The 2007-08 Boston Celtics season marked one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NBA history. After finishing the previous season with a dismal 24-58 record, the Celtics revamped their roster through key acquisitions, forming a “Big Three” by trading for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce. This strategic enhancement catapulted the Celtics to the top of the Eastern Conference, finishing the regular season with an impressive 66-16 record.
Under the guidance of head coach Doc Rivers, the Celtics demonstrated exceptional defensive capabilities, anchored by Garnett, who was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The team’s balanced attack saw Pierce leading in scoring, while Allen provided clutch shooting and Garnett excelled in both defense and leadership. Rajon Rondo emerged as a dynamic playmaker, further solidifying the Celtics’ dominance.
Boston’s postseason journey was marked by resilience and determination. They endured two seven-game series against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the first two rounds. The Eastern Conference Finals saw them overcoming the Detroit Pistons in six games. In the NBA Finals, Boston faced the Los Angeles Lakers, reigniting a historic rivalry. Ultimately, the Celtics clinched their 17th NBA Championship by defeating the Lakers in six games, highlighted by a commanding 39-point victory in Game 6. This championship triumph was the Celtics’ first since 1986 and solidified the legacy of their newly formed trio.
- Regular Season Record: 66-16
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-3, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 4-2
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 2007-08 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Paul Pierce | 80 | 19.6 | 5.1 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 39.2 | 26 | 19.7 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 36.1 |
| Kevin Garnett | 71 | 18.8 | 9.2 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 26 | 20.4 | 10.5 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 25.0 |
| Ray Allen | 73 | 17.4 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 39.8 | 26 | 15.6 | 3.8 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 39.6 |
| Rajon Rondo | 77 | 10.6 | 4.2 | 5.1 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 26.3 | 26 | 10.2 | 4.1 | 6.6 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 25.0 |
| Leon Powe | 56 | 7.9 | 4.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 23 | 5.0 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Sam Cassell | 17 | 7.6 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 40.9 | 21 | 4.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 21.4 |
| Eddie House | 78 | 7.5 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 39.3 | 21 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 35.5 |
| James Posey | 74 | 7.4 | 4.4 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 38.0 | 26 | 6.7 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 39.8 |
| Kendrick Perkins | 78 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 25 | 6.6 | 6.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Tony Allen | 75 | 6.6 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 31.6 | 15 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Glen Davis | 69 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 17 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| P.J. Brown | 18 | 2.2 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 25 | 2.9 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Gabe Pruitt | 15 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 25.0 | |||||||
| Brian Scalabrine | 48 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 32.6 | |||||||
| Scot Pollard | 22 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | |||||||
Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Atlanta Hawks
In the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced a surprisingly tough challenge from the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks, ultimately prevailing in a grueling seven-game series. Despite their dominance in the regular season, the Celtics' Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen had to dig deep to fend off the resilient Hawks, showcasing their championship pedigree in Game 7 with a decisive 34-point victory at home. This early test set the tone for Boston's eventual championship run, highlighting their ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 20, 2008 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 104-81 | |
| Apr 23, 2008 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 96-77 | |
| Apr 26, 2008 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 102-93 | |
| Apr 28, 2008 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 97-92 | |
| Apr 30, 2008 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 110-85 | |
| May 02, 2008 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 103-100 | |
| May 04, 2008 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 99-65 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced a tense second-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The series was a defensive slugfest, with both teams battling fiercely, but the Celtics ultimately emerged victorious in seven games. Boston's Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, along with a standout Game 7 performance from Pierce, propelled the Celtics into the Eastern Conference Finals, setting the stage for their eventual championship run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 06, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 76-72 | |
| May 08, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 89-73 | |
| May 10, 2008 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 108-84 | |
| May 12, 2008 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 88-77 | |
| May 14, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 96-89 | |
| May 16, 2008 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 74-69 | |
| May 18, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 97-92 |
2008 Conference Championship vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing a battle of experience and grit. The Celtics, propelled by their newly formed u0022Big Threeu0022 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, ultimately triumphed in a hard-fought six-game series. Their victory not only highlighted their defensive prowess and depth but also paved the way for their first NBA Finals appearance since 1987, setting the stage for their eventual championship win.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2008 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 88-79 | |
| May 22, 2008 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 103-97 | |
| May 24, 2008 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 94-80 | |
| May 26, 2008 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 94-75 | |
| May 28, 2008 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 106-102 | |
| May 30, 2008 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 89-81 |
