Boston Closes Out First Quarter With 9 0 Run

Celtics Dominate, Take Commanding Lead in NBA Finals

Boston Closes Out First Quarter with 9-0 Run

Dallas Still Breathing, Avoids Sweep

Boston, MA - The Boston Celtics seized control of Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, ending the first quarter with a decisive 9-0 run that gave them a 67-46 advantage over the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics are now one win away from clinching their 18th NBA championship. Despite the Mavericks' resilient effort in Game 4, which they won 109-100, the Celtics displayed their dominance in the early stages of Game 5. Boston's suffocating defense held Dallas to just 23% shooting in the first quarter, while the Celtics shot a blistering 60%. Jason Tatum led the Celtics with 17 points in the first half, while Jaylen Brown added 12. Luka Dončić, the Mavericks' star player, struggled to find his rhythm and was held to just 6 points on 2-of-10 shooting. The Mavericks, who entered the game facing elimination, managed to claw their way back in the second half, cutting the Celtics' lead to 13 points at one point. However, Boston responded with a series of crucial baskets and maintained their lead throughout the third and fourth quarters. Game 6 of the NBA Finals will be held in Dallas on Thursday, June 16. If the Celtics win, they will claim their first NBA championship since 2008. If the Mavericks prevail, the series will head back to Boston for Game 7 on Sunday, June 19.