The Celtics' first loss in the 2024 NBA Finals brought out the worst in Boston's famously mercurial fanbase. TD Garden hosted a watch party for the team's 122-84 Game 4 loss to the Mavericks and during the blowout, footage was captured of fans brawling into the arena steps. Recordings from the arena showcase a young fan forcing an elder gentleman against the stair railing and repeatedly connecting punches to his head.
A nearby security guard attempted to pry the dominant fan away from the conflict as bystanders worked to de-escalate the ugly scene. The older attendee, bizarrely, then attempted to initiate another conflict with a fan seated several rows above. The Boston Police Department has not yet issued a statement on the incident.
The palpable anger around TD Garden came as Boston's remarkable postseason winning streak collapsed in stunning fashion. Boston was without a loss since May 9, triumphing in 10-straight games to claim a dominant 3-0 series advantage, but Luka Doncic scored 25 first-half points and the Mavericks jumped all over the visitors, taking a 61-35 lead into the locker room. READ MORE: Charles Barkley’s emotional speech in full as NBA icon retires from TV READ MORE: Klay Thompson drops ominous hint he'll leave Golden State Warriors Meanwhile, Boston's superstar duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for just 25 points on an erratic 7-22 shooting performance while assurgent playoff star Kristaps Porzingis missed the game with an injury.
Sam Hauser.