2008 NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 2008 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics secured their 17th championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a decisive 6-game series. With the formidable trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Celtics showcased a perfect blend of offense and defense, culminating in a dominant 131-92 victory in Game 6. Pierce was named Finals MVP, underscoring Boston's remarkable resurgence and return to glory.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 05, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 98-88 | |
| Jun 08, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 108-102 | |
| Jun 10, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 87-81 | |
| Jun 12, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 97-91 | |
| Jun 15, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 103-98 | |
| Jun 17, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 131-92 |
Boston Celtics 2007-08 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2007-08 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 02, 2007 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 103-83 | |
| Nov 04, 2007 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 98-95 | |
| Nov 07, 2007 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 119-93 | |
| Nov 09, 2007 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 106-83 | |
| Nov 10, 2007 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 112-101 | |
| Nov 13, 2007 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 101-86 | |
| Nov 14, 2007 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 91-69 | |
| Nov 16, 2007 | vs. Miami Heat | W 92-91 | |
| Nov 18, 2007 | @ Orlando Magic | L 104-102 | |
| Nov 21, 2007 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 105-82 | |
| Nov 23, 2007 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 107-94 | |
| Nov 24, 2007 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 96-95 | |
| Nov 27, 2007 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 109-104 | |
| Nov 29, 2007 | vs. New York Knicks | W 104-59 | |
| Nov 30, 2007 | @ Miami Heat | W 95-85 | |
| Dec 02, 2007 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 80-70 | |
| Dec 05, 2007 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 113-103 | |
| Dec 07, 2007 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 112-84 | |
| Dec 08, 2007 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 92-81 | |
| Dec 12, 2007 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 90-78 | |
| Dec 14, 2007 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-82 | |
| Dec 16, 2007 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 90-77 | |
| Dec 19, 2007 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 87-85 | |
| Dec 21, 2007 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 107-82 | |
| Dec 23, 2007 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 103-91 | |
| Dec 26, 2007 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 89-69 | |
| Dec 27, 2007 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 104-96 | |
| Dec 29, 2007 | @ Utah Jazz | W 104-98 | |
| Dec 30, 2007 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 110-91 | |
| Jan 02, 2008 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 97-93 | |
| Jan 04, 2008 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 100-96 | |
| Jan 05, 2008 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 92-85 | |
| Jan 09, 2008 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | L 95-83 | |
| Jan 11, 2008 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 86-77 | |
| Jan 12, 2008 | @ Washington Wizards | L 85-78 | |
| Jan 14, 2008 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 88-83 | |
| Jan 16, 2008 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 100-90 | |
| Jan 18, 2008 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 116-89 | |
| Jan 21, 2008 | @ New York Knicks | W 109-93 | |
| Jan 23, 2008 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 114-112 | |
| Jan 25, 2008 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 87-86 | |
| Jan 27, 2008 | @ Orlando Magic | L 96-93 | |
| Jan 29, 2008 | @ Miami Heat | W 117-87 | |
| Jan 31, 2008 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 96-90 | |
| Feb 05, 2008 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 114-113 | |
| Feb 06, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 111-100 | |
| Feb 08, 2008 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 88-86 | |
| Feb 10, 2008 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 98-90 | |
| Feb 12, 2008 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 104-97 | |
| Feb 13, 2008 | vs. New York Knicks | W 111-103 | |
| Feb 19, 2008 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 124-118 | |
| Feb 20, 2008 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 119-117 | |
| Feb 22, 2008 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 85-77 | |
| Feb 24, 2008 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 112-102 | |
| Feb 25, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 104-76 | |
| Feb 27, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 92-87 | |
| Feb 29, 2008 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 108-100 | |
| Mar 02, 2008 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 98-88 | |
| Mar 05, 2008 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 90-78 | |
| Mar 07, 2008 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 116-93 | |
| Mar 08, 2008 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 119-89 | |
| Mar 10, 2008 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 100-86 | |
| Mar 12, 2008 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-82 | |
| Mar 14, 2008 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 110-92 | |
| Mar 15, 2008 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 99-77 | |
| Mar 17, 2008 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 93-91 | |
| Mar 18, 2008 | @ Houston Rockets | W 94-74 | |
| Mar 20, 2008 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 94-90 | |
| Mar 22, 2008 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 113-106 | |
| Mar 24, 2008 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 95-90 | |
| Mar 26, 2008 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 117-97 | |
| Mar 28, 2008 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 112-92 | |
| Mar 30, 2008 | vs. Miami Heat | W 88-62 | |
| Apr 01, 2008 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 106-92 | |
| Apr 02, 2008 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 92-77 | |
| Apr 05, 2008 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 101-78 | |
| Apr 08, 2008 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 107-104 | |
| Apr 09, 2008 | @ Washington Wizards | L 109-95 | |
| Apr 11, 2008 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 102-86 | |
| Apr 12, 2008 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 99-89 | |
| Apr 14, 2008 | @ New York Knicks | W 99-93 | |
| Apr 16, 2008 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 105-94 |