Boston Celtics Win 17th NBA Championship - Setting a New Record

June 17th, 2008 - The Boston Celtics, led by veterans Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, captured their 17th NBA Championship in team history, and their first since 1986. More importantly, it was the first championship for Pierce, Garnett, and Allen, arguably some of the best individual players in the history of the game.

After the greatest single season turnaround in NBA history, the Boston Celtics finished this year's regular season with a record of 66 wins - 16 losses, compared to last year's abysmal record of 24 wins - 58 losses.

Two dramatic additions to Paul Pierce's formidable skill-set was Boston's acquisition of veterans Ray Allen (from Seattle) and Kevin Garnett (from Minnesota). Forming the core of a new, defensive-minded team, the three All-Star's finally got their dues last night, as they will shortly be presented with NBA Championship Rings. For Paul Pierce, it took 10 years. For Allen, 12. Garnett played through 13 grueling seasons before finally being rewarded.

It wasn't much of a contest, with the Laker's going down 131-92. But for the hometown crowd the only thing that mattered was the win. Seats were used infrequently as standing ovations came from the crowd at the end of each quarter, and during Boston scoring runs.

Boston has now become the winningest team in NBA history with their 17th championship. Between the Lakers franchise and the Celtics, they make up half of all NBA championships awarded. To say that a battle between these two teams was a storied one would be an understatement.

After the game forward Kevin Garnett remarked, "I just want to say, other than my kid being born, this has got to be the happiest day of my life right now."

As far as the Laker's were concerned, superstar Kobe Bryant had this to say about Boston's stifling defense, "Just upset more than anything, frustrated." He then went on to compliment his teammates on a great season. "But I'm proud. I'm proud of the way that we performed all year. I'm proud of my guys. I'm proud of the effort that we gave."