2007–08 Boston Celtics season

NBA season
team = Boston Celtics
end_year = 2008
wins = 66
losses = 16
division = atlantic
division_place = 1
conf_place = 1
coach = Doc Rivers
owners = Wycliffe Grousbeck
Stephen Pagliuca
H. Irving Grousbeck
arena = TD Banknorth Garden
playoffs = NBA Champions
(won 4–2)
bbr_team = BOS
television = CSN New England
radio = WEEI

The 2007-08 Boston Celtics season was the 62nd season of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Powered by the acquisitions of perennial All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the offseason, the Celtics finished with a record of 66–16 and posted the best single-season turnaround in NBA history, improving by 42 wins from the previous season. They finished 1st in both the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference, and had the league's best record. Kevin Garnett was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, while Danny Ainge, who executed "the most dramatic NBA turnaround ever", was named NBA Executive of the Year. The Celtics also sold out all 41 regular-season home games.

Their two-year absence from the playoffs came to an end as they met the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs. Eventually, they advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in 21 years, where they met the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics won 4–2, capturing their first championship since 1986, and 17th all-time.

Key dates

*June 28: The 2007 NBA Draft took place in New York City, New York; acquired perennial All-Star Ray Allen.
*July 1: The free agency period started.
*July 31: Acquired perennial All-Star Kevin Garnett.
*October 6: The pre-season started with a game against the Toronto Raptors in Rome as part of the 2007 NBA Europe Live Tour.
*November 2: The regular season started with a game against the Washington Wizards.
*December 27: Matched their victory total of the previous season with a win against the Seattle SuperSonics.
*March 5: First team to clinch a playoff berth for the 2008 NBA Playoffs. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280305002 Celtics first team in playoffs after beating up Pistons] , "Associated Press", March 5, 2008.]
*March 10: Won 50 games in a season for the first time since 1991–92 with a win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
*March 14: Clinched the Atlantic Division title despite a loss to the Utah Jazz. [Jeff Horigan, [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1080448&srvc=celt&position=1 For Celtics, division title a nice consolation prize] , "Boston Herald", March 15, 2008.]
*March 18: Ended the 2nd longest winning streak in NBA history with a win against the Houston Rockets.
*March 28: Matched the amount of wins of the previous two season combined (57) with a win against the New Orleans Hornets.
*April 2: Won 60 games in a season for the first time since 1985–86 with a win against the Indiana Pacers.Mark Murphy, [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1084692&srvc=celt&position=2 History by the numbers - 60th win takes you back] , "Boston Herald", April 3, 2008.] Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/04/03/pacesetters/ Pacesetters - Celtics zero in on best record, home advantage] , "The Boston Globe", April 3, 2008.]
*April 5: Clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference, and simultaneously home-court advantage throughout the 2008 Playoffs, with a win against the Charlotte Bobcats. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280405030 No Big Three, but Celts still get top seed, complete NBA's biggest turnaround] , "Associated Press", April 5, 2008.] Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/04/06/celtics_shine_without_stars/ Celtics shine without stars - Easy win clinches playoff advantage] , "The Boston Globe", April 6, 2008.] Mark Murphy, [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1085270&srvc=celt&position=1 C’s can do as they please - Stars sit, but team still clinches homecourt] , "Boston Herald", April 6, 2008.]
*April 16: The regular season concluded with a game against the New Jersey Nets.
*May 4: Advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a win in Game 7 of the First Round against the Atlanta Hawks.
*May 18: Advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals with a win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
*May 30: Advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987 with a win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons.
*June 17: Captured their 17th NBA Championship with a win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul Pierce was named the Finals MVP.

ummary

NBA Draft 2007: The Ray Allen trade

On May 22, the Celtics were assigned the 5th overall selection in the NBA Draft Lottery, essentially losing their chance of drafting either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, who both were considered to go 1st and 2nd in the Draft. The 5th pick was the worst-case scenario for the Celtics, who had a 19.9% chance of obtaining the 1st overall selection. However, on June 28, the day of the 2007 NBA Draft, the Celtics traded the 5th pick along with Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for All-Star 3-point specialist Ray Allen and the 35th overall selection prior to the event, and with the 5th pick selected forward Jeff Green for Seattle. [ Shira Springer, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2007/06/celtics_land_ra.html Celtics land Ray Allen] , "The Boston Globe"] In the second round of the Draft, the Celtics selected guard Gabe Pruitt with the 32nd pick, which was their own, and forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis with the 35th pick, previously obtained from Seattle. [ Peter May and Shira Springer, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/06/29/pruitt_davis_second_choices/ Pruitt, Davis second choices] , "The Boston Globe"]

