Tatum, Brown Lead Celtics to Brink of 18th NBA Championship

Posted : 13 June 2024

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shared an emotional embrace after helping Boston avoid a historic collapse in an NBA Finals game, something unseen since at least 1997. The Celtics' star duo is now on the verge of joining the ranks of legendary predecessors who have secured a championship banner for Boston. Tatum scored 31 points, while Brown added 30, leading the Celtics to a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, putting them one win away from a record 18th championship.

Brown contributed significantly with eight rebounds and eight assists, as the Celtics extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive playoff victory and improved to 7-0 on the road this postseason. A win on Friday in Dallas would allow Boston to break a tie with the Lakers for the most NBA championships. Reflecting on the game, Tatum emphasized resilience, stating, "The game of basketball is about runs. If you want to be a champion, you have to be resilient in those situations, and we did that tonight."

The Celtics' success came despite missing Kristaps Porzingis, who was ruled out due to a rare tendon injury. This didn't deter the team, as they improved to 10-1 in these playoffs without him. The Mavs, facing a daunting 3-0 deficit, almost mounted a remarkable comeback, reminiscent of their 2011 Finals rally. However, crucial fouls and missed opportunities thwarted their efforts. Luka Doncic's sixth foul and subsequent unsuccessful challenge were pivotal moments that allowed Boston to maintain their lead.

Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White, who scored 16 points, ensured the Celtics remained in control during the closing minutes. The trio combined for the final 13 points, securing Boston's position within one win of their first title since 2008. Despite Dallas's spirited effort and the support of an energized home crowd, the Celtics' defense and timely scoring proved decisive.

The game saw moments of dominance from both teams, with Dallas initially taking a 22-9 lead. However, the Celtics responded strongly, with contributions from players like Sam Hauser and a powerful third-quarter performance. As the game concluded, Celtics fans in the arena began celebrating, while the team remained focused. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of maintaining a fighting mindset, understanding that both teams are equally vulnerable and must continue to battle to secure victory.

Tatum, Brown Lead Celtics to Brink of 18th NBA Championship

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