The Boston Celtics hadn’t been able to reach glory since Larry Bird’s departure.  The team was starving for a title, and while Paul Pierce brought excitement back to the city, he needed help.  And that help came from Minnesota.

It was on this day, July 31st, 2007, that the Boston Celtics traded Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and draft picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves.  In return the Celtics landed future hall of famer – Kevin Garnett.  The city of Boston rejoiced as Garnett was one of the top big men in the NBA – and Bostonians finally felt that they had what it took to become champion.

The trade paid off for the Celtics in the 2008 NBA season.  The Celtics advanced to the finals after defeating the Pistons 4 – 2.  In the finals, they met the Los Angeles Lakers and superstar Kobe Bryant. The key game in the series was Game 4, with Boston up 2 games to 1.  The Lakers jumped out to a 35 – 14 lead after the first quarter.  In the third
quarter, the Lakers lead went to 24 points.  However, Boston stormed back, securing the largest comeback in NBA history in 36 years.  A few days later, Boston finished off the Lakers in game 6 and the Celtics were once again on top.