Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and recorded 11 assists to lead Boston in Game 5.
In a thrilling culmination at TD Garden Arena on Monday, the Boston Celtics secured their 18th NBA title by defeating the Dallas Mavericks with a commanding 106-88 victory in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals. This historic win not only clinched the championship but also established Boston as the sole record-holder for the most titles in league history, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jayson Tatum delivered a stellar performance, leading the charge for the Celtics with 31 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. His dynamic play was complemented by Jaylen Brown, who was named NBA Finals MVP after contributing 21 points and 8 rebounds to the victory.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, NBA commissioner Adam Silver remarked, “Bill Russell would be so proud,” in reference to Brown, just before presenting him with the prestigious trophy named after the Celtics legend.
Despite the defeat, Luka Doncic showcased his prowess for the Mavericks with an impressive 28 points and 12 rebounds. Tatum, speaking on behalf of his teammates after the game, emphasized the collective effort, stating, “We knew we needed each other. It’s a team sport, and we endured the highs and lows. This victory is well-deserved and hard-earned.”
Boston’s championship journey was propelled by their formidable offense, widely regarded as one of the best in NBA history. Finishing the regular season with an exceptional 64-18 record, the Celtics led the league with an impressive 122.2 offensive rating. They ranked second in both points per game (120.6) and rebounds per game (46.3), while also dominating in 3-point shooting, averaging a league-high 16.5 made 3-pointers per game.
Individually, Tatum’s exceptional season earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Jaylen Brown provided strong support with averages of 23 points and 5.5 rebounds per game throughout the season.
Boston’s defensive prowess was equally formidable, boasting a 110.6 defensive rating that ranked second in the league. They led the NBA in blocked shots, averaging 6.6 rejections per contest, underscoring their well-rounded dominance on both ends of the court.
This victory marks Boston’s first NBA title since 2008, when they triumphed over the Lakers in six games, cementing their return to the pinnacle of professional basketball after a determined and impressive season.
