2008 Boston Celtics

Danny Ainge rebuilt the roster in one summer. He traded for Ray Allen on draft night, then sent a package to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett, pairing both with Paul Pierce. The result was a defense that allowed the fewest points in the league and Garnett winning Defensive Player of the Year.

Pierce led the team at 19.6 points a game and ran the offense from the wing. Allen spaced the floor and Garnett patrolled the paint, while second-year point guard Rajon Rondo started and ran the break. The bench carried real weight, with James Posey, Eddie House, and rookie forward Glen Davis.

The Finals matched Boston against the Lakers for the first time since 1987. The Celtics trailed Game 4 by 24 points and came all the way back to win it, a swing that broke the series open. They closed it out at home in Game 6, 131-92, the largest margin of victory in a championship-clinching game. Pierce was Finals MVP.

The title was Boston's 17th and its first since the Larry Bird era ended. For a franchise used to winning, 22 years was a long wait.