Boston Celtics win record 18th NBA title
In the NBA Finals, the Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks


What happened
The Boston Celtics won a lopsided 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, giving Boston a record 18th NBA title and its first championship since 2008. Archrivals the Los Angeles Lakers have 17 titles.
Who said what
"It means the world," said Jayson Tatum, one of the Celtics' two pillars, along with Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. "It's been a long time."
Despite their dominance this year, these "Celtics were never fawned over quite like super teams of the past," The Washington Post said. For one thing, "they lacked an all-time icon such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal or Stephen Curry." When data-obsessed Boston's roster of "versatile, largely interchangeable players" faced Dallas superstar Luka Doncic, the NBA's leading scorer this season, "the series became system vs. superstar — and the system won out," The Wall Street Journal said.
What next?
The Celtics "will return more or less intact" next season, Zach Lowe said at ESPN, and if they stay healthy, "they will have everything they need" to win a rare repeat championship and "cement their place as one of the great teams of the modern era."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
America's academic brain drain has begun
IN THE SPOTLIGHT As the Trump administration targets universities and teachers, educators are eying greener academic pastures elsewhere — and other nations are starting to take notice
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Why is Musk targeting a Wisconsin Supreme Court race?
Today's Big Question His money could help conservatives, but it could also produce a Democratic backlash
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
How to pay off student loans
The explainer Don't just settle for the default repayment plan
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
How is March Madness changing in the era of NIL and sports betting?
Today's Big Question College sports has experienced a revolution. NIL payments are letting players get paid. The rise of sports betting has brought new pressures to the game.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
MLB is bringing home top talent from Japan's most popular sport
The Explainer Players like Shohei Ohtani have become the face of Major League Baseball
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Canada beats US in charged 4 Nations hockey final
Speed Read 'You can't take our country — and you can't take our game,' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted after the game
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Eagles trounce Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX
speed read The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New women's basketball league looks to build on the sport's success with fans
In the Spotlight Unrivaled will provide an offseason opportunity for WNBA players
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
How should the cricketing world handle Afghanistan?
Talking Point England under pressure to boycott upcoming men's match against the nation, which remains an ICC member despite Taliban ban on women's team
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chennai's chess champions
In The Spotlight The Indian city is 'churning out' a flood of chess 'wizards' and 'geniuses'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
How much is Juan Soto worth?
Today's big question Will the New York Mets regret the record-setting mega-contract signed by the coveted outfielder?
By David Faris Published