The Boston Celtics wrote their name into the annals of NBA history by capturing their 18th championship with a resounding 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Finals. This triumph broke the tie with the Los Angeles Lakers, making them the most successful franchise in NBA history.
On a memorable night at TD Garden, Jayson Tatum delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 31 points, dishing out 11 assists and grabbing 8 rebounds. His efforts were decisive in the Celtics’ victory. When the final buzzer sounded, Tatum took time to soak up the atmosphere and the crowd’s cheers before embracing Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “It’s been a long time. And I’m damn grateful,” said Tatum, reflecting on the significance of the win.
Team effort and key contributions
Jaylen Brown also played a key role, with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, earning him the title of NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. “I share this title with my brothers and my partner Jayson Tatum,” said Brown, highlighting the strong partnership he and Tatum have developed over the 107 career playoff games they’ve played together.
Jrue Holiday added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis, returning from a two-game absence due to a dislocated left ankle tendon, scored 5 points in 17 minutes, providing emotional support to the team.
A dominant post-season run
The Celtics had a remarkable run in the post-season, with 16 wins and 3 losses, for a total of 80 wins and 21 losses. This .792 winning percentage is the second-best in team history, behind the 1985-86 championship team. Joe Mazzulla, in only his second season as head coach and 35 years old, became the youngest coach since Bill Russell in 1969 to lead a team to an NBA title. “You have very few chances in life to be great,” said Mazzulla, underscoring the magnitude of the feat.
The Mavericks’ difficulties and hopes
For the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic stood out with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Mavericks were unable to extend the series after their win in Game 4. Doncic, who battled chest, knee and ankle injuries during the Finals, took responsibility for the team’s struggles. “It doesn’t matter if I was injured, or how injured I was. I was on the pitch,” he said. “I tried to play, but I didn’t do enough.”
Kyrie Irving, who scored 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting, has now lost 13 of his last 14 games against the Celtics since leaving the team in 2019.
As for the future, Irving remains optimistic. “I see an opportunity for us to really build our future in a positive way, where it’s almost like a regular thing for us and we’re competing for championships,” he said.
The Celtics’ defensive prowess and offensive firepower
The Celtics’ defense, which was the best in the league during the regular season, proved crucial once again. They never trailed in Game 5, even leading by 26 points. Boston fed off the energy of the Garden crowd and executed crucial series at key moments, ending the first quarter on a 12-3 run and closing the second quarter on a 19-7 run, punctuated by a Payton Pritchard buzzer-beater at half-court.
A beautiful tribute to Bill Russell
Celtics legend Bill Russell’s widow and daughter, Jeannine and Karen Russell, attended the victory and saluted the Celtics’ new generation of champions. The victory is also a testament to the Celtics’ team-building strategy, which saw them acquire Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum with draft picks obtained in the trade that sent Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn in 2013.
Overcoming past disappointments
This championship marks an important turning point for the Celtics, who lost to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 Finals and failed again in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. Tatum, motivated by these past failures, has vowed to redeem himself and the team. “I’ll lose all my teeth for a championship,” said Derrick White, who embodies the team’s relentless spirit after being injured during the game.
The Celtics’ journey to this championship has been characterized by resilience, teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This title is not only a victory for the team, but also for the city of Boston, which wins the thirteenth championship this century for one of its professional sports franchises. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, strategic planning and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of performance.
The Celtics’ methodical approach to team building
The Celtics’ approach to team building was methodical and strategic. The trade that sent Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn in 2013 was a defining moment that paved the way for this championship run. The draft picks acquired in that deal were used to select Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, two players who have today become cornerstones of the franchise. Their evolution into All-Stars and leaders on and off the court has played a key role in the Celtics’ success.
Coaching excellence
Joe Mazzulla’s record as a coach is nothing short of remarkable. Taking the reins at a young age, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the game, an ability to communicate with his players and a strategic mindset that has guided the Celtics to NBA heights. His emphasis on defense, ball movement and team cohesion was evident throughout the season, and was on full display during the Finals.
The role of key players
While Tatum and Brown rightly attracted attention, the contribution of other players such as Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis should not be overlooked. Holiday’s defensive prowess and playmaking ability were crucial, while Porzingis’ return from injury provided a much-needed boost. Every player on the team played a part in this championship, embodying the team mentality that has been the hallmark of the Celtics’ success.
The Celtics’ road to the title was not without its challenges. The loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 Finals was a bitter pill to swallow, and the inability to return to the Finals in 2023 added to the disappointment. However, these failures served as motivation for the team, fueling their desire to return stronger and more determined. Tatum’s vow to erase the pain of past disappointments was one of the driving forces behind their success this season.
Team unity
One of the hallmarks of this Celtics team is its unity. The bonds between players, coaches and the organization as a whole are evident. This unity was evident throughout the playoffs, as the team always rose to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and determination. The support of the TD Garden fans also played an important role, providing the team with an electrifying atmosphere.
The future
With this championship, the Celtics have set a new standard of excellence. The challenge now is to maintain this level of performance and continue on the path to success. The foundations are solid, with a talented roster, a competent coaching staff and a supportive organization. The future looks bright for the Celtics, who will no doubt be looking to add further championships to their history.
The Boston Celtics’ 18th NBA championship is a testament to their rich history, team-building strategy and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Led by outstanding performances from Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and other key players, and guided by Joe Mazzulla’s astute coaching, the Celtics have once again cemented their place among the greatest franchises in NBA history. This victory is not only a celebration of the present, but also the promise of a bright future for the team and its fans.
After the final whistle, thousands of Celtics fans took to the streets of Boston to celebrate their 18th title. The main arteries at the bottom of the city of Boston were blocked off until 2am.