The 2007–08 Boston Celtics engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NBA history—and maybe all of sports. Just one year earlier, the Celtics finished with a dismal 24–58 record, missing the playoffs and appearing years away from contention.
But a blockbuster summer changed everything. GM Danny Ainge traded for future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to pair with franchise cornerstone Paul Pierce, forming a “Big Three” that sent shockwaves through the league.
The results were instant: a league-best 66–16 record and a dominant playoff run that ended with the Celtics capturing their 17th NBA Championship.
Their 42-game improvement remains the largest single-season jump to a title in NBA history—a feat that may never be repeated.
