The 2008 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 2007–08 season and conclusion of the season's playoffs. A best-of-seven playoff series that was played from June 5 to 17, 2008, the series was contested between the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics and the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers. It was the 11th Finals meeting between the Lakers and the Celtics.
The opening tipoff of Game 2
Leon Powe (center) had a memorable performance in Game 2
Boston Celtics fans, players, coaching personnel, and staff celebrate the franchise's 17th title on June 17
The Celtics needed 26 games to win their 17th title. By a twist of fate, Coach Doc Rivers played for the 1993–94 New York Knicks, which held the previous record for most playoff games played in one season, with 25.
The NBA Finals is the annual championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Eastern and Western Conference champions play a best-of-seven-game series to determine the league champion. The team that wins the series is awarded the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, which replaced the original Walter A. Brown Trophy in 1977, though under the same name.
Bill Russell (off ball) was a member of one of the first dynasties in the NBA, winning eight straight titles while contending against Wilt Chamberlain (on ball).
The 1980s saw a renewal in the rivalry between the Boston Celtics (green) and the Los Angeles Lakers (gold), combining to win eight titles.
Michael Jordan cemented himself as the greatest player of all time, winning six NBA championships with Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson.
Kobe Bryant was a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers that won five NBA championships from 2000 to 2010.
