The last seven years have been a roller coaster for Jayson Tatum, who expressed elation and relief after the Boston Celtics ‘ triumphant win. “To be able to say we did it, that we came together, and we won a championship. Banner number 18 has been hanging over our head for so many years. We won a championship,” he said.
A Challenging Road to Victory
The Boston Celtics had the opportunity to close out the series with a sweep in Game 4 in Dallas after taking a 3-0 lead. However, poor shooting, weak rebounding, and stellar performances from Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Mavericks’ supporting cast forced the series back to Boston’s Causeway Street.
Sixteen years to the day after their last championship win against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008, the Celtics secured their victory on Monday night.
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Dominant Start Sets the Tone
From the beginning, Boston Celtics displayed sharp offense and tight defense. Tatum finished the first half with a near double-double. The Celtics managed to hold both Doncic and Irving to under 10 points each. Payton Pritchard’s half-court buzzer-beater sent TD Garden into a frenzy, with the Celtics leading 67-46 at halftime.
Holding Off a Dallas Comeback
Despite a stronger performance from Dallas in the second half, Boston Celtics initial lead and relentless hustle were too much for the Mavericks to overcome.
Jayson Tatum celebrated on the court, epitomizing the team’s determination and energy. Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum celebrates after scoring during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston.
Instead of passively waiting for victory, the Celtics aggressively pursued rebounds and maintained defensive pressure, leading to Boston’s most significant win in nearly two decades.
A Historic Win for Boston Celtics
The final buzzer was met with a collective roar from fans, recognizing the importance of the 18th championship banner. Sisters Michaela and Alyssa Alperen, along with their mother Lisa from Peabody, were ecstatic. “We’re gonna celebrate with the parade, and then someone’s getting a Banner 18 tattoo,” Michaela said, nodding towards her mother.
Tatum ended the game with 31 points and 11 assists, while Jaylen Brown earned MVP honors, sharing the accolade with his teammates. Al Horford, after 17 seasons, finally secured his first championship, reminiscing about a conversation with former Celtics executive Danny Ainge. “There’s nothing like winning in Boston,” Ainge had told him.
Learning from the Past
When the Boston Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors in 2022, it was clear they lacked not talent, but experience. This time, they demonstrated their growth and expertise, outplaying a less experienced Dallas team and proving why they were the NBA’s best team this season.
Now, with this championship, the Boston Celtics have solidified their place in history alongside the franchise’s legends. Boston Celtics can finally celebrate a long-awaited and hard-earned victory, etching their names in the annals of basketball greatness.
