The new banner will look great next to the others hanging in TD Garden. | Photo by @ronkuszmar
The Celtics are bringing home banner number 18 — the team won the 2024 NBA Finals last night, defeating the Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 at TD Garden.
Before the big victory, The C’s were tied with the Lakers for the most NBA championships, each winning 17 titles. Now, we’ve got one up on them and hold the record.
Not only did the Celtics win the series 4-1 against the Mavericks, they also swept the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Prior to Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the team had a 10-game winning streak through the 2024 playoffs.
Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard celebrate during Game 5.
Before we get to the Duck Boat parade, here’s a play-by-play of the record breaking season:
For the fifth time, TD Garden welcomed one million fans in a single season.
For the first time ever, TD Garden hosted sold out watch parties for Bostonians to celebrate the C’s on away games.
The Celtics became the first NBA team to win three games by 50+ points in a single season.
The team accumulated 9,887 points during the regular season — a franchise high.
Curious for more? Check out these other facts about our local NBA franchise.
The team was one of 17 original NBA members in 1949 and is considered to be one of the most successful teams, claiming legendary players like Bill Russell, Sam Jones, and Larry Bird. The Celtics won their first title in 1957 and have made 60 playoff appearances.
When iconic player and coach Russell died in 2023, the NBA retired his number. All NBA teams honored the legacy of No. 6 with special jerseys and events.
Today, the only founding NBA franchises still in existence are the Celtics, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors (previously known as the Philadelphia Warriors).
Fun fact: Lucky the Leprechaun has been part of the games for over 17 years and debuted in-person during a Celtics game on Oct. 29, 2003.
Events
Tuesday, June 18
Juneteenth Flag Raising | Tuesday, June 18 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Revere City Hall, 281 Broadway, Revere | Free | Observe the holiday with a flag raising and speeches.
“Curveball: The Art of Bouncing Back” | Tuesday, June 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston | $15 | This installment of Coleslaw’s Corner focuses on embracing yourself — flaws and all — starring the drag performer and friends.
Ben Platt | Tuesday, June 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Boch Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston | $40-$140 | The actor + musician performs “The Honeymind Tour.”
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration | Wednesday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Riverside Press Park, 393 River St., Cambridge | Free | The parade marches down Pleasant Street and Massachusetts Avenue, followed by speeches, music, and arts + crafts that celebrate freedom.
Park Fitness: Yoga | Wednesday, June 19 | 6-7 p.m. | Medal of Honor Park, 775 E. First St., Boston | Free | Get moving as coach Christine leads this outdoor session.
Thursday, June 20
Get Spritzy | Thursday, June 20 | 7-8 p.m. | curds&co, 288 Washington St., Brookline | $65 | This class will teach you the perfect cocktail + cheese pairings — and yes, you’ll eat and sip as you learn.
The City of Boston Archaeology Program released findings from its Charlestown 250 Archaeology Project — a study of the residents impacted by the historic Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. The findings aim to document stories from underrepresented populations and includes loss claims and census data. Field work will continue later this year.
Coming Soon
Popular Jewish deli Mamaleh’s is planning to open a Somerville location this summer. The new restaurant is expected in the mixed-used Boynton Yards development at 101 South St. Early information indicates the deli will offer sit-down and to-go service, though the exact opening date has not been announced. (10 Boston)
Stat
Boston has the No. 9 most overpriced housing market in the US, according to data from First American Financial. The study found that the average existing home price in Beantown was $626,250, which is 25% higher than the buying power of the average Bostonian. (Boston Business Journal)
Bostonian
Guinness World Records has certified that the world’s oldest train operator is working in Boston. Helen Antenucci is employed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and has been operating Blue Line trains since 1995. The 81-year-old grandmother loves driving the trains and has no plans to retire.
Drink
Raise a glass, drop a deal. We’ll be toasting to Drink Up Week sponsored by Lifted Rooftop Restaurant & Bar — a celebration of Boston’s vibrant beverage scene — from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. If you own a local business that serves beverages, join us by offering a fun drink deal to our readers — we may include it in a newsletter.
Weather
🌡️ Wave hello to the heat
Boston mayor declares heat emergency as temps approach triple digits
Make plans to stay cool during this stretch of heat. | Photo via @cityofboston
Think cool thoughts — a heat wave is expected to descend on Boston today and last through Friday, June 21, bringing excessive, potentially record-breaking temperatures and humidity.
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory in Suffolk County that begins at 12 p.m. today and lasts through 7 p.m. Friday, June 21. During the advisory, the heat index value — the way humidity + temperatures feel on the body — could exceed 100°.
In response to the anticipated heat, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a “heat emergency” through Thursday, encouraging locals to take precautions to stay safe.
The Boston Center for Youth and Families will operate 14 Cooling Centers throughout the city.
Boston Public Libraries will be open for locals trying to escape the heat — though they will close on Wednesday, June 19 to observe Juneteenth.
The city has provided information for residents to prepare for the weather and to address emergency situations.
I haven’t had it in a while, but I used to love going to OTTO Pizza when I was on the BU campus. It’s always fun to try the novel toppings — Three-Cheese Tortellini and Mashed Potato, Bacon + Scallion slices were my favorites.
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