The Kevin Garnett trade

On July 31, the Celtics traded for 10-time All-Star and 2004 MVP Kevin Garnett in the single largest trade for one player in NBA history. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2956103 ESPN - Five players, two picks sent to Wolves for Garnett - NBA ] ] He was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Boston's 2009 first-round draft pick (top three protected), the return of Minnesota's conditional first-round draft pick previously obtained in the 2006 Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade and cash considerations. [ [http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press073107-garnett.html Celtics Acquire 10-Time All-Star Kevin Garnett | Celtics.com ] ] By adding Garnett to All-Stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the trade brought a new era of relevance to the long-struggling franchise, but it also left the roster short-handed. [ [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1014353 C’s now a favorite topic: KG deal alters standing in East - BostonHerald.com ] ] [ [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/07/31/move_is_just_the_ticket_for_once_proud_team/ Move is just the ticket for once-proud team] , "The Boston Globe", July 31, 2007.]

Free agency

The Garnett trade left the roster depleted and depth became an immediate concern. Eventually, the Celtics signed guards Eddie House and Jackie Manuel on August 1, [ [http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/celtics/?p=121 Celts sign Eddie House] , "Boston Herald"] [ Chris Sheridan, [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2957622 Boston starts to rebuild roster, signs House to one-year deal] , "ESPN.com"] just two days after the Garnett trade, and center Scot Pollard on August 9. [ [http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/celtics/index.php/2007/08/07/pollard-solidifies-bench/ Pollard solidifies bench] , "Boston Herald"] Later, Ainge called and asked 5-time All-Star Reggie Miller to return from his 2-year retirement and join the roster in a reserve role. [ J.A. Adande, [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2966170 Celtics call Miller, who is considering return to NBA] , "ESPN.com", August 10, 2007] Miller strongly considered the possibility of playing alongside Garnett, but ultimately announced on August 23 that he would not join the Celtics. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Miller070824 ESPN - Miller's comeback shot snuffed by lengthy season - NBA ] ] On August 27, forward James Posey signed with the team and was considered a decisive signing which instantly gave the Celtics a drastic improvement to their bench. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2991029 ESPN - Posey agrees to two-year contract with revamped Celtics - NBA ] ]

On September 26, center Esteban Batista and guard Dahntay Jones signed non-guaranteed contracts with the Celtics, two days before the beginning of training camp and the team's departure to Rome for the 2007 NBA Europe Live Tour. [ Peter May, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2007/09/camp_roster_set.html Camp Roster Set] , "The Boston Globe"] Curiously, Jones was involved in a trade back in the 2003 NBA Draft, in which the Celtics drafted him with the 20th overall selection, but immediately traded him with the 16th pick, Troy Bell, to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the 13th pick, Marcus Banks, and the 27th pick, Kendrick Perkins. Ultimately, the Celtics waived Batista on October 16, and Manuel and Jones on October 25, bringing the roster down to 14 players, one shy of the league maximum of 15 players, in order to have roster flexibility and be able to sign another player midway through the season. [ Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/10/26/wallace_in_jones_and_manuel_out/ Wallace in, Jones and Manuel out] , "The Boston Globe"]

