Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has predicted a rematch between the Celtics and Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Speaking on The Tonight Show, Tatum expressed confidence in his team, stating, “It’s gonna be a rematch. We’re gonna play Dallas again.”
This bold statement comes after the Celtics’ dominant 2023–24 season, where they won their 18th NBA championship, defeating the Mavericks in five games.
The Celtics finished the regular season with an NBA-best 64-18 record. They steamrolled through the playoffs, losing only three games, and secured their first championship since 2008. The 2023–24 Celtics’ victory was their most dominant championship run since 1965, setting a season total of 80 wins, the second-highest in franchise history.
Tatum’s confidence stems from the Celtics’ remarkable success last season. The team not only secured their 18th title but also surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in NBA history. With a 16-3 playoff record, the Celtics matched the second-best postseason performance since the NBA moved to a best-of-seven format for all four rounds.
The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic, were a formidable opponent in the 2024 Finals, but the Celtics proved too strong. With Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and key role players stepping up, Boston clinched the series in five games. The victory solidified their place among the NBA’s elite teams, with many analysts calling the 2023–24 Celtics one of the greatest teams of all time.
