The Boston Celtics secured a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, placing them on the brink of a sweep in 2024 NBA Finals history. Achieving this would elevate the Celtics into a distinguished group, as only nine other teams have claimed the Larry O’Brien trophy with a 4-0 series sweep.
Interestingly, the Celtics were the pioneers of the NBA Finals sweep, achieving this feat in 1959 against the Los Angeles Lakers—the very team they are currently tied with for the most NBA championships at 17 each. The 1959 triumph was Boston’s second championship and the beginning of their streak of eight consecutive titles.
Following Wednesday’s game, the Mavericks find themselves in a precarious position. Historically, teams leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven series hold a perfect 156-0 record. Boston’s dominant playoff performance this year includes only two losses, and they entered the Finals well-rested after sweeping the Indiana Pacers. Despite the absence of key player Kristaps Porzingis due to injury, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have risen to the occasion, combining for 61 points in their latest win. Dallas was competitive but faltered after Luka Doncic fouled out with about four minutes remaining.
The Celtics are now just one win away from a sweep and their 18th championship in franchise history. Achieving a 4-0 sweep is a rare accomplishment, typically requiring more than just luck. The 1959 Celtics roster featured five Hall of Famers: Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Tom Heinsohn, and Frank Ramsey.
The most recent NBA Finals sweep occurred six years ago, when the Golden State Warriors dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James in 2018. The Warriors’ roster, including Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, was at its peak performance, securing their third title in four years.
Before that, the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cavaliers in 2007 to claim their second title in three years. The Spurs’ star trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, and Tony Parker played pivotal roles in their success.
In 2002, the Lakers completed a sweep against the Brooklyn Nets to clinch their third consecutive title, powered by the formidable duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
Here is the complete list of teams that have accomplished sweeps in NBA Finals history:
- 2018: Warriors over Cavaliers
- 2007: Spurs over Cavaliers
- 2002: Lakers over Nets
- 1995: Rockets over Magic
- 1989: Pistons over Lakers
- 1983: 76ers over Lakers
- 1975: Warriors over Bullets
- 1971: Bucks over Bullets
- 1959: Celtics over Lakers
As the Celtics stand on the verge of potentially winning their 18th championship, they aim to join this elite list of teams that have achieved perfection in NBA Finals history.
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