Later in the season, on December 18, the Celtics released yet another player, Brandon Wallace, in order to have even more roster flexibility that coach Doc Rivers said they needed. This move brought the roster down to only 13 players, which is the league minimum for players allowed on a team's roster. [Peter May, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/12/19/rookie_wallace_gets_cut_loose/ Rookie Wallace gets cut loose] , "The Boston Globe", December 19, 2007] On February 27, the Celtics signed center P.J. Brown for the remainder of the season, in order to bolster their front court. [Mark Murphy, [http://bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1076364&srvc=celt&position=2 Celtics ink Brown] , "Boston Herald", February 27, 2008.] [ [http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press022708-pj-brown.html Celtics Sign P.J. Brown] , "Celtics.com".] His decision to come to Boston was strongly aided by a conversation with future teammates Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, who convinced him to sign with the Celtics during the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend. [Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/02/28/brown_in_town_to_lend_depth Brown in town to lend depth] , "The Boston Globe", February 28, 2008.] On March 4, 2008, the Celtics officially announced that they had signed guard Sam Cassell. [ [http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press030408-sam-cassell.html Celtics Sign Guard Sam Cassell] , "Celtics.com", March 4, 2008.] After the signing, Cassell immediately flew back to his hometown of Baltimore to attend funeral services for a deceased family member. [Celtics Insider, [http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/celtics/?p=215&srvc=sports&position=recent Cassell here and gone] , "Boston Herald", March 4, 2008.] [Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2008/03/cassell_update_1.html Cassell update] , "The Boston Globe", March 4, 2008.] This signing ultimately put the roster up to the league maximum of 15 players.

Draft picks

Awards, records and milestones

Awards

Week/Month

*Kevin Garnett was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from November 5 through November 11. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/pow_yao_garnett_071112.html?rss=true Garnett and Yao Named Players of the Week] , "NBA.com", November 12, 2007.]
*Head coach Doc Rivers was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November. [ [http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/rivers_com_071203.html Rivers Named Coach of the Month] , "NBA.com", December 3, 2007.]
*Paul Pierce was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from December 10 through December 16. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/pow_071217.html Roy, Pierce Named Players of the Week] , "NBA.com", December 17, 2007.]
*Paul Pierce was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from December 24 through December 30. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/playersoftheweek_071231.html Boston’s Paul Pierce and New Orleans’ Chris Paul Named East and West Players of the Week] , "NBA.com", December 31, 2007.]
*Kevin Garnett was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from March 17 through March 23. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/pow_080324.html Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul Named Players of the Week] , "NBA.com", March 24, 2008.] [Greg Lee, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2008/03/kg_pow.html KG P.O.W.] , "The Boston Globe", March 24, 2008.]
*Head coach Doc Rivers was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in March. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/coaches_080401.html Boston’s Rivers, Utah’s Sloan Named Coaches of the Month] , "NBA.com", April 1, 2008.]
*Kevin Garnett was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from April 7 through April 13. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/pow_080414.html Garnett, Iverson Named Players of the Week] , "NBA.com", April 14, 2008.]
*Head coach Doc Rivers was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in April. [ [http://www.nba.com//coaches_080417.html Rivers, Jackson Named Coaches of the Month] , "NBA.com", April 17, 2008.]

=All-Star=

*Doc Rivers and the Celtics coaching staff earned the honor of coaching the Eastern Conference All-Stars for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans as a result of the Celtics' 109–93 victory over the New York Knicks on January 21. The win guaranteed that the Celtics would have the best record in the Eastern Conference as of February 3, the cutoff date for the selection. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/rivers_as_080121.html Doc Rivers to Coach East in 2008 All-Star Game] , NBA.com, January 21, 2008.]
*Kevin Garnett was voted as a starter for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, leading all players in final votes received in the NBA All-Star Ballot with 2,399,148 votes, the 6th highest total in NBA All-Star Balloting history. [ [http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/allstar_starters_080124.html Boston’s Kevin Garnett Top Vote-Getter Among All-Stars] , NBA.com, January 24, 2008.]
*Paul Pierce was named as a reserve for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game. [ [http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/reserves_080131.html Two Hometown Hornets Named as Reserves for 2008 NBA All-Star Game] , NBA.com, January 31, 2008.]
*Ray Allen was named by NBA Commissioner David Stern to replace injured East All-Star Caron Butler as a reserve for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game. [ [http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/Allen_Butler_080213.html Boston’s Ray Allen to Replace Caron Butler in All-Star Game] , NBA.com, February 13, 2008.]
*Rajon Rondo was named to participate in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam. [ [http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/rookie_sophomore_080130.html Roy Headlines T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam] , NBA.com, January 30, 2008.]

