BOSTON — When Joe Mazzulla saw the Knicks roster moves to improve their roster this summer, the Celtics coach admitted he was motivated. In an attempt to be better built to face Boston, the Knicks dealt Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Bogdan Bogdanovic and a bunch of draft picks to get Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.

The Celtics will receive their championship rings in a pregame ceremony before beginning their title defense against the New York Knicks.

BOSTON — The blueprint came printed in Celtics green, a plan that Boston utilized to become NBA champions by building a team filled with versatility and firepower. And after a successful run as a team that would drag opponents into a dogfight, Leon Rose and the Knicks front office opted to follow the blueprint.