The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have combined to win nearly half (35 of 78) of the NBA championships since the league’s inception, and the two premier franchises will take center stage Tuesday night on the NBA’s Opening Night.
In Boston, the Celtics will hang an 18th championship banner — one more than the Lakers for the most in NBA history. With a loaded roster led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown returning, the Celtics have an eye on repeating as champions, something that hasn’t happened in Boston since 1968 and 1969. They’ll host the New York Knicks, who won 50 games for the first time since the 2012-13 season and are looking to make a big jump, with Jalen Brunson leading the way for a new-look New York squad that added Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges over the offseason.
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The Lakers may have one of the most anticipated debuts for a second-round pick in NBA history as Bronny James suits up for his first regular-season game, and may take the floor with his legendary father as L.A. hosts Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James has talked often throughout the years about wanting to play with his son, and the two did share the floor in the preseason. A father-son duo has never played together in the NBA, but Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. were the first to do so in Major League Baseball and will be in attendance tonight.
Yahoo Sports has you covered with previews of all 30 teams, hot takes, breakout candidates and much more. Stay with Yahoo Sports for live coverage of NBA Opening Night 2024 below.
Live11 updates
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The new-look Knicks have countered with a strong start of their own. They’re 8 of 13 from the field early including six points from Jalen Brunson, who’s hit all three of his shots from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns in on the board with his first bucket as a Knick.
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There’s no ring ceremony hangover in Boston. The Celtics are off to a hot start with a 21-16 lead at the 4:51 mark of the first quarter. They’re 8 of 17 from the field including a 4-of-9 pace from 3. Looks a lot like last season so far.
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Jayson Tatum opens the game with a 3-pointer, and the new NBA season is underway.
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And here’s Boston’s 18th championship banner:
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Here’s the much anticipated new-look Knicks starting lineup:
Jalen Brunson
Josh Hart
OG Anunoby
Mikal Bridges
Karl-Anthony Towns -
Jayson Tatum kept his comments brief when given the mic to address fans during the ring ceremony.
“This is special, Tatum said. … “I can honestly say to the best fans in the world. Let’s do it again.”
The business of raising the banner — and then basketball — was at hand.
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Jaylen Brown is the reigning Finals MVP, but Jayson Tatum got the final call to the floor to receive his ring after Brown.
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Specs on Boston’s rings that include lots of jewels and some hidden treasures:
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The rings have been revealed, and they — of course — are spectacular.
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The Celtics are on the floor at TD Garden to raise their 18th championship banner and receive their rings. Past Celtics champions including Bob Cousy, Cedric Maxwell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are joining them on the floor to celebrate.
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Happy opening day, NBA fans! We’re tipping off the season tonight with the New York Knicks visiting the reigning champion Boston Celtics. The starting lineup for the Celtics is in:
Jrue Holiday
Derrick White
Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum
Al Horford
