to solidify their legacy in the league's history books.
Jayson Tatum's Stellar Performance
Boston's triumph was spearheaded by Jayson Tatum, who delivered an extraordinary performance with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Tatum now joins an elite list that includes Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Walt Frazier as the only players in NBA Finals history to log 30 points and 10 assists in a series-clinching victory.
Jaylen Brown contributed significantly to the win with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Jrue Holiday also played a crucial role, adding 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Celtics' roster.
A Historic Franchise
The last time the Celtics lifted the Larry O'Brien trophy was in 2008, when they faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers for the 11th time in NBA Finals history. Under the guidance of then-head coach Doc Rivers, Boston overcame a Kobe Bryant-led Lakers team in six games. Paul Pierce was named the Finals MVP of that series after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. In a moment etched in NBA history, Kevin Garnett famously exclaimed, "Anything's possible," during his postgame interview, encapsulating the Celtics' victorious spirit.
On This Date: 'Anything Is Possible'
On June 17, 2008, Kevin Garnett delivered his legendary postgame interview after the Celtics defeated the Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The phrase "Anything's possible" became synonymous with triumph and the indomitable spirit of the Boston Celtics.
The Cultural Context of 2008
Lil Wayne Topped The Charts
In 2008, rapper Lil Wayne's hit single "Lollipop," featuring Static Major, dominated the Billboard Top 100 charts. The song made its debut on March 13, 2008, as part of Lil Wayne's sixth studio album, "Tha Carter III." Produced by Deezle and Jim Jonsin, "Lollipop" secured a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2009. A remix featuring rapper Kanye West was released on June 10, 2008, adding to the song's colossal success.
LeBron James' Documentary Debuted
That same year, Lionsgate released a documentary titled "More Than a Game," chronicling the journey of LeBron James and his childhood friends. The film captures their experiences playing AAU basketball and the challenges they faced during their high school days at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. The documentary featured James, his teammates Dru Joyce III, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton, Willie McGee, and long-time coach Dru Joyce II.
Al Horford's Dominant Rookie Season
Meanwhile, Celtics center Al Horford made his mark in the NBA during the 2007-08 season. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Horford played 81 games and started in 77 of them. He led the Hawks with 9.7 rebounds per game and played a pivotal role in leading the team to its first postseason appearance since the 1998-99 season. Horford finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Kevin Durant. The Hawks faced the Celtics in the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs, where Horford averaged 12.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game over the series.
Joe Mazzulla's College Achievements
During the Celtics' 2008 championship run, Joe Mazzulla was wrapping up his junior season and preparing for his senior year with the West Virginia Mountaineers. Mazzulla, who averaged 5.8 points per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc, played a pivotal role in the Mountaineers' upset victory against the No. 2-seeded Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA men's tournament. In the Round of 32, he posted 13 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in West Virginia's 73-67 win. However, the Mountaineers were eventually eliminated by the No. 3-seeded Xavier Musketeers in overtime during the Sweet 16.
Grand Theft Auto IV: A Gaming Milestone
In the realm of entertainment, 2008 also saw the release of "Grand Theft Auto IV" on April 28. The game became an instant hit, selling over six million copies within its first week and generating over $500 million in sales across PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. The game's immense popularity underscored the growing intersection between sports, music, and gaming cultures.
The Boston Celtics' 2024 NBA Finals victory not only adds another chapter to their storied history but also serves as a reminder of the moments and cultural milestones that coincided with their last championship win in 2008. Through triumph on the court and memorable events off it, the Celtics continue to be a beacon of excellence and inspiration.