Summary:
- Boston Celtics won a record-breaking 18th NBA title after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5.
- The Celtics have this way topped the Los Angeles Lakers for most titles all-time.
- Monday’s evening 106-88 victory marked the 13th championship won by one of the Big 4 pro sports franchises in the city this century.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 on Monday evening, a victory that once again propelled them among NBA champions and brought the franchise its 18th NBA championship title.
The big win also helped the Celtics surpass their decades-long rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, who has 17 titles, breaking a tie with the franchise for the most titles in history.
The title was earned right on the 16th anniversary of the franchise raising its last Larry O’Brien Trophy back in 2008 while also marking the 13th championship won this century by one of the Big 4 pro sports franchises in the city during this century.
“It means the world“, Jayson Tatum explained after his team was handed the trophy from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“It’s been a long time”, he added while saying he was “grateful” for it.
The NBA Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown, also took the chance to say that he was sharing the victory with his “brothers” and “partner in crime Jayson Tatum“.
The duo recorded their 107th career playoff game played together, marking another record number for any duo prior to scooping a title.
Celtics veteran center Al Horford also commented on the news, saying
I can’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. I mean, we did it. We’re here, but I can’t believe it.
Both Jrue Holiday, who finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and center Kristaps Porzingis who made a comeback after skipping two games because of a dislocated tendon, contributed to the Celtics’ cap of a post-season of 16-3 with an 80-21 finish and overall record.
On the other hand, the Mavericks had been 3-0 in Game 5s during the post-season. Luka Doncic scored at least 31 points in each of the games
Kyrie Irving finished with 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting, losing 13 of the last 14 games against the Celtics.
NBA teams are currently 0-157 in post-season series after they fell into a 3-0 deficit.
All in all, the Celtics’ way of spreading the teams out, causing havoc on defense, and sharing the ball turned them into the NBA’s best team this post-season.
Will the Celtics make it 19 next season? Get all the latest odds with our selection of the best US sportbooks
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