In a stunning turn of events, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious in the NBA Finals, securing their 18th championship title. The Celtics not only achieved their ultimate goal but also had the satisfaction of sending their former star Kyrie Irving and his team, the Dallas Mavericks, home empty-handed.

Irving's departure from the Celtics five years ago via free agency left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans, who have held onto their disdain for the talented guard. Throughout the championship round, Irving's lackluster play on the court combined with his questionable comments further damaged his image with the Boston faithful. His remarks about the Boston crowd during Game 1 and the Celtics being a "cult" the day before Game 5 only added fuel to the fire.

However, as Celtics fans reveled in their team's resounding victory, Irving surprised many by making a point to stop by the Boston bench to congratulate his former teammates on their impending triumph. Head coach Joe Mazzulla and others were taken aback by the gesture, but it was a clear sign of respect from Irving for the Celtics' journey to the NBA title.

Reflecting on the series, Irving admitted that the Celtics had become the epitome of a perfect team during their postseason run. He applauded their ability to overcome adversity, their selflessness, and their focus on team success rather than individual accolades. Irving acknowledged the Celtics' five-year span of facing Game 7s and Finals losses as invaluable experience, which motivated them to attain greatness.

While Irving's departure initially seemed detrimental to the Celtics organization, it ultimately proved to be a blessing in disguise. The franchise shifted its focus to developing young talents Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, surrounding them with complementary pieces. This strategy paid off on Monday night as Tatum and Brown showcased their growth, with Brown even winning the Finals MVP award. Irving expressed immense pride in their accomplishments and expressed his own determination to reach this position with his current teammates in the coming years.

Throughout the NBA Finals, the Celtics' defense made life exceptionally challenging for Irving, as he struggled to make a significant impact on the court. Averaging only 19.8 points per game, Irving's numbers were inflated by a standout 35-point performance in Game 3. However, his subpar scoring in the first two games, along with a mere 15 points in Game 5, contributed to the Mavericks' 0-3 record at TD Garden. Irving's three-point shooting percentage of 27.6% further underscored his struggles.

Looking ahead, Irving remains confident in the Mavericks' ability to grow into a championship-caliber team. He praised the team's unity and emphasized the importance of supporting one another during both good and bad shooting nights. Irving believes that with continued improvement and adjustments, the Mavericks can regain contention for the title in the upcoming season.

While Boston fans may always harbor some resentment towards Irving, his departure ultimately paved the way for Tatum and Brown to flourish into the champions they are today. The Celtics' 18th title victory stands as a testament to their resilience and the successful rebuilding effort undertaken after Irving's exit.