The Celtics team, though not possessing the dazzling talent of peak Steph Curry’s Golden State, exudes much of their predecessor’s machine-like aura of inevitability.
A blizzard of confetti blankets the parquet floor at TD Garden; “Jaylen Brown finals MVP” is no longer a jest among Massachusetts basketball fans but a solid, undeniable truth; Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck hoists the Larry O’Brien trophy, affirming Boston as the most successful franchise in NBA history with their 18th championship.
Yet, were these NBA Finals the least captivating in recent memory for neutrals? A 4-1 scoreline suggests so, with the Mavericks succumbing meekly on Monday night after a spirited effort in Game 4. Kyrie Irving’s absence on the court where his name was once cheered, the Mavericks’ supporting cast reverting to average, and Luka Dončić’s heroic efforts falling short against a Boston team that was simply too smooth, powerful, and dominant on both ends of the court. With this 18th title, after 16 years without a Larry O’Brien trophy, the Celtics surpass their historic rivals, the Lakers, in the all-time NBA championship tally.
This victory epitomizes process, system, and a patient rebuild—a triumph of teamwork over individual glory, cooperation over self-promotion, and strategy over raw talent. At the post-game mic session, every Celtics player emphasized the importance of camaraderie, more than mere rhetoric. Brown shared his MVP honor with “partner-in-crime” Jayson Tatum, underscoring their effective synergy despite years of doubters calling for one to depart for Boston’s first title since 2008: “We needed each other, we all need each other,” Tatum affirmed.
Sacrifice, mental toughness, and subduing egos for the greater good define this Celtics squad, a victory of camaraderie and discipline over arrogance. Even the series’ 4-1 scoreline reflected the team’s inherent respectfulness; a full sweep would have been harsh, but a gentleman’s sweep gently dispatched visibly inferior opponents. Boston has earned its celebratory rights, albeit in measured doses—except for White, already booked for a dentist visit.
Boston’s 18th title marks the culmination of a rebuild since Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce’s departure in 2013, replacing coach Doc Rivers with Brad Stevens. Despite missteps like the Kyrie Irving era and near misses, the Celtics persevered, believing their 18th ring was within reach.
The pieces fell into place slowly: Brown and Tatum arrived as draft picks in 2016 and 2017, respectively; Al Horford joined in 2016, and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis completed the roster last summer. Good fortune, from top draft picks that turned into Simmons and Fultz to coaching transitions, played its role.
Joe Mazzulla, just 35 years old, emerged as the steady hand needed for this mix of mid-20s stars and seasoned veterans. Initially an interim head coach in 2022-23, his disciplined approach resonated, guiding the Celtics through a dominant playoff run.
Despite their dominance, these Celtics appear somewhat clinical. Technical, precise, and ruthlessly efficient, their style fails to stir emotions for neutral observers. They clinched the championship with minimal drama, meticulously managing threats and maintaining composure throughout.
While not as individually luminous as Curry’s Warriors, this Boston team mirrors their relentless, machine-like aura of inevitability. With Curry, Durant, and LeBron’s era seemingly passing, Boston’s technocratic approach seems poised to dominate the NBA’s new generation for years to come.
