“I’m 95 f—–g years old with one foot in the grave, and I can barely move. One of the last things I want to be able to see is for the Celtics to hang up banner No. 18.” These were the words of Bob Cousy in June, who can now be at peace with his life’s wish fulfilled.

On Tuesday night the Boston Celtics’ will hang up banner No. 18 at TD Garden, before they take on one of the teams considered to be the new title contenders, the New York Knicks. What better feeling than being awarded the rings in front of your fierce rivals? 

The Knicks will be envious for sure. But having added stars Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, they seem to be ready to go all the way this season. NBA rings have been awarded since 1947 to the champions. Each franchise also hangs a banner from the rafters to signify each year. After a 16-season drought, the C’s have finally broken the deadlock between them and the Los Angeles Lakers, and have now become the franchise with the most championships.

The Celtics will commemorate their 18th championship on October 22, right before their home opener against the Knicks. During the ceremony, the team’s players will be individually presented with their NBA championship rings.

Rings are presented not only to players, in the team’s first home game in the coming season, but to coaches and also to the members of the team’s front office. The ceremony will be telecasted at 7 PM ET on TNT.

An upcoming emotional affair for the Boston Celtics

The last time banners were hung at TD Garden, Paul Pierce cried in front of the fans. He was chasing it for 10 years. It is emotional because this is the night history is written. That stage was set in a similar way in 2008. After the ceremony, the C’s took on the Cavs. The C’s had celebrated, got their rings, and then beat LeBron James and Co. as well. Because that’s what Champions are capable of. 

Tonight could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks have added some serious firepower to their roster. While the Boston side is sticking with its championship-winning roster, NY had one of the most impressive offseasons in the league. With Jalen Brunson leading the side, Mikal Bridges is set to debut in a Knicks uniform, reuniting with his former Villanova teammates.  Bridges paired up with OG Anunoby could seriously trouble opposing wings.

“A lot of people can do it once,” Payton Pritchard said. “I know a championship’s hard, but there’s a lot of people who have won one. But winning it multiple times, creating almost like a dynasty, that’s hard to do. So that’s greatness, and that’s something we’re trying to achieve.” 

Joe Mazzulla and Co. have their eyes set on the next season, but as a true C’s fanatic, don’t let next season’s expectations dampen your night. Sporting fans around the globe pray that their team wins a Championship in their lifetime. Well, Boston has done it, cherish it.