The Boston Celtics celebrated their 18th NBA championship with a grand parade in Boston on Friday, June 21, 2024. This victory marked their first title since 2008 and the region’s first “Big Four” professional sports championship since the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LIII in February 2019. Below is a roundup of the best moments from before, during, and after the parade.
Key Highlights
- Head Coach Joe Mazzulla: Despite a torn meniscus, Mazzulla enthusiastically engaged with fans, jumping out of his duck boat to high-five the crowd.
- Jaylen Brown: The NBA Finals MVP proudly displayed his trophy and showcased his ball-handling skills during the parade.
- Jayson Tatum: Tatum and his son Deuce enjoyed the festivities, with Tatum sporting a shirt featuring his image.
- Derrick White: Known for his smile, White showed off new dental work and wore a shirt with the line, “Nobody cares,” referencing a motivational quote from Mazzulla.
- Kristaps Porzingis: Porzingis was a fan favorite, sporting a WWE title belt and engaging with the crowd.
Parade Timeline
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 11:00 a.m. | Parade kicks off in front of TD Garden |
| 11:45 a.m. | Mike Gorman, legendary play-by-play announcer, soaks in the celebration |
| 12:00 p.m. | Al Horford and his father, Tito, celebrate Horford’s first NBA championship |
| 12:30 p.m. | First look at Banner 18, held aloft by Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck |
| 1:00 p.m. | Jaylen Brown’s victory lap continues |
| 1:10 p.m. | Jayson Tatum and his son Deuce vibe on their duck boat |
| 1:20 p.m. | Boston sports fans troll Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid |
| 1:35 p.m. | Joe Mazzulla high-fives the crowd despite his injury |
| 1:42 p.m. | Joe Mazzulla’s son shows excitement |
Notable Moments
- Luke Kornet’s Interview: Kornet reflected on his first parade, lamented about not bringing sunscreen, and admitted he puts maple syrup in his coffee.
- Derrick White’s Shout-Out: White gave a shout-out to his sponsor, Sam Adams, and advised not to drink too many.
- Jaylen Brown’s MVP Trophy: Brown kept the MVP trophy close throughout the parade.
- Fan Tributes: Fans from near and far, including a group from Ireland, traveled to Boston to celebrate with the team.
- Al Horford’s Attire: Horford wore a shirt featuring Tom Brady from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl parade, which Brady approved.
Fan Reactions
- Lauren Jennings: Expressed pride in head coach Joe Mazzulla being a Johnston native.
- Jack Hughes: Celebrated Kristaps Porzingis’ journey from being an unknown draft pick to an NBA champion.
- Darragh O’Leary: Traveled from Ireland to join the celebration, having attended games the previous week.
- Tom Murnine: Shared his lifelong support for the Celtics, recalling their 2008 championship win.
Conclusion
The 2024 Celtics championship parade was a memorable event, filled with joy, pride, and a sense of community. Fans and players alike celebrated the historic achievement, marking the Celtics’ 18th NBA title and solidifying their place in basketball history.
