Founded on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the NBA emerged from a merger with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949. The league quickly gained popularity through the 1950s and 1960s, featuring legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

The NBA continued to rise in prominence during the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the rivalry between Larry Bird's Celtics and Magic Johnson's Lakers. The 1990s saw a global expansion, largely fueled by Michael Jordan’s dominance and the impact of international stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Dirk Nowitzki.

Today, the NBA is a global powerhouse, showcasing top talent and influencing basketball worldwide. Its history is rich with legendary players, memorable moments, and an ongoing commitment to advancing the sport.

Jayson Tatum put up a 31-point performance to lead the franchise to it's 18th championship and Tatum's first, beating the Dallas Mavericks in a five-game series.

Jaylen Brown claimed the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Brown and Tatum have played in a combined 107 career playoff games as a duo -- the most ever by teammates prior to winning a NBA title.

The Celtics dominated throughout the season and finished with a with a 80-21 record, the second-best in franchise history. They defeated the Mavericks in Game 5, 106-88 to claim the title.