The Boston Celtics became the winningest franchise in NBA history after capturing their 18th championship title by slaying the Dallas Mavericks at home in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Day 42 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Monday night.

The Celtics led from start to finish behind a raucous Boston crowd who were ecstatic to win on their home floor. Jrue Holiday provided the early muscle and grit using his trademark defensive abilities and then sneaking in for the Celtics’ first three baskets.

From then on, it was all Celtics with each player chipping in with dunks, threes, and layups. Payton Pritchard provided perhaps the biggest play of the game that seemingly sucked the souls of the Mavericks when he hit a half-court buzzer-buzzer beating shot to put the Celtics up by 21 at the half.

After stretching the lead to as big as 26, the Mavs fought back for a bit but only cut the lead to as short as 18 points as the Celtics cruised to the victory.

It was a sweet ending for a lot of Celtics players, giving them vindication for all they’ve been through over the years. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have been with the team the longest and have been the team’s core pieces, now finally have a title to show for 7 years they’ve been together. It’s been a symbol of patience and dedication for both Tatum and Brown and Boston as a whole for sticking with the duo and giving them a chance to finally win a title. 

For his efforts, Brown was named the Finals MVP.

Jaylen Brown is the 2024 #NBAFinals MVP 🏆

📊 20.8 PPG | 44% FG | 5 APG | 5.4 RPG | 1.6 SPG pic.twitter.com/zue6AFWgQx

— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) June 18, 2024

This has been the 2023-2024 NBA season, ending with the Boston Celtics as the 2024 NBA World Champions. Check out our recap here:

THE BOSTON CELTICS ARE YOUR 2024 NBA CHAMPIONS! ☘️🏆

This marks the Celtics' 18th NBA title, breaking the tie with the Lakers for the most championships in NBA history 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/lZUYNHwb0l

— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) June 18, 2024