The Boston Celtics have honored their newest achievement by raising Banner 18 to the rafters. The NBA’s most successful team celebrated this moment on Tuesday night with a ceremony preceding their season opener against the New York Knicks, during which players also received their championship rings.
Fans at the sold-out TD Garden were treated to the sight of the Celtics in warmup jackets adorned with gold trim and featuring 18 championship trophies embroidered on the sleeves. Some team members took a break from practicing to watch a video that chronicled their championship journey, highlighting key moments from the drafts of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to the recent acquisitions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Another video showcased memorable highlights from legends such as John Havlicek and Bill Russell during the 1950s and ’60s, culminating with the final moments of the Celtics’ Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks last spring.
Legendary six-time champion Bob Cousy appeared in a wheelchair, joined by fellow icons Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen as they watched the 2024 championship banner join the one they claimed in 2008. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared Tuesday as “Celtics Banner 18 Day” in honor of the occasion.