Boston Celtics beat Dallas Mavericks for record 18th championship: NPR – Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, center, holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy as he celebrates with Kristaps Porzingis, left, and guard Jaylen Brown, right, after the Celtics won the NBA championship with a Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday in Boston.
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Charles Krupa/AP
The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in the NBA Finals on Monday, making them the franchise with the most championships in league history.
The Celtics won the series 4-1 and now have eighteen titles, surpassing their decades-long rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, who have seventeen.
Their last match was played at home with more than 19,000 in attendance.
“It’s a surreal feeling. We did it,” said Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
The Finals MVP award, named after Celtics legend Bill Russell, was presented to guard Jaylen Brown, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5 assists during the series.
“I can not believe it,” said veteran Celtics center Al Horford. “I still can’t believe it. I mean, we did it. We’re here, but I can’t believe it. This is exactly how I imagined it here at the Garden, with our fans, everyone together. It’s exactly how I saw it eight years ago.”
Lakers legend Magic Johnson, however posted on X“I hate that the Celtics now officially have more championships than us.”
“Congratulations to the 23-24 NBA Champions My Boston Celtics,” said Paul Piercewho helped the Celtics win their last championship in 2008.
President Biden too congratulated the franchise on their 18 championships, calling them “a true legacy of excellence.”
