Who Won the NBA Championship in the Most Recent Completed Season
The question "who won the NBA championship last year" refers to the most recently concluded Finals, which in the context of this article means the 2023–24 season. In that year, the Boston Celtics earned their record-extending 18th championship by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games (4–1). This summary provides the season-year framing, the Finals outcome, and durable context such as key players and franchise significance that remain accurate reference points for understanding modern NBA history.
2023–24 NBA Season Finals Recap
Season and Finals Timeline
The NBA season cycle runs from mid-autumn regular-season start through a spring playoffs and concluding with the Finals in early-to-mid June. For what is commonly called "last year" (the 2023–24 season), the Finals took place from June 6 to June 17, 2024. The Celtics held home-court advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, 4, and 5, which allowed them to close out the series on their home floor.
Series Result and Key Performers
Boston swept Dallas in the decisive Game 5 to win the series 4–1, securing a franchise-record 18th title. Jayson Tatum was named Finals MVP after averaging 23.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while leading the team in scoring in all five games. Other pivotal contributors included Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford, whose experience and inside-out play helped neutralize Dallas’s high-powered offense.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2023–24 | League Calendar |
| Champion | Boston Celtics | NBA Official Records |
| Opponent | Dallas Mavericks | NBA Official Records |
| Series Result | 4–1 (Celtics) | NBA Playoff Data |
| Finals Dates | June 6–17, 2024 | NBA Schedule |
| Finals MVP | Jayson Tatum | NBA Awards |
Context and Lasting Significance
Franchise Legacy
The 2024 championship extended the Celtics’ record as the NBA’s most successful franchise. By winning in 2024, Boston joined an even more exclusive club of teams with 18 titles, reinforcing their historical dominance. The victory also highlighted the development of a core built through a combination of drafting, player development, and strategic trades, offering a blueprint for sustainable contention.
Strategic Takeaways
- Home-court advantage in the Finals proved decisive, with Boston winning all three of its home games.
- Defensive versatility and interior presence (Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis at times) were crucial in containing Dallas’s high-powered offense.
- Depth and role clarity allowed multiple contributors to impact games, reducing reliance on any single player.
Common Clarifications
Because this topic recurs in search, it’s worth clarifying what “last year” means in practice: it is the immediately completed NBA season, which in mid-2025 context is the 2023–24 campaign. The champion is the Boston Celtics, and the victory occurred in June 2024. These details remain stable reference points even as new seasons shift the timeline.
What to Watch Next
As the league moves forward, the Celtics will aim to defend their title, while former runner-up Dallas seeks to return and compete. Tracking offseason moves, draft positioning, and early-season performance will provide context for whether Boston can remain atop the NBA landscape in the seasons to come.