The Boston Celtics clinched their 18th NBA title with a commanding 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on Monday. Leading by 21 points at halftime, the Celtics never relinquished their advantage, breaking a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in league history.
All-Star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 52 points, 16 rebounds, and 17 assists, showcasing their pivotal roles in Boston’s playoff journey. Brown’s standout performance throughout the Finals earned him the coveted Finals MVP award.
Veteran addition Jrue Holiday contributed significantly with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, while also anchoring Boston’s defensive efforts against Dallas’ star players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Kristaps Porzingis returned from injury to add five points in limited minutes, emphasizing his determination to contribute to the Celtics’ victory.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla, at 35 years old, became the youngest coach to win a title since Bill Russell in 1969, marking a significant achievement in his debut season with the Celtics.
Despite Doncic’s impressive 28-point, 12-rebound, and five-assist performance for Dallas, the Mavericks struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the series, failing to surpass 100 points in any of their losses. They shot just 11-of-37 from three-point range in Game 5.
The victory solidifies Boston’s dominance in the NBA Finals, boasting an impressive 18-5 record in championship series history.
