In a rousing and light-hearted ceremony on the South Lawn, President Joe Biden welcomed the Boston Celtics to the White House to honor their historic 18th NBA championship. With his signature humor, Biden quipped about his connection to the Celtics, revealing that his Secret Service codename is “Celtic” because of his Irish heritage. It was a fitting moment, as the Celtics’ Secret to Immortality lies not only in their record-breaking titles but in the heart, grit, and unwavering unity that define them both on and off the court.
18 Banners and Counting: Celtics’ Secret to Immortality Revealed
The Boston Celtics, the winningest franchise in NBA history, were celebrated not just for their record-breaking title but for the grit, teamwork, and passion that embody the “Celtic way.” “Celtics aren’t just a basketball team; they’re a way of life,” Biden declared, invoking the wisdom of Red Auerbach, the team’s legendary coach.
The Celtics’ path to glory wasn’t just paved with talent; it was carved out through sheer determination. Under Coach Joe Mazzulla—the youngest head coach to claim a title since Bill Russell—the Celtics powered through the season, achieving a staggering 64 wins, the best record in the league. They crushed playoff opponents, taking down the Heat, Cavs, Pacers, and Mavericks with unmatched ferocity.
As Biden proudly pointed out, the Celtics rewrote the record books by scoring more points per possession than any team in NBA history. Now, their 18th championship banner hangs triumphantly in the rafters, a testament to their unyielding spirit.
What sets the Celtics apart isn’t just their dominance on the court but their impact off it. From registering voters to delivering health care to mothers and infants, the team’s community initiatives speak volumes about their commitment to social justice and equality. “It matters what you do,” Biden emphasized, praising their efforts to make a difference.
The event also carried historical weight. Biden noted that President John F. Kennedy first welcomed the Celtics to the White House in 1963, a tradition now revitalized to celebrate sports’ power to unite. With Thanksgiving around the corner, Biden reflected on the values of teamwork, resilience, and unity, urging Americans to “get back up” no matter how hard life knocks them down.
In a gesture of gratitude, Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Derrick White presented Biden with a Celtics jersey, prompting the President’s playful response: “I’ll be damned, man!” The ceremony concluded with applause and laughter, encapsulating the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
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