The Boston Celtics have won their 18th NBA championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88. This victory breaks their tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in NBA history. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.
The Celtics secured their latest title 16 years after their last championship win in 2008. Jaylen Brown scored 21 points and was named the NBA Finals MVP. Jrue Holiday contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis, returning from injury, added five points in 17 minutes.
Boston had a strong postseason, finishing with a 16-3 record. Their .792 winning percentage is the second-best in team history, just behind the 1985-86 Celtics. Coach Joe Mazzulla, at 35, became the youngest coach to win a championship since Bill Russell in 1969.
Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to extend the series. Kyrie Irving finished with 15 points, continuing his struggle against the Celtics since leaving the team in 2019. The Mavericks, who were 3-0 in Game 5s this postseason, couldn’t overcome their 3-0 series deficit, a fate all NBA teams have faced without success.
The Celtics dominated early, never trailing in the game. They built a strong lead with key runs in both the first and second quarters, highlighted by a half-court buzzer beater from Payton Pritchard. The team’s defense and three-point shooting were crucial in their victory.
Special guests Jeannine and Karen Russell, wife and daughter of Celtics legend Bill Russell, were present to celebrate with the team. This championship marks a significant achievement for Tatum and Brown, who have grown into All-Stars and leaders of the team.
Boston’s success this season comes after a challenging two-year stretch, including a finals loss to the Golden State Warriors in 2022 and a conference finals defeat last year. This victory cements the Celtics as the NBA’s most successful franchise, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
