Behind a stellar performance from Jayson Tatum, who recorded 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who added 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, the Boston Celtics dominated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 to clinch the 2024 NBA Finals. This victory marks Boston's record-setting 18th NBA title, achieved 16 years after their 17th championship in the same building.
By securing this title, the Celtics surpassed their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, for the most championships in NBA history.
"This is a night I'll remember forever," Tatum expressed. "After tough playoff losses at home and losing the NBA championship here before, winning this one in front of our fans means everything. I did everything in my power to make sure we won tonight."
Boston bounced back from their worst game of the season in Game 4 with a decisive wire-to-wire victory in Game 5. Key contributions from Tatum and Brown helped the Celtics build a 21-point lead by halftime, highlighted by Payton Pritchard's half-court shot, sending the TD Garden crowd into a frenzy.
The fans were electric even before the game, especially when Kristaps Porzingis, who missed Games 3 and 4 due to injury, checked in during the first quarter. Porzingis contributed 5 points in 16 minutes, providing valuable support off the bench.
Kyrie Irving, struggling against his former team, scored 15 points on 5-for-16 shooting in Game 5, continuing his woes at TD Garden.
Brown earned the MVP title with series averages of 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5 assists while consistently defending Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
"I can't put into words how blessed and grateful I am," Brown said. "This was a full team effort. My teammates were incredible, and they allowed me to lead on both ends of the floor. It was a team victory, and that's what made it special."
The Celtics finished the playoffs with a 16-3 record, second only to the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors (16-1) since the NBA adopted the current playoff format in 2003. This championship ended Boston's stretch of postseason disappointments, including six Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a loss in the 2022 NBA Finals.
For Tatum and Brown, this title was particularly meaningful. They played the most games together as a duo before winning their first championship in NBA history. Tatum also had the fifth-most career playoff points at the time of his first championship, trailing only Jerry West, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant.
Al Horford, who played 186 playoff games before his first title, the most in NBA history, reflected on the journey. "Embracing the pressure is key here," Horford said. "We've faced a lot of hardships, but our resilience paid off. I'm proud of Jaylen and Jayson for leading our group and handling the pressure."
This championship run started 11 years ago with a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets, leading to the acquisitions of Brown and Tatum in the 2016 and 2017 NBA drafts. Brad Stevens, initially hired as head coach, later rebuilt the roster as president of basketball operations, leading to this historic victory.
Key moves by Stevens included trading for Al Horford, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis, as well as acquiring Jrue Holiday, who made significant contributions during the postseason. Despite injuries, Porzingis provided a crucial boost, and Holiday's performance in Game 2 was vital.
Joe Mazzulla, promoted to head coach after Ime Udoka's suspension, led the team to a 121-43 regular-season record over the past two years and became the youngest coach to win an NBA title since Bill Russell 55 years ago.
Boston's response to their Game 4 blowout loss with a complete Game 5 performance set a new standard in NBA history. "This is unreal," said Derrick White. "This is a special group of guys and coaching staff. I'm just trying to enjoy the moment and not get too lit."
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