eason

*Kevin Garnett was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/garnett_defensive_080422.html Kevin Garnett Wins Kia Defensive Player of the Year] , "NBA.com", April 22, 2008.] [ [http://www.nba.com/celtics/playoffs2008/press042208-garnett-defensive-player.html Kevin Garnett Wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year] , "Celtics.com", April 22, 2008.] [Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/04/22/garnett_wins_nba_defensive_player_award/ Garnett wins NBA defensive player award] , "The Boston Globe", April 22, 2008.]
*Kevin Garnett was named to the All-NBA First Team. [http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_080508.html MVP Kobe Bryant Highlights All-NBA First Team] , "NBA.com", May 8, 2008.] Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/09/garnett_voted_to_nba_first_team/ Garnett voted to NBA first team] , "The Boston Globe", May 9, 2008.]
*Paul Pierce was named to the All-NBA Third Team.
*Kevin Garnett was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team] , "NBA.com", May 12, 2008.]
*General manager Danny Ainge was named NBA Executive of the Year. [http://www.nba.com/news/ainge_executive_080514.html Boston’s Danny Ainge Named 2007-08 NBA Executive of the Year] , "NBA.com", May 14, 2008.]
*Paul Pierce was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3449953 Pierce wins MVP and big three take care of business in Finals] , "Associated Press", June 18, 2008.]

