BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics entered the season promising to turn recent playoff pain into happiness.
Eight months later, they celebrated the franchise’s 18th championship in what has become a signature celebration in Boston. On Friday, a crowd joined them for the boat parade to celebrate the 13th title this century for the four major franchises in the four American sports leagues.
The Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins have celebrated their championships by jumping on the so-called duck boats—amphibious vehicles for tourism.
In Boston, taking those boats out for a slow parade through the city streets has become synonymous with the city’s sporting supremacy, and Friday’s parade was the latest component in what have been the festivities since the Celtics overcame in five games against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday in the Finals.
Starting at TD Garden, the procession lasted 90 minutes and passed first along Causeway Street in front of the arena, past City Hall, Boston Common, Boylston Street and ending at the Hynes Convention Center.
On the way there was enough time for the city to salute the franchise that surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in league history. Fans marked this moment by climbing light poles and taking down banners or standing at subway entrances.
“It’s incredible, I still can’t believe it’s real. But I just try to stay in the moment,” star Jayson Tatum said during a celebration at TD Garden before the parade.
Owner Wyc Grousbeck gave a gift to fans before the parade.
He was trying to drive to the arena with the Larry O’Brien trophy and the 2024 champion banner in his car with his wife Emilia Fazzalari and their children.
But due to traffic he had to walk almost a kilometer with the trophy and banner in his hand through the sea of fans.
Inside the Garden, festivities included the players and their families, as well as members of the organization, arena staff, season ticket holders and guests such as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
The golden trophy was displayed Friday as players, accompanied by team staff and their families, greeted and interacted with fans.
APConocé The Trust Project
2024-06-21 20:41:00
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