The Boston Celtics won their first NBA championship since 2008 by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals 2023-2024.

The victory marked the end of an impressive playoff run for a team predicted to dominate the NBA for years to come. Jayson Tatum and his teammates replicated a similar ending to the 2007-08 Celtics squad, clinching their 18th championship on the parquet floor.

The 2023-24 Celtics team mirrored the 2008 version, built around homegrown talent and smart offseason moves by Boston’s leadership determined to return the team to greatness. However, unlike the 2008 team, this season’s Celtics faced setbacks and heartbreaks on their journey to the pinnacle.

In a fitting conclusion amid cheers and excitement, Boston’s 18th NBA championship was sealed by outstanding performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum led with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 21 points. Jrue Holiday contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds, with Derrick White adding 14 points.

Kristaps Porzingis returned from injury to score 5 points in 16 minutes, and veteran center Al Horford, at 38 years old, secured his first championship with 9 points.

Despite some early challenges, the Celtics overcame difficulties at the American Airlines Center, shooting 45.2% from the field and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities in the paint.

Boston dominated Dallas from the start, closing out the first half with a 28-18 lead after a 9-0 scoring run sparked by Sam Hauser’s three-pointer. In the second half, despite some offensive stalls, Boston maintained their lead as Dallas struggled to narrow the gap, despite Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic combining for 43 points.

As the final seconds ticked away, chants of “Let’s Go Celtics” and “We Want Boston” echoed throughout TD Garden, marking a historic milestone for Jayson Tatum and his teammates.