Jayson Tatum guarding Luka Doncic. (Photo Courtesy Vegas Insider)
For the 23rd time in franchise history, the Boston Celtics will be playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals and are looking for banner number 18 as they take on the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have only been to the finals twice in their franchise history and secured their one title during the 2010-2011 season.
The Celtics have had an impressive season, and one of the best in recent memory with a 64-18 regular season record and 12-2 playoff record.
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, are entering the NBA Finals as the dark horse team. Despite being the 5th seed in the Western Conference during the regular season, they managed to upset powerhouse teams on their way to the finals. Their journey included victories over the 4th seed Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, the 1st seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round and the 3rd seed Minnesota Timberwolves in the third round.
Eyes will be on the Mavericks' guard, Kyrie Irving as he returns to Boston for the NBA Finals. Irving played two seasons with the Celtics from 2017-2019. However, he has not been welcomed back to TD Garden after not honoring his word to resign with Boston and left to join the Brooklyn Nets. In addition to leaving, Irving’s negative comments about Boston put him on the receiving end of fans taunting him.
Irving has matured, accepted accountability, and shown remorse for his actions that he says were not a true reflection of who he is. He is now focusing on this new chapter of his basketball career and looking for his second NBA Championship title.
The Boston Celtics duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are must see tv. This duo is not only the best in the NBA currently but may be one of the best for the next ten years.
This year's finals are a major test for the Celtics. They have been to seven conference finals in the last 13 years and are now going into their second NBA Finals appearance since 2010 and have not won since 2008.
Prior to the 2023-2024 season, I had the Boston Celtics making the NBA Finals and winning it all. However, after seeing the Mavericks in the playoffs, I predict the Dallas Mavericks upsetting the Celtics in 7 games. The Celtics had a tough series against the Indiana Pacers even though they swept them in four games. In games one, three, and four, the Pacers led by eight or more points going into the 4th quarter but blew their lead. If the Mavericks can figure out a way to take an eight point or more lead each game in this series and not blow it, then they can win the title.
Celtics guard Jrue Holiday was asked by the media how he will stop Kyrie Irving in this series. Holiday’s response was “Pray.”
This is a series that is guaranteed to be exciting and should be watched. It will also decide if the Boston Celtics can be the new dynasty in the NBA.
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