Celtics and Mavericks Deliver Rare NBA Playoff Sweeps

Back-to-back Conference Finals sweeps could make history in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intensity and movement of an NBA playoff game, with players and the court fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.The Celtics and Mavericks' dominant playoff runs could culminate in a historic NBA Finals matchup.Minneapolis Today

The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are both on the verge of completing rare 4-0 series sweeps in the 2026 NBA Conference Finals. If both teams win their next games, it will mark the first time in league history that both Conference Finals have witnessed back-to-back series whitewashes in the same season.

Why it matters

Sweeps in the NBA playoffs are uncommon, as they require one team to completely dominate their opponent over four straight games. This level of dominance is a testament to the strength of the Celtics and Mavericks, and could have major implications for the upcoming NBA Finals matchup.

The details

The Celtics recently completed a 4-0 sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Mavericks are currently up 3-0 on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. If the Mavericks win Game 4, it will mark the first time in NBA history that both Conference Finals have featured series sweeps in the same season.

  • The Celtics swept the Pacers on April 11, 2026.
  • The Mavericks can complete their sweep of the Timberwolves on April 12, 2026.

The players

Boston Celtics

A professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts that competes in the NBA.

Dallas Mavericks

A professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas that competes in the NBA.

Minnesota Timberwolves

A professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that competes in the NBA.

Indiana Pacers

A professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana that competes in the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“Sweeps are incredibly rare in the NBA playoffs, so to see two teams potentially accomplish that feat in the same year is truly remarkable.”

— Reggie Miller, NBA Analyst

What’s next

If the Mavericks complete their sweep of the Timberwolves, the winners of the Celtics-Mavericks series will advance to the 2026 NBA Finals.

The takeaway

The Celtics and Mavericks have both demonstrated an unparalleled level of dominance in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, potentially becoming the first teams in league history to sweep their Conference Finals opponents in the same season. This historic accomplishment speaks to the strength and resilience of these two franchises as they look to clash in the NBA Finals.