The Boston Celtics are once again kings of the NBA. In a dominant five-game series, the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks to capture the 2024 NBA championship — their 18th title in franchise history, the most by any team in the league. With a decisive 106-88 victory in Game 5 at TD Garden on June 17, 2024, Boston officially broke its decades-long tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in NBA history.
How the Celtics Dominated the 2024 NBA Finals
The Celtics entered the series as heavy favorites after posting a 64-18 regular-season record — the best in the NBA — and breezing through the Eastern Conference playoffs. Powered by the league's No. 1 offense (122.2 offensive rating) and the second-ranked defense (110.6 rating), Boston's balance proved too much for a talented but overmatched Mavericks squad.
Game 1 set the tone immediately. The Celtics jumped out to a commanding 107-89 victory behind a strong performance from Kristaps Porzingis, who returned from injury to provide a major spark. Boston took a 2-0 series lead with a gritty 105-98 win in Game 2, then stole Game 3 in Dallas to take a commanding 3-0 lead. The Mavericks avoided the sweep with a resounding Game 4 victory, but the Celtics closed it out emphatically in Game 5 back in Boston.
Timeline: How the Celtics Clinched Title No. 18
June 6, 2024 — Game 1 (Boston): The Celtics set the tone early, winning 107-89 behind a dominant performance from Kristaps Porzingis, who came off an injury to score 20 points and block three shots in just 21 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 22 points and six rebounds.
June 9, 2024 — Game 2 (Boston): Boston took a 2-0 series lead with a 105-98 win. Though Jayson Tatum struggled shooting (6-for-22), he made up for it with 12 assists and nine rebounds. Jrue Holiday provided a crucial spark with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
June 12, 2024 — Game 3 (Dallas): The Celtics built a massive early lead in Dallas and held on for a 106-99 victory, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. Tatum posted 31 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Mavericks' late rally fell short.
June 14, 2024 — Game 4 (Dallas): Facing elimination, Luka Doncic erupted for 29 points as the Mavericks staved off defeat with a 122-84 blowout win, extending the series. Kyrie Irving added 21 points.
June 17, 2024 — Game 5 (Boston): The Celtics closed it out in front of their home crowd with a decisive 106-88 victory. Tatum led all scorers with 31 points, adding 11 assists and eight rebounds. Brown contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, earning Finals MVP honors. Luka Doncic finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.
Why This Title Changes Everything for Boston
This championship carries enormous significance for the Celtics franchise. With 18 titles, Boston now stands alone atop the NBA's hierarchy, surpassing their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 17. It's the franchise's first championship since 2008, ending a 16-year drought that included multiple Eastern Conference finals appearances and two NBA Finals losses (2010, 2022).
Jaylen Brown was named Finals MVP after averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists while providing elite two-way play throughout the series. "Bill Russell would be so proud," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said as he presented Brown with the trophy named after the late Celtics great.
The Celtics' historic offense drove their success. Boston ranked first in the NBA with a 122.2 offensive rating during the regular season, second in points per game (120.6), and led the league in 3-pointers made per game (16.5) and blocked shots (6.6). Tatum earned first-team All-NBA honors after putting up 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
For veteran Al Horford, the championship was especially meaningful. The 38-year-old big man played in 186 postseason games before winning his first title — the most in NBA history. "It's been long. A lot of hard work, but I'm so proud to be part of this team," Horford said. "I can't believe it. I still can't believe it. But we did it."
What's Next for the Celtics and Mavericks
The Celtics enter the offseason as the team to beat, with their core of Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, Holiday and Derrick White all under contract. The franchise will look to become the first team to repeat as champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2017-18. With head coach Joe Mazzulla entering his third season and growing into the role, Boston appears well-positioned for sustained success.
For the Mavericks, the Finals loss exposed clear roster needs. Dallas will need to build more depth around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, particularly on the defensive end and in the frontcourt. With Doncic still only 25 years old and under contract long-term, the Mavericks have time — but the urgency to build a championship contender around their superstar will only intensify.
The Bottom Line: A Historic Title for a Historic Franchise
- The Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Finals, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 for their 18th championship — the most in NBA history
- Jayson Tatum led the way with 31 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds in Game 5; Jaylen Brown won Finals MVP
- Luka Doncic averaged 29.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists in the series for Dallas
- Boston's 64-18 regular season and league-best offense powered a dominant postseason run
- Al Horford set an NBA record with 186 career playoff games before winning his first title
- The Celtics ended a 16-year championship drought, winning their first title since 2008
