The Boston Celtics clinched their historic 18th NBA championship on June 18th in Game 5 of the Finals, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 at the TD Garden. With this victory, the Celtics now hold the record for the most championships in NBA history, surpassing their longtime rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dominant Performance in Game 5
The Celtics, who held a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, returned to their home court with momentum on their side. Four players scored in double digits, led by Jayson Tatum’s 31 points and 11 assists. The Celtics’ stifling defense limited the Mavericks’ top scorers to a combined 15 of 39 shooting, securing the victory and the championship.
Starting Lineups
Both teams maintained their starting lineups for this crucial game:
- Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford
- Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford
First Quarter: Defensive Battle
The first quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle. The Mavericks didn’t score until two minutes into the game, while the Celtics used their defense to fuel a 9-2 run in the first five minutes. The return of Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, who had missed Games 3 and 4 due to injury, bolstered the team’s morale. Despite a resilient performance by the Mavericks’ bench, including two consecutive three-pointers by Josh Green, the Celtics ended the quarter with a 10-point lead.
Second Quarter: Celtics Extend Lead
In the second quarter, Kyrie Irving, who had struggled on the road in the series, managed to score five points amid the boos from the crowd. The Mavericks’ role players, including Jones and Green, also contributed. However, the Celtics responded to every Mavericks’ attempt to close the gap. A 12-3 run in the final minute of the half, capped by a buzzer-beating half-court three from Payton Pritchard, gave the Celtics a commanding 21-point lead at halftime.
| Quarter | Celtics Points | Mavericks Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 | 18 |
| 2 | 39 | 28 |
| 3 | 19 | 21 |
| 4 | 20 | 21 |
Third Quarter: Consistent Scoring
The Celtics continued to showcase their balanced attack in the third quarter, with all five starters contributing to the score. In contrast, the Mavericks’ star duo struggled with their shooting. By the end of the quarter, the Celtics had extended their lead to 19 points, setting the stage for their record-breaking 18th championship.
Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory
In the final quarter, the Celtics’ dynamic duo, Tatum and Brown, took control, maintaining a lead of around 20 points. The Mavericks substituted their starters with just over two minutes remaining, effectively conceding the game. The Celtics ultimately secured a 106-88 victory, eliminating the Mavericks with a 4-1 series win and claiming the championship.
Notable Performances
- Jayson Tatum: 31 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists
- Jaylen Brown: 21 points
- Jrue Holiday: 15 points, 11 rebounds
- Al Horford: Became the fourth player in NBA history to win a championship in his 17th season
- Luka Doncic (Mavericks): 28 points, 12 rebounds
- Kyrie Irving (Mavericks): 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting
Historic Achievement
This championship marks the Celtics’ 18th title, breaking their tie with the Lakers for the most in NBA history. The Celtics last won the championship in 2008, led by the iconic “Big Three.” With this victory, the Celtics now stand alone at the pinnacle of NBA history.(Superace88)