Records

eason

*Kevin Garnett joined a very short list of NBA players to record a 20 point, 20 rebound, 5 assist game in their first night with a new team, with the others being Charles Barkley, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Maurice Stokes, against the Washington Wizards on November 2. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271102002 Garnett, Pierce spark Celtics' trampling of Wizards] , "Associated Press", November 2, 2007.]
*With an 8–0 season start, the Celtics were off to their best opening since winning 10 in a row to start the 1972-73 season. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271114002 Celts put six players in double figures to improve to 7-0] , "Associated Press", November 14, 2007.]
*Kevin Garnett's streak of 410 consecutive games with double figures in points came to an end as he scored only 8 points in Boston's 104–59 blowout victory [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271129002 Celtics end Knicks' brief winning streak with colossal romp] , "Associated Press", November 29, 2007.] over the New York Knicks on November 29, 2007. This was the longest streak among active players and is good for 7th in NBA history, with Michael Jordan holding the record with 840 games. [Peter Masucci, [http://wbztv.com/celtics/Boston.celtics.column.2.597002.html Banner 17: Tragic Tale Of Unfilled Potential] , "WBZ", November 27, 2007.]
*The Celtics marked their 6th biggest win in the history of the franchise and the biggest since a 153–107 victory over the Baltimore Bullets in the 1970-71 season with a 104-59 blowout victory over the New York Knicks on November 29, 2007. Their biggest win came against the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1961-62 season with a 153–102 victory.
*With a 12–0 season start at home, the Celtics matched their 2nd best home opening since winning 12 in a row to start the 1984-85 season. Their best home opening came in the 1957-58 season, when they started the season with 17 wins in a row. [ [http://www.nba.com/statistics/stats_week6_071210.html STATS: NBA Week 6 Notes] , "NBA.com", December 10, 2007.]
*The Celtics matched their longest winning streak since the 1992-93 season, when they won 9 in a row from March 16 to March 31, 1993, with a win against the Toronto Raptors on December 16. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271216028 Celtics match longest winning streak since 1993] , "Associated Press", December 16, 2007.]
*With a 27–3 start, the Celtics matched the best start through 30 games in NBA history. One of the other 5 teams to accomplish that record was the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who hold the NBA record for most games won in a single season, with a record of 72–10. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280102002 Garnett, Celtics come out on top after battle with Rockets] , "ESPN.com", January 2, 2008.]
*Prior to their matchup on January 5, the Celtics and Pistons combined for the 3rd highest winning percentage (.844) in the shot clock era after at least 30 games. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280105008 Celtics rookie Davis scores 20 off bench to halt Pistons' 11-game streak] , "Associated Press", January 5, 2008.]
*The Celtics matched their best start in the history of the franchise by reaching 30 wins after only 34 games. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280111017 Garnett drops 20 as Celtics race to 30th win] , "Associated Press", January 11, 2008.]
*With a 34–7 start, the Celtics matched their best record at mid-season in the history of the franchise. The other 3 teams to achieve that record were the 1964-65, 1972-73 and 1984-85 Celtics. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280125002 Garnett's steal cements Celtics' last-second win over Timberwolves] , "Associated Press", January 25, 2008.]
*With a 16–0 start against the West, the Celtics were off to the 2nd best opening against teams from the other conference in NBA history. The only other team to accomplish that record was the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who won their first 19 games against Eastern Conference teams. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280208016 Garnett can only watch as Powe's last-second layup lifts Celtics] , "Associated Press", February 8, 2008.]
*With 16 assists against the Charlotte Bobcats on February 29, Rajon Rondo had the most assists in a game by a Celtics player since Sherman Douglas had 18 on March 1, 1995. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280229002 Rondo's 16 assists power Celtics' close call vs. Bobcats] , "Associated Press", February 29, 2008.]
*The Celtics won 10 straight games for the first time since the 1985-86 season, when they won 14 in a row from March 11 to April 4, 1986, with a win against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 12. [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1079987 Win streak kicks up spirit of ’86] , "Boston Herald", March 12, 2008.] [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280312002 Balanced Celtics rout Sonics for 10th straight victory] , "Associated Press", March 12, 2008.]
*The Celtics swept the Texas Triangle, [John Schuhmann, [http://www.nba.com/features/triangle_20080320.html Boston's trip through the Texas Triangle - Statement Made] , "NBA.com", March 21, 2008.] consisting of the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, with a record of 3–0 in consecutive road games from March 17 through March 20, [Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/03/21/three_for_the_road/ Three for the road - Hustling Celtics pull off a rare triple in Texas] , "The Boston Globe", March 21, 2008.] the first team to do it since the 2001-02 Sacramento Kings. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280320006 Celtics conclude Texas Triangle unmarked, hang on to outlast Mavs] , "Associated Press", March 20, 2008.] It was the 4th sweep in franchise history, and the first since the 1986-87 season. [Marc J. Spears, [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080321 Boston Plays Texas Triangle As Few Have Before] , "ESPN.com", March 21, 2008.]
*With a 6–0 record against the Texas Triangle, the Celtics were the 13th team in NBA history to sweep the season series against each of the three teams, doing it for the 5th time in franchise history, [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080320 Elias Says: Sports Statistics] , "ESPN.com", March 20, 2008.] and the first team since the 1999-2000 Milwaukee Bucks.
*The Celtics defeated every team in the league at least once for the first time since the 1990-91 season. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280328002 Pierce, Garnett combine to halt Hornet's 5-game streak] , "Associated Press", March 28, 2008.]
*The Celtics broke the record for the best single-season turnaround in franchise history by improving from 24 wins in 2006-07 to 66 wins in 2007-08, a total of 42 games. [Mark Murphy, [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1083604&srvc=celt&position=1 Celtics beat all comers - New Orleans last team to fall victim] , "Boston Herald", March 29, 2008.] The previous record of 32 games was held by the 1979-80 Celtics, who improved from 29 to 61 wins. [ Fran Blinebury, [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5627752.html Celtics eye spoiler's role] , "Houston Chronicle", March 18, 2008.]
*The Celtics broke the record for the best single-season turnaround in NBA history by improving from 24 wins in 2006-07 to 66 wins in 2007-08, a total of 42 games. The previous record of 36 games was held by the 1997-98 San Antonio Spurs, who improved from 20 to 56 wins. [Lisa Brooks, [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080403 Celtics: From Worst To First] , "ESPN.com", April 2, 2008.]
*The Celtics set a franchise record for fewest free throws attempted and made, with 5 and 4. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280411002 Celtics pull starters in fourth, coast by Bucks] , "Associated Press", April 11, 2008.]
*With 3 Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards, Kevin Garnett has had the most such awards in a single season by a Celtics player since Larry Bird had 4 in the 1985-86 season. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280414018 Big Three able to rest up as Celtics take care of Knicks] , "Associated Press", April 14, 2008.]
*The Celtics sold out all 41 home games with an average attendance of 18,624 and set a single-season attendance record of 763,584. [Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/10/06/good_business_model/ Good business model] , "The Boston Globe", October 6, 2008.]

