Sam Harris, BBC sports journalist
With a superb regular season and a great playoff run, the Boston Celtics have earned the right to hang Banner 18.
Their finals performance suffered from a crushing loss in Game 4, but they found a way to get the job done at home.
This win was the result of a lot of hard work from a team that developed a strong mindset, as well as bold decisions from the front office.
At the forefront is franchise star Jayson Tatum, who has faced intense scrutiny and criticism as he works to end his long personal wait for a championship.
Now that criticism has been silenced. The 26-year-old showcased his playmaking skills in the series and embraced his new role leading his team.
You can’t mention a franchise star without mentioning another franchise star, and Jaylen Brown also deserves considerable credit for serving as the series’ momentum controller.
The Celtics have a tendency to build huge leads and then allow their opponents to fall back. This habit reappeared in this series.
But Brown’s soft handles, clutch shots and explosive drives put Game 4 aside and ensured the Mavericks couldn’t get an overhaul.
The winning mentality isn’t just on the court. After the Celtics lost to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference finals, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens made a major trade for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, two players who have been pivotal to Boston’s success. I requested it.
Mix Derrick White and Al Horford. This is a championship winning recipe.
Gone is the element of fear that has plagued previous playoff matchups against stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
As is customary, coach Joe Mazzulla will look to maintain this level of success and build a potential dynasty, but Boston currently sits atop the NBA as champions.
The Celts can rejoice in their accomplishments, knowing that they have earned their place as kings of the hill.
