Boston Celtics created history on Monday as they became the most successful NBA team, going past the Los Angeles Lakers and bagging their 18th title. The Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks by 106-88 in Game 5 of the NBA finals and won the series by 4-1.

Jayson Tatum scored 31 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists whereas Finals MVP Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. 

Tatum recalled that his team has come close on a few occasions but no cigar has been theirs.

“I mean, this is going to be a night that I will remember for the rest of my life, from the game, the celebration, these moments,” Tatum said. “Over the last couple years, we had some tough losses at home in the playoffs. We’ve lost the NBA championship at home in front of our fans. We had a chance to beat Miami in Game 6 a few years ago and lost that one.

“So to have a big win — the biggest win that you could have in front of your home crowd — I felt like that was really important to go out there and do everything in my power to make sure we won this game tonight.”

“It means the world,” Tatum said on stage. “It’s been a long time. And, damn, I’m grateful.”

Jaylen Brown was also on cloud nine after the win and hailed the whole collective effort of the team. 

“I can’t even put into words the emotions,” Brown said. “It’s just I’m blessed and I’m grateful. This was a full team effort. We had a great team. My teammates were great. They allowed me to lead us on both ends of ball, and we just came out and performed on our home floor. It’s just amazing.

“You know, it could have gone to anybody. It could have gone to Jayson. Jayson, like I can’t talk enough about his selflessness. … I can’t talk enough about his attitude. It’s just how he approached not just this series or the Finals but just the playoffs in general. And we did it together as a team, and that was the most important thing.”