HBO’s “Celtics City” Chronicles Boston’s Legendary Past and Championship Present

HBO’s new nine-part documentary series Celtics City provides an immersive look into the Boston Celtics’ iconic legacy, culminating in their thrilling 2024 NBA Championship. The series offers a sweeping narrative that spans decades, from the franchise’s formation to its current position at the pinnacle of the basketball world.

Founded in 1946, the Celtics have built the most decorated résumé in NBA history with 18 championships over 79 seasons. Their rise from humble beginnings to perennial contenders is a story defined by innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The dynasty’s foundation was laid under the legendary Red Auerbach, who coached the Celtics to their first title in 1957. Auerbach’s revolutionary approach to team basketball transformed the sport and set the tone for a franchise defined by unselfish play and winning culture.

Boston also led the league in social progress. In 1950, the Celtics drafted Chuck Cooper, the NBA’s first African-American player. Sixteen years later, they made Bill Russell the league’s first African-American head coach. These landmark decisions reshaped not just the Celtics, but the entire landscape of professional sports.

Throughout the decades, rivalries and Hall of Fame talent have shaped the Celtics’ mystique. The 1980s rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson became a cultural phenomenon, propelling the NBA into a new era and intensifying the Celtics-Lakers feud. Legends like Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, and Paul Pierce each carved out a unique legacy, helping cement Boston’s status as a basketball powerhouse.

The 2023 offseason proved pivotal in setting up the Celtics’ latest title run. A blockbuster three-team trade brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston while sending Marcus Smart to Memphis. Not long after, the Celtics added Jrue Holiday to bolster their defensive versatility and championship pedigree.

In a historic move, Jaylen Brown signed a five-year, $304 million extension—surpassing Nikola Jokić’s $276 million deal—as the richest contract in league history. The front office’s commitment to its core stars signaled that Boston was going all-in.

That investment paid off. The Celtics dominated the 2023–24 regular season, finishing with the NBA’s best record at 64–18. Their offensive and defensive metrics were equally impressive:

• 120.6 PPG (2nd in NBA)
• Offensive Rating: 123.2 (1st)
• Defensive Rating: 111.6 (3rd)

Leading the charge:

• Jayson Tatum: 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists per game
• Jaylen Brown: 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game

The Celtics rolled through the playoffs, dispatching the Heat (4-1), Cavaliers (4-1), and sweeping the Pacers (4-0) to win the East. Brown was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, averaging 29.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals.

In the Finals, Boston overpowered the Dallas Mavericks in five games (4-1). Brown earned Finals MVP honors with averages of 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while playing stifling defense on Luka Dončić. His standout Game 4—30 points and elite defense—helped seal the series.

Despite Porziņģis dealing with injuries for much of the playoffs, his Finals return was crucial. In Game 1, he poured in 20 points in 21 minutes off the bench and anchored the paint with 1.7 blocks per game in the series.

Financially, the Celtics are all-in for another title run.

• Jayson Tatum: $32.6M (2024-25)
• Kristaps Porziņģis: $36M
• Jrue Holiday: $36.86M

These salaries push Boston deep into the luxury tax, but ownership remains committed to winning at any cost.

Celtics City gives fans a rare, behind-the-scenes look at this historic run, blending unseen archival footage with interviews from over 80 Celtics greats—including Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. Executive producers Rick Bernstein and Antoine Wright, in collaboration with NBA Entertainment and the Celtics organization, crafted a visual journey that connects the franchise’s past to its present.

The series pairs iconic footage—from black-and-white highlights of the ‘50s to vibrant shots of the 2024 championship parade—with a Boston-centric soundtrack featuring Dropkick Murphys and Aerosmith, grounding the story in the city’s cultural identity.

Jayson Tatum’s emergence as the face of the franchise is one of the documentary’s emotional pillars. His 2023-24 campaign was elite:

• 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists
• Shooting: 47.1% FG, 37.6% from three

He raised his level in the playoffs, posting 25.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His Game 3 performance in the Finals—31 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists—was a defining moment. The documentary also highlights his off-court influence, including his philanthropic work through the Jayson Tatum Foundation.

Jaylen Brown’s two-way brilliance was a recurring theme in Celtics City. His defense against elite scorers like Dončić and his timely shot-making helped define Boston’s playoff identity. Brown’s Finals MVP nod made him the first Celtic since Paul Pierce (2008) to claim the honor.

Porziņģis, now a fixture in the Celtics’ frontcourt, played a key supporting role. His floor spacing and rim protection were vital down the stretch, and his $36M contract through 2024–25 keeps Boston’s championship core intact.

With Tatum, Brown, Holiday, and Porziņģis all signed for next season, the Celtics are positioned for another title push—though Eastern Conference contenders like Cleveland, New York, and Milwaukee won’t make it easy. Staying healthy and cohesive will be Boston’s biggest challenge in defending the crown.

Through sweeping visuals, poignant interviews, and sharp storytelling, Celtics City captures the essence of a franchise that continues to define greatness. As Boston eyes a repeat, fans can reflect on a championship season for the ages—and look ahead to what could be another golden era of Celtics basketball.