“Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks: The Finals Preview”
Welcome to the 2024 NBA Finals Preview, we’ve had an exciting postseason filled
with new faces who shined the brightest. This is the final round where a champion
will be crowned as “World Champions.” Legacies are created, greatness lives here
in the Finals. A tale of heart, grit, and dedication in winning the Larry O’Brien
Trophy and Bill Russell Finals MVP. Who will hoist these honors and add to their
young careers? Which of these franchises can add another banner in cordial
fashion that’ll live beyond the next century? Let’s get down to business shall we.
Boston Celtics:
The C’s will have homecourt advantage as they look to add banner
number 18 in the rafters. Their second Finals appearance in 3 years with the
current superstars of Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum. Having the number one seed
and best record will have some push, but this doesn’t mean they can fold under
pressure. A core of superstars who’ve had playoff success, yet to win a title
together. With the addition of point guard Jrue Holliday anchoring the defense, the Celtics can be good or mediocre as we’ve seen in the last few years. Head coach Joe Mazzulla is a one trick pony guy; meaning he can push the right buttons or guys
tune him out. When the going gets tough, we’ve seen Brown and Tatum go frigid
in clutch moments. A team with veteran Al Horford, arguably one of the staples of
this team is looking to win his first ring. Derrick White has been the unsung hero if
truth be told. Doesn’t get the credit in part of he’s a role player on a championship
team.
The biggest storyline with Boston: Will Kristaps Porzingis be healthy enough for
the series to have impact? It’s been the story of his career and a forgotten player
along the way. Dallas loves to play high screens and get the switch for a mismatch, which will be the weakest link for Boston. With Horford an aging center and
Porzingis’ uncertainty, the Celtics must score in bunches to keep Dallas’ two
superstars out of reach. Mazzulla will be tested early in this series and how he can
adjust throughout the series. If his two superstars are shooting a very low
percentage, who can carry the burden for Boston?
Dallas Mavericks:
If you’d told me a Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led team would giddy into the Finals, I’m taking the over and say yes! What a year for Dallas as they make their third NBA Finals appearance. The best defensive team since mid-March finds themselves four games away from their second title in franchise history. Just a year ago, this team failed to make the postseason after trading for Kyrie Irving. All the backlash, hatred, every ounce of energy towards Irving and here he is back in a familiar spot since 2017.
The last time Irving was here, Cleveland got gentlemen’s swept by Golden State in
five games. Since then, two failed stops in Boston and Brooklyn; Dallas has
embraced him and given the space for him to grow. Returning to Boston and facing
his former team is full circle, looking to rewrite the wrong and lead Dallas to the
finish. A young man whose history will further be validated with a championship
without LeBron James.
Head coach Jason Kidd was on the 2011 Mavericks team and now coaching is full
circle for him as well. Dallas made a couple trades in getting Daniel Gafford and
P.J. Washington, which paid dividends in propelling them to the Finals. Dereck
Lively’s high energy will be needed and then some to giddy Dallas passed Boston’s
depth. Luka Doncic will have to utilize his teammates to breakdown Boston’s
arsenal. Great of a scorer as he is, having self-awareness and trusting his guys to
make shots down the stretch.
Yes, Luka will be the best player on the floor; but having a high IQ against
Boston’s defense will be the make or break in this series. He and Kyrie will display
a masterclass of trick and treat but knowing when and where to pick their spots.
Jason Kidd will push the right buttons and have the Mavs ready to go. This series
will boil down to coaching, which I trust Kidd more than Mazzulla by all means.
Kidd has been here and won as a player and assistant coach in Los Angeles Lakers
2020 title run.
Which duo of superstars will be more clutch in pressure moments will be one to
watch. Role players will become legends as each team has fan favorites in
contributing to winning. The legendary TD Garden will be rocking as Boston looks
to defend home court before heading to Dallas for games three and four next week.
Both teams are well rested and eager for Thursday night to get here. Legendary
performances, great players are born in these moments. The NBA Finals will be a
summer blockbuster for fans alike.
Stai tuned.
