Standing on the TD Garden floor scattered with green and white confetti, Jayson Tatum couldn’t help but shake his head in disbelief. After all the ups and downs, the doubts and criticisms, he finally had his moment. "What they gonna say now?" he exclaimed, repeating the question in sheer jubilation as he celebrated with his mother.
It's a scene reminiscent of another victorious moment in the same arena years ago. Back then, a champagne-soaked Steph Curry shouted to his teammates in the visitor’s locker room, challenging the critics: "What are they gonna say now?" The echoes of that defiant joy lingered, influencing Tatum and the Boston Celtics in more ways than just celebration.
The journey of the 2024 Celtics parallels that of the 2015 Warriors in many ways. Both teams were built around a core of homegrown talent, bolstered by strategic trades and relentless determination. They grew together, faced setbacks together, and ultimately triumphed together. For the Celtics, their championship win was a lesson learned from their loss in the 2022 Finals against the Warriors, a turning point that propelled them to greatness.
In the annals of NBA history, few comparisons fit as snugly as that between the 2024 Celtics and the 2015 Warriors. Consider this: Boston's season record of 80-21, including playoffs, closely mirrors Golden State's 83-20 run. Each championship marked the first for a foundational group of players, cementing their place in basketball lore.
Just as the Warriors dominated the Western Conference with a 67-15 regular season record, the Celtics dominated the East at 64-18, finishing 14 games ahead of their closest rivals. The parallels deepen when you look at the ages of their stars. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, at 26 and 25 respectively, mirror the youthful vigor of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green when they claimed their maiden title.
Back in 2015, skeptics doubted whether a team centered around jump-shooting could win it all. Similarly, for years, pundits questioned whether Tatum and Brown could coalesce into a championship-caliber duo. While Boston lacks a transcendent figure like Curry, they infused elements of championship DNA from teams past, much like the Warriors did. Their success hinged on traits such as selflessness, trust among teammates, and a readiness to sacrifice for the greater good.
The Celtics' playing style also borrowed heavily from Golden State's playbook. Much like the Warriors' "death lineup," Boston thrived on elite spacing and versatile defense. Their lineup boasted five players capable of shooting from beyond the arc, handling the ball, and defending multiple positions. In fact, they took the Warriors' pace-and-space philosophy to new heights, setting a league record by attempting a staggering 3,482 three-pointers throughout the season, over 200 more than any other team.
Moreover, Boston adopted strategic elements straight from Golden State's playbook. They exploited mismatches with clever split actions and quick cuts to the rim, reminiscent of Warriors' tactics. While not relying on post play as heavily, the Celtics found ways to create inside-out opportunities, adapting and evolving strategies that proved effective on their path to the championship.
One striking similarity between the 2015 Warriors and the 2024 Celtics lies in their Finals MVP selections. Just as Andre Iguodala earned the honor for his defensive prowess against LeBron James, Jaylen Brown claimed the award for his stellar defense on Luka Doncic, limiting him to an 84.8 offensive rating over 154 possessions. While Tatum led the Celtics in overall playoff statistics, Brown's defensive tenacity and timely offensive contributions were crucial in sealing Boston's victory.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are poised to keep their core intact, akin to how the Warriors maintained their roster post-2015. Unlike Golden State's later addition of Kevin Durant, Boston isn't likely to make a blockbuster acquisition under current salary cap constraints. The road ahead may not see them replicate the Warriors' sustained dominance, but that's not deterring their determination to build on their success.
So, what's next for the Boston Celtics? As they bask in the glory of their championship win, the question lingers. They've silenced the doubters and crafted a legacy of their own. With Tatum and Brown entering the prime of their careers, supported by a talented roster and astute coaching staff, the future holds promise. The NBA landscape is ever-evolving, yet the Celtics have shown they possess the resilience and skill to navigate its challenges.
In the end, it's not just about winning a championship. It's about forging a narrative that resonates through the ages, drawing inspiration from past champions while etching their own unique story in the annals of basketball greatness. As they reflect on their journey—from setbacks to triumph—the Boston Celtics stand as a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of competition. And as for the critics and skeptics who once questioned their ability to reach the summit? Well, Tatum said it best: "What are they gonna say next?"
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