Playoffs

*Kevin Garnett has recorded a double-double in 16 straight playoff games dating back to the 2004 Playoffs. Shaquille O'Neal is the only active player with longer such streaks, with 19 and 22. [ [http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/stats_playoffs_080428.html STATS: NBA Playoffs: April 21 - 27] , "NBA.com", April 28, 2008.]
*The Celtics allowed a playoff low in franchise history in opponent score in a half by holding the Atlanta Hawks to 26 points in the first half of Game 7 in the First Round on May 4. [ [http://proxy.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280504002 Garnett's double-double propels Celts to second round] , "Associated Press", May 4, 2008.]
*Ray Allen's streak of 852 consecutive games with points scored came to an end as he went scoreless in Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 6. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280506002 Celtics duck Cavs despite lackluster game from Allen, Pierce] , "Associated Press", May 6, 2008.]
*Rajon Rondo was the first Celtics player to record at least 12 assists twice in one postseason since Danny Ainge did it in the 1988 Playoffs. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080514 Elias Says... - Rondo's 13 assists] , "Elias Sports Bureau", May 14, 2008.]
*With 41 points in the Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, Paul Pierce recorded the 2nd highest point total in franchise history in a Game 7. [ [http://www.nba.com/news/celticsgame7scoring_080518.html Celtics Top Game 7 Scoring Performances] , "NBA.com", May 18, 2008.] [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002 Pierce, James duke it out as Celtics close out Cavs in Game 7] , "Associated Press", May 18, 2008.]
*Paul Pierce and LeBron James combined for the 2nd highest point total (86) in NBA history in a Game 7 on May 18. [Brett Edgerton, [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080519 Two-Man Game] , "ESPN.com", May 19, 2008.]
*The Celtics tied the record for the most consecutive road losses (6) in the playoffs in NBA history with a loss in Game 6 of the Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 16. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280524008 Garnett, balanced Celtics stun Pistons for first playoff road win] , "Associated Press", May 24, 2008.]
*The Celtics were held to the 2nd fewest field goals (21) in an Conference Finals or NBA Finals game in the shot clock era in of the Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons on May 26. [Elias Sports Bureau, [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080526 Celtics Held to 21 Field Goals] , "ESPN.com", May 26, 2008.]
*The Celtics became the 4th team in NBA history to be tied at 2–2 in each of the first three playoff series. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280526008 Celtics have trouble with shot as Pistons send series to Boston tied 2-2] , "Associated Press", May 26, 2008.]
*The Celtics tied the record for the most home wins (12) in the playoffs in NBA history with a win in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 8. [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280608002 Celts withstand Lakers' late Game 2 run behind Pierce, defense] , "Associated Press", June 8, 2008.]
*The Celtics broke the record for playoff games (26) and home wins (13), and tied the record for most road losses (9) in a single postseason.

=Finals=

*With 21 points in Game 2 on June 8, Leon Powe recorded the 4th highest point total by a Celtic reserve since the 1970 Finals.
*With 16 assists in Game 2 on June 8, Rajon Rondo had the most assists in a Finals game since Magic Johnson had 20 on June 20, 1991. [Elias Sports Bureau, [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080608 Team Work Pays Off] , "ESPN.com", June 8, 2008.]
*The Celtics recorded the 2nd best turnaround in Finals history in a game after halftime since the 1948 Finals after overcoming an 18-point deficit in Game 4 on June 12. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280612013 Inspired Celtics storm back to push Lakers to brink of elimination] , "Associated Press", June 12, 2008.]
*Ray Allen was the first player to play all 48 minutes in an NBA Finals game since Jason Kidd did it in the 2003 Finals. [Elias Sports Bureau, [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080612 Complete game win for Ray Allen] , "ESPN.com", June 12, 2008.]
*With 38 points in Game 5 on June 15, Paul Pierce recorded the 3rd highest point total in franchise history in an NBA Finals game. [Elias Sports Bureau, [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080615 Pierce Scores 38 Points In Game Five] , "ESPN.com", June 15, 2008.]
*With 7 three-pointers in Game 6 on June 17, Ray Allen tied the record for three-pointers made in a NBA Finals game.Elias Sports Bureau, [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080617 Elias Says...] , "ESPN.com", June 17, 2008.]
*With 22 three-pointers, Ray Allen broke the record for three-pointers made in a NBA Finals series, eclipsing the previous record of 17 by Dan Majerle and Derek Harper.
*With 52 three-pointers, the Celtics broke the record for three-pointers made in a NBA Finals series.
*The Celtics became the 1st team to win an NBA Championship after finishing with a winning percentage below .450 in the previous season since the Portland Trail Blazers did it in 1977.
*The Celtics became the 1st team to score at least 130 points in a NBA Finals game since the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Celtics 141–122 in the 1987 Finals.
*Kevin Garnett became the 8th player to record a double-double throughout a Finals series, joining Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Moses Malone and Shaquille O'Neal.
*Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce became the 2nd pair of teammates each to score 500 points in a single postseason, with 530 and 511 points, respectively.
*With 39 points in Game 6 on June 17, the Celtics broke the record for largest margin of victory in a title clinching game, and 2nd largest margin in an NBA Finals game. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280617002 Celtics smash Lakers, bring home 17th NBA championship] , "Associated Press", June 17, 2008.]
*With 17 steals in Game 6 on June 17, the Celtics broke the record for steals in an NBA Finals game.Chris Sheridan, [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080618 Title No. 17 Has A Familiar Smell For Celtics] , "ESPN.com", June 17, 2008.]

