On this day in 2008, the Boston Celtics won their 17th and last title to date by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 131-92 blowout of Game 6 of the series.
The win came at home in TD Garden, behind 26 points and 14 rebounds by big man Kevin Garnett, and 26 points from shooting guard Ray Allen.
Point guard Rajon Rondo added 21 points, 8 boards and six assists while forward Paul Pierce chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Reserve forward James Posey provided 11 points off the bench.
“It means so much more because these are the guys, the Havliceks, the Bill Russells, the Cousys,” Pierce said via ESPN. “These guys started what’s going on with those banners. They don’t hang up any other banners but championship ones, and now I’m a part of it.”
“I got my own. I got my own,” Garnett said to Hall of Fame big man Bill Russell, present at the sidelines. “I hope we made you proud.”
“You sure did,” Russell replied.