BOSTON — Grand Rapids native Xavier Tillman is an NBA champion. On Monday night, Tillman and the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games to win the title. It's the Celtics 18th title in franchise history.
With the win, Tillman becomes the first Grand Rapids native to ever win an NBA final. Tillman graduated from Grand Rapids Christian and Michigan State before being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Tillman was traded from Memphis to Boston halfway through the season and became a sparkplug off the Celtics bench. Between games three and four of the finals, Tillman played 17 minutes with six points, five rebounds and an assist.
The West Michigan native will now return to his roots this summer as an NBA champion.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.