Splitting the Credit: Boston Celtics 18th Championship

The Boston Celtics proved to be one of the best assembled teams ever. Combining eight good shooters & five great defenders is almost unbeatable. The way they space the floor, move the ball, and rotate/switch defensively is all at an A+ level. The wise bet would be to assume more championships are coming for their young core if they stay healthy. 

This triumphant journey to their 18th NBA championship was a testament to the collective efforts of key figures who shaped their path to glory. Let’s dissect the pivotal roles each played in securing this historic victory.

 





1. Brad Stevens A+
Brad Stevens was hired from Butler & handed the keys to the Boston organization ever sinceHe developed Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, & Al Horford’s gameHelped train and advise Joe Mazulla as the brand new HCThen acquired Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, & Derrick White as GMHis handprints are all over this




2. Joe Mazulla A
One team RARELY dominates an entire seriesIt’s usually either because the talent discrepancy is so high or the Coach was making all the right decisionsThis Championship matchup featured bothMazulla’s offensive & defensive designs, perfectly-timed timeouts, and adjustments were all elite




3. Danny AingeA-
Drafted Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum in back-to-back years after:
 

– Ben Simmons (#1, PHI)

– Markelle Fultz (#1, PHI)

– Lonzo Ball (#2, LAL)

– Brandon Ingram (#2, LAL)

 

Signed Boston’s best offseason signing ever in Al HorfordHanded the keys to Brad Stevens





4. Jaylen Brown A-
Finals MVP & Conference Finals MVPHighest-paid player in NBA history used that as fuel and balled outClutch plays, consistent performances, and outstanding defenseProved to be the best player on the Boston Celtics during this Playoff run that led to the title




5. Jayson TatumA-
Saved his best performances for the biggest 2 games of their season (Games 3 & 5Already made the All-NBA 1st Team 3 timesTo accomplish that & a Championship at 26 is extremely rare for that level of playerWinning a ring should increase future consistency




6. Jrue HolidayB+
NBA’s best perimeter defender showed it in the Playoffs again to help another East contender get over the humpEvery Celtics player says his Championship presence & poise had a big impact on this run

 

Now:

6x All-Defense2x All-Star2x Champ 

 

HALL OF FAME





7. Al HorfordB

Horford brought 3 invaluable things to the table for this team:

Great leadershipPlayoff experienceRespected intangibles

 

Sacrificed a starting spot and still played well this PostseasonAvoids setting the NBA record for most Playoff Games without a ring





8. Derrick WhiteB
Coincidence or not, D-White has taken his game to another level ever since going baldMuch different player than in their last Finals3-point shot making & handles improved a lotHustle plays set the toneLocks down the best backcourts with Jrue Holiday




9. Kristaps PorzingisB-
Won an absurd 25 of 28 home games when suited upBoston’s biggest mismatch spaces the floor & is their best rim protectorInspired toughness by playing through an injury that needed surgery & saying “I’ll die out there”3 Playoff games vs Miami, 3 vs Dallas




10. Boston Celtics FansC+
1st 3 matchups weren’t equal from a talent standpointEspecially after Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton missed gamesDallas’ all-time offensive backcourt gave them a chanceBut the fans helped neutralize Kyrie in 3 Boston games

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