Boston Celtics, NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs

From Draft Picks to Dominance: How the Boston Celtics Became NBA Champions

Whether you are a Boston Celtics fan or not, one can’t ignore the impressive journey the Boston Celtics undertook to claim their 18th NBA Championship in 2024. This triumph wasn’t just due to the team’s talent but also to their resilience, strategic decision-making, failures and growth over the years preceding it.  From astute draft picks to key trades and overcoming heartbreaking losses, the Boston Celtics’ path to glory is a story of perseverance and strategic brilliance. 

The Ainge Blueprint and the Rise of the Stars

Danny Ainge has been the CEO of basketball operations and alternate governor of the Utah Jazz since 2021,. Before that, “Trader Danny” was an executive with the Celtics and built a reputation for his shrew trades. Through his dealmaking, Ainge laid the foundation for Boston’s 2024 championship with his draft picks.

In 2016, he defied expectations by selecting Jaylen Brown (3rd overall), whose athleticism and defense wasn’t just crucial, but was ultimately named NBA Finals MVP. The next year, Ainge orchestrated a bold trade, giving up the top pick for Jayson Tatum (3rd) and additional assets. That top pick went to the Philadelphia 76ers and the pick became Markelle Fultz. In hindsight, the move was a bet that paid off.

Brown and Tatum’s growth into elite players has been the cornerstone of the Celtics’ success. Brown, a two-time All-Star (2021, 2023), has consistently improved his shooting, defense, and playmaking. Tatum’s rise has been even steeper. A five-time All-Star (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), his scoring prowess and ability to take over games have been instrumental. 

All-NBA First Team selections in 2022 and 2023 solidified Tatum’s place among the league’s best. Ainge’s draft strategy and the development of Brown and Tatum fueled the Celtics’ championship run.

Celtics Reshape, Stumble in 2022 NBA Finals

Taking the reins as GM in 2021, Brad Stevens revamped the Celtics. He brought back veteran leader Al Horford for experience and leadership and traded for defensive anchor Derrick White, nicknamed “The Block Mamba.” White’s defensive versatility solidified the backcourt, providing a much-needed boost.

The Celtics’ strong season culminated in a playoff run, but they fell short in the 2022 Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s experience proved too much for the young Celtics. The Finals exposed their need for mental toughness and a deeper roster.  Though a disappointing end, this defeat became a turning point. The lessons learned in resilience fueled their determination to return stronger and claim the championship in the coming seasons.

2023 Eastern Finals: Heartbreaking Loss in Game 7

The 2023 Eastern Conference Finals was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Boston Celtics and their fans. Facing the Miami Heat, the Celtics found themselves in a daunting 0-3 deficit. Despite the overwhelming odds, they displayed remarkable resilience and fought back to force a decisive Game 7.  This comeback effort highlighted the team’s tenacity and refusal to give up, rallying behind strong performances from Brown, White, and Marcus Smart. However, the challenges mounted as the series progressed. In the critical Game 7, Tatum suffered a significant injury early in the game, severely hampering his ability to contribute effectively.

Off-Season Maneuvers and Regular-Season Domination

The 2023 off-season was a transformative period for the Celtics. Stevens, the architect of the roster, made several tough decisions, like trading away fan favorite Marcus Smart to pursue championship aspirations.

A key addition was Kristaps Porziņģis, bringing size, shooting, and shot-blocking to the frontcourt. But the crown jewel was Jrue Holiday, acquired in a complex trade sequence that saw him land in Boston after a brief stint in Portland. The “Dame Stopper” solidified the Celtics’ backcourt.

The impact was immediate. The 2023-2024 season saw the Celtics dominate the regular season, finishing with a league-best 64-18 record. This wasn’t just success; it was historic. They shattered records, boasting the league’s highest net rating, a testament to their suffocating defense and potent offense. Their playoff run was impressive, with victories over the Heat, Cavaliers, and Pacers. However, injuries to key opponents led some to downplay their success, suggesting an “easy path” to the Finals.

The Celtics vs Everyone

The Celtics’ journey to the championship wasn’t without its challenges. Despite boasting the best record in the NBA, many analysts and pundits didn’t favor them against the Dallas Mavericks. 

The narrative swirled around the high-powered scoring duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, with many believing they could outduel the Celtics’ Tatum and Brown.

This lack of faith was reflected in a staggering statistic: a reported 89% of analysts, experts, media outlets, betting sites, and even online casinos picked the Mavericks to win. But the pressure was on for Dallas, especially with Porzingis returning from a 30-day injury. He provided a spark with some big plays, but his return was short-lived as he re-injured himself in Game 3.

The stage was set for a dramatic Game 5 in Boston. The Celtics, fueled by the home crowd and determined to silence their doubters, delivered a dominant performance. 

Tatum exploded for 31 points and 11 assists, while Brown, ultimately named Finals MVP, chipped in with 21 points. The Celtics shut down the Mavericks on both ends of the court, winning the game 106-88 and clinching their 18th championship in franchise history.

It was a moment of pure celebration, proving that the Celtics, with their strong defense and dynamic duo, were a force no team could underestimate.

The Celtics Lift Banner #18

The Boston Celtics’ championship run in 2024 was the culmination of a long and strategic rebuild. After trading away Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce for draft picks that became Tatum and Brown, the Celtics embraced the role of underdogs.

They consistently reached the Eastern Conference Finals, even with players like Isaiah Thomas, Gordon Hayward, and Irving failing to deliver championships. The experiment with superstars wasn’t a total loss, though. It allowed Tatum and Brown to develop their talent alongside veterans like Horford (who finally got his first ring in 2024). 

This dedication to development, combined with the brilliance of Tatum and Brown, proved to be the winning formula. The doubters who overlooked them throughout the playoffs were silenced as the Celtics, built on a strong foundation and a dynamic duo, reclaimed their place atop the NBA.

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