The Boston Celtics have once again ascended to the pinnacle of NBA achievement.

Jayson Tatum delivered an outstanding performance, contributing 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds as the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 on Monday night, securing the franchise’s 18th championship. This victory propels the Celtics past the Los Angeles Lakers, establishing them as the team with the most championships in NBA history.

This latest triumph coincides with the 16th anniversary of Boston’s last championship victory in 2008. It also marks the 13th title captured by one of Boston’s major professional sports franchises in this century.

Jaylen Brown added a robust 21 points and was honored as the NBA Finals MVP. Jrue Holiday also played a crucial role, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Center Kristaps Porzingis provided an emotional boost, returning from a two-game absence due to a dislocated tendon in his left ankle, contributing five points in 17 minutes of play.

The Celtics concluded an impressive postseason run with a 16-3 record, achieving an overall season record of 80-21. This .792 winning percentage is the second highest in the team’s storied history, surpassed only by the 1985-86 championship team, which finished at 82-18 (.820).

Under the leadership of second-year coach Joe Mazzulla, who at 35 years old became the youngest coach to win a championship since Bill Russell in 1969, the Celtics have solidified their legacy as one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.