Resolution Celebrates Celtics’ Historic 18^th NBA Championship and Comes as Ahead of Victory Parade in Boston

In September 2022, Pressley and Markey Led Congressional Resolution Honoring Celtics Legend Bill Russell

Resolution Text (PDF)

BOSTON, CITY OF CHAMPIONS – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and the New England delegation, today introduced a congressional resolution in the Senate recognizing and congratulating the Boston Celtics for winning their record-setting 18th NBA championship this week against the Dallas Mavericks.  

For the second time, the Celtics won the NBA championship on June 17, known as “617 Day,” representing Boston’s area code. Fans of the Celtics in Massachusetts and all across New England come together to celebrate this monumental achievement and historic win. 

“Watching the Celtics bring home Banner 18 was truly special and will be remembered as one of the greatest championship runs in our city’s decorated sports history,” said Congresswoman Pressley (MA-07). “I am so proud of the dedication and toughness that they demonstrated all season long, and I’m honored to co-lead a resolution paying tribute to this legendary team. Congratulations to the entire Celtics organization – from the parquet to the front office – on this historic title. Go Celtics!” 

“The Boston Celtics are the most successful franchise in the history of the NBA,” said Senator Markey. “This year’s team epitomized Celtics basketball: selflessness, pride, and determination, all qualities that also represent the collective spirit of Boston. Together, they showed us that anything is possible, again. I love them.”

“Congratulations to the Boston Celtics on an amazing season and a gratifying Finals victory. Like all great Boston teams, Coach Mazzulla and the team brought together our city and Commonwealth, and it has been a joy to watch them bring home a championship after 16 years. Boston is truly the city of champions,” said Senator Warren.

“Larry O’Brien was born, raised, and educated in the city of Springfield. It is only fitting that the Larry O’Brien trophy is back home where it belongs in Massachusetts,” said Congressman Richard Neal (MA-01). “We are truly fortunate to have witnessed what by all measures has been a historic run by this Boston Celtics team. Congratulations to all the coaches, players, and staff for winning their record-breaking eighteenth world championship.”

“Congratulations to the Celtics on a dominant performance,” said Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02). “They were the best team in the league through the whole regular season and the playoffs, and it was only right to bring the championship back to Massachusetts for a record 18th time! The dedication that the whole team showed is an inspiration to fans of all ages, and I’m so excited to see what they can do in the years to come.”

“From start to finish, the Celtics absolutely dominated this season and in the playoffs en route to their record 18th championship. From the players to the coaches to the front office, this team was built for sustained success, so I’m already looking forward to seeing the run for number 19 next season. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing another banner hanging in the Garden,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03).

“Boston is the best sports town in America, and the Celtics’ 18th banner is a testament to the grit, intelligence, and teamwork of the team & its hometown, alike,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).

“Congratulations to our very own Boston Celtics on an incredible season and a record-breaking 18th title,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05). “You have cemented Boston’s status as the undisputed City of Champions. Massachusetts is so proud of the whole team and its history-making head coach, Joe Mazzulla. Go Green!”

“The Boston Celtics have the determination and perseverance that has defined Boston and Massachusetts from its inception. They showed us that adversity is the greatest test of a team, and they responded with tenacity and grit. When we unite behind our team, city, and state, as Kevin Garnett said after our 17th banner: “anything is possible!” Congrats to the Boston Celtics on #Banner18,” said Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06).

“Congratulations to the Celtics team, Coach Joe Mazzulla, GM Brad Stevens, the Ownership Team, and the entire Celtics staff for winning the 2024 NBA Championship! This team was incredible to watch all season and showed great strength and grit when it mattered most,” said Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08). I look forward to seeing another Boston Celtics World Champions flag hung in the TD Garden!”

Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are also cosponsors. 

“Coach Joe Mazzulla, a proud Rhode Islander who played high school ball for Bishop Hendricken, led the Celtics to their league leading 18th NBA title. Coach Mazzulla follows another former Bishop Hendricken player, Coach Michael Malone, who guided the Nuggets to last year’s NBA championship. As the Lakers fall behind in banners, I get why they tried to bring a third coach with Rhode Island ties out west. But it wasn’t meant to be. Go Celtics,” said Senator Reed (D-R.I.).

“Congratulations to the Boston Celtics for bringing Banner 18 back to New England with a big Finals win. The Celtics, led by the masterful coaching of Johnston, Rhode Island native Joe Mazzulla, were dominant all year and are deserved NBA champions,” said Senator Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

“Congratulations to the Celtics on a well-deserved NBA Championship win and bringing home Banner 18! I join folks from around the Granite State in celebrating a full season of dominance on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. This record-setting victory joins a long list of reasons why New England remains the greatest region in the country” said Senator Shaheen (D-N.H.).

“The Boston Celtics have made history with this record-setting 18th championship, showing the world what excellence — and fun — look like,” said Senator Hassan (D-N.H.). “On behalf of Granite Staters and all New England sports fans, I am honored and excited to congratulate the Celtics on winning the NBA Championship, and, like all Celtics fans, am already rooting for them to bring home that 19th banner.”

“An 18th championship banner up in the rafters is going to be a nice look for the Celtics, and put them back ahead of the rest of the NBA – where they belong,” said Senator Angus King (I-Maine). “The way the Celtics won the title this year was refreshing – it felt like someone different stepped up every game of the Finals – and a great lesson in hard work and perseverance. The parade may be in Boston, but all of New England is celebrating.”

“All of New England cheers whenever our Celtics return to the pinnacle of professional basketball,” said Senator Collins (R-Maine). “I am proud to join my New England colleagues in congratulating Coach Joe Mazzulla – a former Maine Red Claws assistant coach – and the entire Celtics organization on their record-setting 18th championship. We look forward to the pursuit of another title next year, and may our region always bleed green.”

Text of the resolution is available here.

In September 2022, Rep. Pressley and Senator Markey led their colleagues in the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation in introducing a resolution honoring Boston Celtics legend William “Bill” Felton Russell. As a Boston City Councilor, Rep. Pressley led a resolution with Councilor John Connolly urging the City of Boston to commission the statue of Bill Russell that currently stands outside of Boston City Hall. The full text of their city council resolution is available here.

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