NBA: Rise in a Parallel World

The Boston Celtics were officially crowned the 2020–2021 NBA champions.

Confetti rained down from the rafters of TD Garden as the crowd erupted in deafening cheers. The green and white sea of fans had been waiting for this moment, and now, they were witnessing their team reclaim the throne of professional basketball.

The Lakers players, exhausted and devastated, stood still as they watched their rivals celebrate. They had come within inches of the title, only to see it slip away in overtime.

Bill Russell, the captain and heart of the Celtics, stood at center court with tears in his eyes. He had delivered another championship to Boston, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest leaders in basketball history.

NBA Commissioner Nathan Cole took center stage. With the Finals MVP trophy in his hands, he approached the Celtics' leader.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced to the roaring crowd. "Your 2020–2021 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player—Bill Russell!"

The stadium shook with cheers as Russell stepped forward.

He had averaged 19.5 points, 24.2 rebounds, and 6.1 blocks per game throughout the Finals. More importantly, he had anchored the Celtics' defense, frustrating the Lakers at every turn and proving why he was the most dominant defensive player in the league.

Russell took the microphone, breathing heavily. "This was a war," he admitted, glancing toward the Lakers' bench. "They gave us everything they had, and I respect them for it. But tonight, this is for Boston!"

The Celtics fans erupted into another deafening round of applause.

Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, the Lakers' two biggest stars, stood by their bench, looking on with disappointment. This was the second straight time they had come so close, only to fall short against the Celtics.

West, still catching his breath, was approached by a reporter.

"Jerry, what's going through your mind right now?"

West wiped his face with a towel before answering. "We fought. We fought as hard as we could. But we didn't finish the job. It's gonna haunt me."

The image of West walking off the court, head down, became one of the most iconic moments of the Finals.

Meanwhile, Baylor was consoled by his teammates. "We'll be back," he muttered under his breath. "Next year, we'll be back."

Back on stage, Commissioner Cole lifted the golden Larry O'Brien Trophy high into the air before handing it to Celtics coach Red Auerbach.

Auerbach lit his signature victory cigar as the Celtics players cheered.

The Celtics had now won their first NBA championship. They had overcome adversity, survived an overtime thriller, and cemented their place as the most dominant franchise in the league.

Boston's mayor had already declared that a massive championship parade would be held in two days. The entire city would shut down to celebrate their heroes.

Across the country, sports analysts debated where this Celtics team ranked among the greatest teams in history.

But while Boston celebrated, the rest of the NBA was already thinking about the next season.

The Lakers were furious.

The Warriors were hungry.

The league was evolving, and the gap between teams was closing.

As Commissioner Cole looked around at the celebrations, he knew one thing for sure—

The NBA was only just getting started.