Photo: Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's a banner night at the TD Garden.
The Boston Celtics open their 2024-2025 season Tuesday night against the New York Knicks while raising NBA championship banner #18 in pre-game festivities.
Expectations are high among fans after the Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks last season four games to one to capture their league-leading 18th NBA championship. "This is definitely the year for the Celtics," said one fan outside the Garden on Causeway St. Tuesday.
Another fan was asked about the team's motivation to be the first team to win back-to-back NBA championships since the Golden State Warriors did it in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons. "Very hungry," he said of the Celtics. "This will make a statement that it (last season) was no fluke."
Governor Maura Healey has declared Oct. 22, 2024 'Celtics Banner 18 Day' in Massachusetts.
Included in the proclamation: 'Whereas the Celtics’ continued excellence brings joy to the residents of Massachusetts and basketball fans around the world, their commitment to hard work and team unity offers a powerful example to young people, and their devotion to community uplifts our state, reflects our shared values, and makes us proud.'
With the Celtics now sporting the most NBA championships in league history, their quest for #19 begins tonight.
WBZ News Radio's Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.
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