From Banner to Bust: How the Celtics' Title Defense Fell Apart

June 2024 felt like the beginning of a dynasty. The Boston Celtics had just dismantled the Dallas Mavericks in five games to claim their record 18th NBA championship. Jayson Tatum was ascending. Jaylen Brown had his Finals MVP. Joe Mazzulla, the young coach everyone underestimated, had quietly built one of the most dominant teams in the league. The Celtics weren't just champions — they looked like the team of the era. One year later, they were watching the Knicks celebrate in the second round. S