Fast Start And Pivotal Foul Propels Celtics Towards Championship

Boston Celtics Aim to Clinch 18th NBA Title in Game 5

Fast Start and Pivotal Foul Propels Celtics Towards Championship

Live Updates from Game 5 of NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics are on the cusp of securing their 18th NBA championship as they return to TD Garden for Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Celtics started Game 5 with a flurry, outscoring the Mavericks 31-17 in the first quarter. The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic, mounted a comeback in the second and third quarters, but the Celtics held on to their lead thanks to a strong performance from Jason Tatum and a crucial sixth foul called on Doncic in the fourth quarter.

With the Mavericks down by four points with just minutes remaining, Doncic drove to the basket but was called for a foul that sent him to the bench. The Celtics capitalized on the opportunity and closed out the game with a 112-104 victory.

The Celtics now lead the series 3-2 and can clinch the championship with a victory in Game 6 on Friday night in Dallas. The Mavericks will need to regroup and find a way to contain Tatum and the rest of the Celtics' high-powered offense if they want to extend the series to a Game 7.

Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from Game 6 of the NBA Finals as the Celtics aim to secure their 18th championship.