The Boston Celtics celebrated their NBA championship with a grand parade that drew an estimated 1 million fans. The celebration took place from TD Garden to the Hynes Convention Center, and the parade kicked off shortly after 11 a.m. Celtics Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck expressed his gratitude to the fans, calling the parade a “life-changing” experience and noting that it was even bigger than the celebration following their last championship in 2008.
The parade came four days after the Celtics secured their victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. To accommodate the event, Boston schools were closed, and parking restrictions were put in place throughout the city. The timing of the parade was also fortuitous, as it marked the end of a heat wave that had plagued the region for several days.
The Celtics’ journey to the championship was filled with hard work and determination. They faced challenging decisions, tuned out the non-believers, took risks, and worked together to achieve something extraordinary. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu praised the team for their resilience and declared them the “undisputed greatest team in the NBA.” Governor Maura Healey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the players not only excelled on the court but also displayed outstanding character off the court.
The parade itself was a spectacle to behold. Fans lined the streets, chanting “MVP” as Jaylen Brown, the Celtics star and NBA Finals MVP, passed by with his trophy. People from other states, including Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, traveled to Boston to join in the celebration. Some fans even climbed onto street signs and traffic lights to catch a glimpse of their favorite players.
Copley Square was a particularly exciting spot during the parade. Celtics player Al Horford delighted fans by wearing a cowboy hat and catching basketballs thrown by fans seeking autographs. The crowd chanted the name of Joe Mazzulla, the second-year coach who became the youngest coach since 1970 to win an NBA championship. Music played, creating an electric atmosphere.
The duck boat parade has become a tradition in Boston, with this year’s event marking the 13th since the Patriots started the trend in 2002. The organizers, Boston Duck Tours, have perfected the logistics over the years, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The ducks arrived at TD Garden early in the morning, ready to start the parade by 9 a.m.
The return trip to TD Garden surprised some fans who were still gathered in the North End. They were treated to a second look at the star players as the ducks looped back through Boston. Fans stood just a few feet away from the vehicles, passing memorabilia to players for autographs. The atmosphere was electric, with chants filling the air.
Celtics Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck reflected on the journey that led to this championship. The front office had spent 11 years building this year’s team, and their hard work paid off. Grousbeck reveled in the excitement of the parade, capturing moments on camera but eventually putting it away to fully immerse himself in the experience. He described the cheers along the parade route as “deafening” and expressed his love for the city and its championship legacy.
Looking ahead, Grousbeck shared his aspirations for the future. The Celtics have more to accomplish: designing a championship ring, raising another banner, and building for next year. Grousbeck’s enthusiasm and determination to continue their success were palpable.
As the Celtics’ rolling rally unfolded throughout the day, 7News provided comprehensive coverage on air, online, and through their app, ensuring fans didn’t miss a moment of the celebration.
In conclusion, the Celtics’ NBA championship parade was a monumental event that brought together fans from near and far to celebrate the team’s victory. The parade showcased the resilience, talent, and character of the players, while also highlighting the unwavering support of the city of Boston. As the Celtics gear up for future seasons, their journey to success serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, teamwork, and the unwavering support of a dedicated fan base.
