‘The undisputed greatest team in the NBA’: Massachusetts Leaders Honor Celtics at Pre-Parade Rally
BOSTON (WHDH) – As thousands of fans gathered on the streets of Boston for the Celtics championship parade, Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu honored the team at a pre-parade rally inside TD Garden on Friday.
Just four days after the Celtics clinched their 18th league title by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Mayor Wu expressed her gratitude to the players, coaches, and staff for their dedication and hard work.
“This was a team that was willing to face challenging decisions head-on, tune out the non-believers, take big risks, and truly work together to build something extraordinary,” Wu said. “As a result, today Boston is home to the undisputed greatest team in the NBA.”
In her remarks, Governor Healey conveyed the state’s appreciation for the Celtics organization delivering another championship banner. She reminisced about iconic Celtics players from past championship teams and thanked the current squad “for honoring the Celtics tradition.”
“As great as they are on the court, these men are even better human beings,” Healey said. “They are role models. They are leaders. And today we’re going to party and celebrate the Boston Celtics.”
Following the speeches by Healey and Wu, several Celtics players took the court for a brief panel discussion. Jrue Holiday, reflecting on his experience after 14 years in the NBA and three years with the Milwaukee Bucks, expressed his gratitude for joining the Celtics. “I’m grateful I’m on this side now,” he said.
Derrick White, who chipped a tooth during his 14-point performance in Game 5, recalled the Celtics’ 2022 NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors. “To be so close and to fall short is just the ultimate motivator,” he said.
Kristaps Porzingis, who returned to action in Game One of the finals after missing much of the run due to a rare leg injury, shared his disappointment at being benched again. “It was heartbreaking for me,” Porzingis said. “I wanted to give everything to the team and then to get hurt again, I didn’t want to accept the truth. But I knew that this team is unbelievable and, either way, we would be fine.”
As the rally concluded shortly before 11 a.m., a small crowd remained inside TD Garden. Outside, an even larger crowd filled the streets from Causeway Street to Boylston Street as the parade began.
