In 2008, the Boston Celtics won their 17th Championship when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92. The teams had a 21-year rivalry that began when they first met in the 1987 Finals. The Celtics has a record-high 16 championships and the Lakers had 14 rings. The Celtics “Big 3,” Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnet helped the team achieve the most lopsided Finals victory in league history. It was also the first time in eight years that the top seeds from both conferences met in the Finals and the first time since 2003 that any top seeded team played in the NBA finals. Pierce was named Finals MVP.
Today in Sports History: June 17
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 12: Kobe Bryant #24 and Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers meet up with Kevin Garnett #5 and Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics at midcourt before Game Four of the 2008 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 12, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)