BOSTON — Champagne bottles were popped, cold beers were cracked, and cigars were lit in the Celtics locker room after Boston crushed the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night to capture the franchise’s 18th championship.
[ ‘Greatest night ever’: Thousands of fans celebrate in streets of Boston after Celtics win NBA title ]
“These guys go in the history books and they go in the record books,” Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck told Boston 25 Sports Director Butch Stearns as the team celebrated around them. “Best offense ever, great defense. People don’t understand -- to play defense like that is exhausting. To then have the best offense ever after that defense is world-class and we are world-class.”
This browser does not support the video element.
Jayson Tatum had 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 21 points, and Jrue Holiday finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds as the Celtics topped the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 to claim the 2024 NBA title.
“The Celtics are back where we belong and Boston, once again, has proven to be the city of champions,” Grousbeck added. “I love the Celtics and here we are, Banner 18, baby!”
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and company showered the locker room with gigantic golden bottles of champagne and toasted to victory with cans of Miller Lite and High Noon in hand.
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sprays champagne after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with teammates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with his teammates in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: The Boston Celtics celebrate after their 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sprays champagne after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Majority owner Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with teammates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in his team's locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sprays champagne after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sprays champagne after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in his team's locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Majority owner Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in his team's locker room while holding the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Majority owner Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Xavier Tillman #26 of the Boston Celtics holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy while celebrating in his team's locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17 Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in his team's locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with his son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with teammates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrate in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2024 NBA Finals - Game Five BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with his teammates in the locker room after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
The team was seen passing the Larry O’Brien championship trophy around, clutching and hugging it tightly, as the joyous night raged on.
Grousbeck was spotted puffing a stogie in a similar fashion to Celtics legend Red Auerbach, who was known for his victory cigar-smoking ritual.
A rolling rally parade honoring the Celtics latest championship will be held Friday in Boston.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW