Boston is still bleeding green after the Celtics won the NBA Finals Monday night. The team took the series in five games after a 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks.
The championship win, 16 years to the day after their last, came after a dominant 3-0 run by the Celtics in the Finals before the Mavericks bested them in Game 4 in a devastating loss.
But in true Boston sports fashion, the Celtics returned to TD Garden for Game 5 more determined than ever, and it paid off — with Banner #18 in the rafters, the Celtics became the team with the most championships in NBA history.
With a victory comes a parade, which is set to kick off Friday at 11 a.m. in front of TD Garden. Over one million fans are expected to attend and watch up to 25 duck boats filled with Celtics legends cruise down the streets of Boston.
Ahead of the much-awaited celebration for the Celtics, we asked readers to share their messages to the team, and they were nothing but congratulatory. Read on to see what C’s fans far and wide had to say to the 2024 NBA champions.
Some quotes have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
“I have been an avid fan since I was 8 years old. Now I am 79 and tears came from my eyes when I saw the team win #18. Congratulations to all of you!”
— Janet W., Hudson
“The selflessness, the attitude, the ethic, the execution. The 2024 Boston Celtics are the new Green Monster!”
— Barry R., Ipswich
“You made our city proud! Your work ethic and determination are why you are champions. Congratulations and keep being role models for our youth!”
— Caitlin H., Roslindale
“To Derrick White: I just went through a front tooth transplant, and my dental surgeon is the best there is. I am saying this only as a very grateful patient.”
— Roger L., Newton
“Thank you for showing us what a true championship team is about, one made up of unselfish players who root for each other every day. Go Celtics!”
— Tony Y., Danville, CA
“As a college student I would see Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, and later, Kevin McHale walk in the streets of Boston and this 2023-24 team lived up to those of the Celtics pasts’ greatness.”
— Howard S., Delray Beach, FL
“From across the country, you made me so proud to have once called Boston home, and to be lifelong Celtics fan. Couldn’t be happier for the entire organization — you deserve it!”
— Michael T., Gilbert, AZ
“Clearly the best team all year and basically cemented this in these playoffs. Exemplified what it means to play and win as a team. Let’s do it again next year. Dynasty incoming!”
— John T., Brookline
“Thank you for winning the championship for the fans. Thank you for showing what a ‘team’ means to the world.”
— Stephen S., New York
“After being a lifetime fan, this one is special. My dad and I used to watch the Celts when I was growing up, and since he’s passed, I was able to enjoy this with my twins. The ’86 Celts are the one of the greatest teams ever, and this ’24 crew is equally talented. Thanks for bringing it home, team!”
— Janet T., Taunton
“I’m so proud to be a Celtics fan! You men are not only a great basketball team, you are great men, your lives teach people great things. Thank you for a great season as a Celts fan, and I’ve been one for a long time, my father took used to take me to watch Bill Russell and Sam Jones play. 2024 World Champion Boston Celtics! Sounds great! Congratulations!”
— Kevin K., Hampton, NH
Thanks for bringing it home! We appreciate all your hard work over many years. As fans, we are blessed to have a team that strives so hard, working to get better individually and together to reach the peak!
— Michael P., Manchester, NH
“Fantastic job under pressure, the outside noise did not distract you, you made it to the mountaintop of the basketball world. Enjoy the feeling of being a champion of your sport, stay humble.”
— Bill D., Tiverton
“Amazing season, dominant postseason and now champions! Been waiting for this ever since I moved here. Thanks for making this fan’s dream come true…”
— Paw, South Boston
“Thank you for bringing home #18! Demonstrating teamwork and unselfishness at its perfection wins championships! So satisfying to see all of you enjoy the moment! We want to celebrate with all of you!”
— Lorenzo, Wakefield
“Thank you, thank you for letting this 75-year-old woman get to see another championship by the Boston Celtics.”
— Tina R., Atlanta
“Thank you for showing us all — but especially young people — what a TEAM looks like and how a TEAM plays together and wins together.”
— Matt G., East Hampton, NY
Loading…