The TD Garden was the place to be for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as a host of celebrities and former players gathered to witness the Boston Celtics clinch their NBA-record 18th championship. The atmosphere was electric, with fans and stars alike sharing in the excitement of the momentous occasion.
Among the notable attendees were several former Celtics legends who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. Ray Allen, a key member of the Celtics’ Big Three that secured the 2008 NBA Finals, was present to cheer on his former team. Joining him were Eddie House and Leon Powe, also part of the 2008 championship squad, as well as M.L. Carr, who won two titles with the Celtics in the 1980s and later served as the team’s head coach and general manager.
The list of former Celtics players didn’t stop there. Mal Graham, a two-time champion from the 1960s, Kevin Stacomb from the 1976 championship team, and Jerry Sichting, who played on the 1986 title team, were all in attendance. Boston native Dana Barros, who spent six seasons with the Celtics, and fan favorite Tacko Fall, a towering 7-foot-6 center, also made appearances. Jason Terry, who played one season with the Celtics after a long stint with the Dallas Mavericks, and Grant Williams, a member of the Celtics’ 2022 NBA Finals team, were spotted as well.
The star-studded crowd extended beyond the realm of basketball. New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye and teammate Ja’Whaun Bentley were there to support the Celtics, along with Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand and teammate Matt Grzelcyk. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery also made an appearance, showing his support for the local team.
The entertainment industry was well-represented, with three members of New Kids on the Block—Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, and Jordan Knight—taking in the game. Fellow Boston native Michael Bivins, a founding member of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, was also in attendance. Rappers Jack Harlow and Millyz, the latter hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, added to the celebrity presence.
Professional wrestler Mercedes Moné, who began her career in Boston, was among the notable figures at TD Garden, as was television personality Maria Menounos. Model, actress, and TV host Camille Kostek attended the game, though her longtime partner, New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski, was not confirmed to be there. Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin was also spotted in the crowd.
The national anthem was performed by Joelle James, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of basketball.
Earlier in the series, Game 3 saw nearly two dozen celebrities and VIPs flock to TD Garden. Hall of Famers Paul Pierce and Bill Walton, along with Antoine Walker, Charlie Scott, ML Carr, Leon Powe, Dana Barros, and Eddie House, were among the Celtics legends in attendance. Walton, who won a title with the Celtics in 1986, even took the MBTA’s Orange Line to the game, receiving a warm welcome from fans outside the Garden.
Pierce, the MVP of the 2008 NBA Finals, shared a photo of himself next to a 2022 NBA Finals logo inside a tunnel at TD Garden, capturing the excitement of the moment.
New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick were there to support the Celtics, along with players James White, Dont’a Hightower, Damien Harris, Davon Godchaux, and Byron Cowart. Grammy Award-winning rapper and singer Nelly performed at halftime, adding to the entertainment for the night.
Other musical artists in attendance included Boston native Michael Bivins, Jadakiss, Millyz, and Michelle Brooks-Thompson, a Massachusetts native who performed the national anthem before the game. Actress Nia Long was there to cheer on her fiancé, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, while TV personality and restaurateur Guy Fieri attended the game with his son, Ryder.
Houston Rockets point guard and five-time NBA All-Star John Wall was also spotted watching the Celtics and Warriors battle it out in Boston.
The presence of so many celebrities and former players added to the excitement and significance of the NBA Finals at TD Garden. The Celtics’ victory in Game 5 was not just a triumph for the team but a celebration for the entire city of Boston, with fans and stars alike coming together to witness history in the making.
