Boston Celtics Dominate To Win Record 18th NBA Championship In 2024

The 2024 NBA playoffs concluded with the Boston Celtics clinching their record 18th Larry O'Brien Trophy, showcasing their dominance with a stellar postseason performance. The Celtics maintained the high level of play that saw them win 64 games during the regular season. They secured the championship with a decisive 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Finals, culminating in a 16-3 playoff run.

This winning percentage of .842 is the second-best by an NBA champion since the 2003 transition to a best-of-seven format for all rounds, only behind the 2017 Golden State Warriors. Critics may argue Boston had an easier path, as they evaded the Western Conference's top four seeds and the East's second and third-best teams, the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks. However, Boston's regular-season numbers were dominant, with the best offensive rating at 120.2, third-best defensive rating at 109.0, and a net rating of 11.2, the highest since the 2016-17 Warriors.

Despite Kristaps Porzingis missing 12 playoff games due to a leg injury, Boston's postseason success was undeterred. Factors behind the Celtics’ successful run included exceptional three-point shooting, with head coach Joe Mazzulla’s offense revolving around the three-pointer. The Celtics attempted the most three-pointers in the league and had seven players hitting at least 37% from beyond the arc, setting an NBA record. Their overall three-point percentage was second only to Oklahoma City.

Notably, Boston was nearly unbeatable when shooting well from three-point range, holding a 36-1 regular season record and 8-0 postseason record when shooting over 37.5%. Defensively, Boston excelled in disrupting opponents, evidenced by Dallas' struggles in the Finals. Led by Jrue Holiday and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, the Celtics contained Dallas’ key players Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, limiting their three-point success to 24.4% and 27.6% respectively.

Boston's depth also played a crucial role. Al Horford stepped up defensively in Porzingis' absence, and Sam Hauser contributed significantly off the bench, shooting 47.8% from three in the Finals. The Celtics' roster, crafted by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and former executive Danny Ainge, is well-rounded and poised for continued success.

With Al Horford suggesting a return for an 18th NBA season and their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis in their primes, the Celtics seem well-positioned for future triumphs. Head coach Joe Mazzulla, at under 36 years old, has room to grow, indicating potential for more championships and banners at TD Garden.