Milestones

*Paul Pierce moved up to 6th on Boston's all-time scoring list by passing Sam Jones with a layup in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors on November 4.
*Ray Allen passed 17,000 points for his career with his first of two 3-pointers in overtime against the Toronto Raptors on November 4. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271104028 Allen's last-second 3 caps milestone day as C's nip Raps] , "Associated Press", November 4, 2007.]
*Paul Pierce became the 9th player in Celtics history to play over 25,000 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 23. [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271123002 Garnett gets double-double as Celtics coast to win over Lakers] , "Associated Press", November 23, 2007.]
*Ray Allen passed 30,000 minutes for his career and became 103rd in minutes in NBA history against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 23.
*Kevin Garnett moved up to 35th in points in NBA history by passing Walter Davis with a jumper in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings on December 26. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271226023 Celtics begin first West Coast trip with victory over Kings] , "Associated Press", December 26, 2007.] [http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/pts_career.html Career Leaders and Records for Points] , Basketball-Reference]
*Kevin Garnett moved up to 26th in rebounds in NBA history by passing Jack Sikma with a rebound in the second quarter against the Seattle SuperSonics on December 27. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280104002 Tony Allen's 20 help Celts past Grizzlies for eighth straight win] , "Associated Press", January 4, 2008.] [http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/trb_career.html Career Leaders and Records for Total Rebounds] , Basketball-Reference]
*Ray Allen passed 2,000 three-point field goals for his career with a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 16. [ [http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_career.html Career Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals] , Basketball-Reference]
*Kevin Garnett moved up to 23rd in blocks in NBA history by passing Vlade Divac with a block in the second quarter against the Washington Wizards on January 12. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280118002 Celtics win second straight since losing streak] , "Associated Press", January 18, 2008.] [ [http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/blk_career.html Career Leaders and Records for Blocks] , Basketball-Reference]
*Kevin Garnett passed 11,000 rebounds for his career with a rebound in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 27. [ [http://www.kansascity.com/490/story/508719.html Rec
] , "The Kansas City Star", February 28, 2008.]
*Kevin Garnett passed 20,000 points for his career, becoming the 32nd player in NBA history to achieve that mark, [ [http://www.nba.com/news/garnett20k_080307.html Kevin Garnett Reaches 20,000-Point Plateau] , "NBA.com", March 8, 2008.] with a layup in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 8.Steve Bulpett, [http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1078957&srvc=celt&position=1 C’s go extra milestone - Numbers come up for Garnett, Allen] , "Boston Herald", March 9, 2008.] The only other active players who have passed that mark are Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant. [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280308029 Allen, Celtics breeze by Grizzlies for eighth straight win] , "Associated Press", March 8, 2008.]
*Ray Allen passed 18,000 points for his career with a 3-pointer in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 8.
*Kevin Garnett moved up to 25th in rebounds in NBA history by passing Bill Bridges with a rebound in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 10.
*Kevin Garnett moved up to 31st in points in NBA history by passing Tom Chambers with a layup in the third quarter against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 12.

Transactions

Trades

col-endcol-break

ubtractions

col-end

References

External links

* [http://www.nba.com/finals2008/celtics_ultimate.html NBA.com – The Ultimate Celtics Page]

ee also

*2007–08 NBA season