On Monday night, the Boston Celtics welcomed the Dallas Mavericks to TD Garden for Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals. Dallas was down 1-3, while Boston led 3-1 entering Game 5.
The TD Garden was packed with celebrities in Boston to watch the Celtics take on the Mavericks in a historic Game 5. Some of the celebrities were: Jack Harlow, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Maria Menounos, Michael Bivins, Camille Kostek, Millyz, Michael Rubin, Adam Silver, Jeannine Russell, Karen Russell, ML Carr, Mal Graham, and Kevin Stacom. There was no shortage of star power at the Garden, another positive aside from the loud, passionate Celtics fans in attendance.
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers were tied at 17 apiece for the most NBA championships entering Game 5. But the Celtics passed the Lakers for their 18th NBA championship on June 17, 2024, exactly 16 years later from their 17th championship on June 17, 2008. Here are three takeaways from Game 5.
Final Score: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
Before the game, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told ESPN that Kristaps Porzingis “had progressed beyond that point and should be on the court.” Mazzulla added that Porzingis “won’t be on a minutes restriction.” Porzingis finished with five points and one rebound in 16 minutes.
The Celtics got on the board first and never looked back. The Celtics and Mavericks were close in the opening minutes of the first quarter, but the Celtics took control of the game. Jayson Tatum’s sidestep three-pointer gave the Celtics a 20-point lead, 64-44, and then Payton Pritchard hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer for a 21-point lead, 67-46, to end the first half dramatically.
The Celtics hit the 100-point mark in the fourth quarter, beat the Mavericks 106-88, and celebrated at the Garden. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists in 45 minutes, while Al Horford became the first NBA player born in the Dominican Republic to win an NBA championship.
Coaching: Joe Mazzulla vs. Jason Kidd
The 2024 NBA Finals featured two Black head coaches for the first time since 1975.
Before Joe Mazzulla and Jason Kidd made headlines, the spotlight was on Al Attles and K.C. Jones in the 1975 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Washington Bullets. Mazzulla is of Sicilian and African American descent. The 35-year-old became the youngest NBA head coach to lead an NBA team to an NBA championship since Bill Russell in 1969. Kidd is of Irish and African American descent. The 51-year-old revived the Dallas Mavericks as a head coach and a player. Kidd made bold lineup changes, earned the players’ respect, and developed rookies.
Congratulations to Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics on becoming 2024 NBA champions, and best of luck to Jason Kidd and the Mavericks this offseason!
Future: Dallas Mavericks Rookie Dereck Lively II
The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. Afterward, Jaylen Brown was named the 2024 NBA MVP. Brown finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in 44 minutes.
Despite the painful loss, Dereck Lively II offers the Mavericks a lifeline. Lively II is a Mavericks rookie but doesn’t play like a rookie. Lively II’s strength on and off the court has made him a promising player for the future.
The Mavericks’ magical postseason run to the NBA Finals ended, but their future looks bright. Best of luck to the Mavericks in the 2024-2025 NBA season!
About the Author
Ana is an accomplished journalist with various credentials in writing, reporting, and broadcasting. With a diverse background and a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Jose State University, Ana can deliver the news in a timely manner and share her opinions with confidence. Her other articles can be found here.
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