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Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Lead Boston to Victory
BROOKLINE, Mass. – The Boston Celtics made history on Monday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to secure their 18th NBA championship, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers’ record of 17 titles. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the dynamic duo that has been instrumental in Boston’s success, led the way with 31 and 21 points, respectively.
Tatum, who was emotional after the game, dedicated the win to his late mother. “She was with me the whole way, so we share this s— together,” he said. With the victory, the Celtics finished the playoffs with a remarkable 16-3 record, second only to the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors.
Brown, who was named Finals MVP, praised his teammates’ effort. “It was a full team effort,” he said. “It means the world. It’s been a long time. And damn I’m grateful.”
The Boston Celtics clinch their record 18th NBA title with a 106-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Finals! Congratulations to the Celtics and their fans! 🏆
#NBAFINALS #Celtics #championlegue #nbaxlive https://t.co/JFOUPF2jn9— The Urban Crews (@TheUrbanCrews) June 18, 2024
Dallas Mavericks Struggle to Keep Up
The defeat marked a disappointing end to the finals for Dallas Mavericks stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who had led the Western Conference fifth seeds on an impressive run to the NBA Finals. Doncic, who averaged 28.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists during the series, struggled to find his rhythm in Game 5, scoring just 20 points on 7-of-19 shooting.
Irving, who joined the Mavericks mid-season after a tumultuous stint with the Brooklyn Nets, also had a subpar performance, scoring 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting. After the game, Irving expressed his disappointment but also acknowledged the Celtics’ dominance. “They played great basketball,” he said. “We just couldn’t match their intensity tonight.”
A Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
The Celtics laid the foundations for their victory with a strong first half, leading 67-46 at the break. Payton Pritchard’s buzzer-beating three-pointer from near half-court gave Boston a 21-point advantage heading into the locker room.
The Mavericks tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 12 points. However, the Celtics’ defense held strong, and they never relinquished their lead. In the fourth quarter, Boston pulled away for good, outscoring Dallas 27-18 to seal the win and the championship.
Boston Celtics’ Road to the Finals
The Celtics’ journey to their 18th NBA title was not without its challenges. They faced a tough Eastern Conference, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the semifinals and the Miami Heat in the conference finals. Throughout the playoffs, Boston showcased its depth, with key contributions from role players like Derrick White and Grant Williams.
The @celtics capture their 18th Championship, most of any franchise in NBA history! ☘️ pic.twitter.com/87hgQyQ3uM
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
Head coach Ime Udoka, in his first season with the team, praised his players’ resilience. “They never gave up,” he said. “They kept fighting, and they believed in themselves. I’m so proud of this group.”
Celebrations in Boston
As the final buzzer sounded, the TD Garden erupted in cheers, and the Celtics celebrated on the court. Fans poured into the streets of Boston to celebrate the historic win, with many making their way to the iconic Causeway Street, home to the TD Garden.
Brown addressed the crowd, thanking the fans for their support. “This is for you, Boston,” he said. “We did it. We’re champions.”
The Celtics will now look to build on their success and continue their dominance in the coming seasons. With a young core led by Tatum and Brown, the future looks bright for the 18-time NBA champions.
