The Boston Celtics clinched their 18th championship on Monday night with a 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
After a tough Game 4, the Celtics dominated Game 5 from start to finish, winning the series 4-1. Here are three key moments from that decisive game.
Jayson Tatum took charge at the end of the first quarter. Boston started strong, but Dallas fought back with three-pointers from Josh Green and Dante Exum. With two minutes left in the quarter, Tatum made his move .
Jayson Tatum wreaking HAVOC to close the 1st quarter!
The assist… the steal… the layup 🔥
Boston finished the 1st quarter on a 9-0 run… they lead Game 5 early on ABC.
— NBA (@NBA)
Tatum’s quick assist, steal, and layup in just 11 seconds pushed Boston’s lead to ten points by quarter’s end. He ended up with an impressive stat line: 31 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and two steals while committing only two turnovers. Fans might think Tatum was truly unstoppable that night.
Key Moments:
Payton Pritchard hit a crucial shot despite limited playtime. Although he played just one minute in Game 5, it was unforgettable. The Mavericks missed a chance to cut Boston’s lead before halftime when Luka Doncic missed a free throw. Al Horford grabbed the rebound and passed it to Pritchard for a long-range buzzer-beater.
Payton Pritchard.
Halfcourt shot master.
🤯
— NBA (@NBA)
This shot symbolized how role players like Pritchard stepped up for Boston throughout the series. Sam Hauser also contributed significantly with his three-pointers, and Kristaps Porzingis played through injury to help his team.
Derrick White had a standout defensive moment late in the second quarter when he blocked Dereck Lively II at the rim after Lively had landed on him earlier during a scramble for a loose ball.
DERRICK WHITE DOING HIS THING 🚫
Celtics seeking the 🏆… 4Q on ABC!
— NBA (@NBA)
White’s relentless defense continued even after taking hits to his teeth during dives for loose balls. His effort helped Boston close out the half on a strong note and maintain their defensive intensity throughout.
Despite struggling offensively in the third quarter where they scored only 15 points compared to Dallas’ 18, Boston’s defense held firm. From late in the third until early in the fourth quarter, Dallas managed just three points over nine minutes without any field goals except from Doncic.
JB dime.
KP slam.Boston rolling in Game 5 on ABC as they seek the NBA title!#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV
— NBA (@NBA)
Even though Boston went scoreless for nearly five minutes during this stretch, they only lost two points off their lead thanks to their solid defense. Porzingis eventually broke their scoring drought with a dunk followed by White hitting another three-pointer shortly after.
What do you think about these moments? Did any surprise you?
