Celtics vs. Mavericks NBA Finals Preview
Two teams with a storied history and contrasting playing styles are set to clash in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, known for their rich basketball traditions, are vying for the second championship in their franchise's history. This rivalry dates back to their first meeting in a year, and since then, they have had numerous memorable matchups, including specific games or series. Both teams have displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the season, setting the stage for a thrilling finals showdown. Let's delve deeper into this captivating series.
Boston has been the top team all year, starting from day one with a terrific core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis (when healthy) & Jrue Holiday. They have had the second-best offense in the league and third-ranked defense overall with a 64-18 mark before cruising through their playoffs by going 12-2, getting rid of the Heat in five games, Cavs in five & brushing past the Pacers. Indeed, Boston’s path to the Finals was not strewn with roses as Miami did not have Jimmy Butler, Jarrett Allen was injured for the whole series against Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell only played three out of five games, and Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton only featured in two games during the Eastern Conference Finals but Boston still had to dig deep to fight back on three occasions before sweeping out Indiana. We would be having something different now if the Pacers understood how to finish & close games, but being mild became an awful clutch time offense this year at number 22, which Boston exploited. But no matter what you think about their way or the opponents they face, there is no doubt that they are loaded with talent, particularly among their starters.
How different of a path the Dallas Mavericks had. This team was only an average fringe playoff team, standing at 34-26 on March 1st. However, on March 7th and going forward, it suddenly started looking like a title contender that finished the season 50-32, with their starters and new trade deadline additions, climbing to number five in the West. Dallas had the league’s 23rd-ranked defense until P.J. Washington & Daniel Gafford were added before the trade deadline; from March 7th, they have been ranked first in defense. P.J., Gafford & Derrick Jones Jr’s defensive presence has inspired Luka & Kyrie - the league's current best scoring duo – to play the best defense of their careers, hence resulting in a great combination of the best fourth quarter offense and an improved defensive juggernaut for that purpose. Additionally, rookie Dereck Lively has emerged as another giant swing for Dallas, who has played every series without home-court advantage and took down the PG/Harden Clippers in six games, the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to win the West.
Keys For Celtics
Control Luka, who enjoys playing at his own pace but tends to be on the slower side. However, when Luka quickly points out missed calls or questionable referee decisions, you can see how disappointed he gets. It's tough, almost impossible because he handles speed and strength better than anyone. Finishing at the rim and defending is an excellent opportunity for Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford to shine. Dallas will try to expose their defensive weaknesses. When Porzingis is on the court, they'll bring their stretch big Maxi Kleber out to the perimeter with Luka or Kyrie for a pick-and-pop play. This will create an open lane for a drive to the basket or a lob to Lively or Gafford. As for Al Horford, he's likely to avoid guarding Luka or Kyrie on the perimeter, but his job will be to stop the more athletic and younger Brigs Lively & Gafford from jumping and finishing at the rim. Playing a complete game and being focused from the jump is critical. They can't keep falling behind by double digits and expect a last-minute comeback, like they did against Indiana when Haliburton wasn't playing. They need to focus on finishing and closing out the game. Luka & Kyrie are both exceptional closers, so Boston won't just breeze through with four easy wins. If they want to beat the best team they've faced in the playoffs, they'll have to play a complete game from start to finish.
Keys For Mavericks
Let's talk about exposing Porzingis and Horford on defense. Statistically, Boston has had the worst pick-and-roll defense in the playoffs, and a big part of it is due to Horford. Lively & Gafford have a real advantage when he's on the court because of his age and lack of athleticism. They should be able to catch plenty of lobs by rolling to the rim or waiting in the short corner for the lob, as Horford struggles in drop coverage against Luka. And if Porzingis is playing, we should bring in Kleber and use him as a stretch big to draw Porzingis out to the perimeter and test that calf of his. Now, let's talk about the bench players stepping up. As good as Washington, Gafford & Jones Jr. have been, it's fair to say that Boston has the better starting lineup with Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, White & Holiday, at least regarding offensive firepower. But when it comes to the bench, Dallas has the advantage. Lively is a force to be reckoned with, and we also have Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, and a surprising emergence from Jaden Hardy in these playoffs, especially in the last series against Minnesota. Suppose Lively, Green, Kleber & Hardy all step up and make some plays when given the chance. In that case, Dallas's bench will have the upper hand over Boston's mediocre to less-than-stellar bench, which consists of an aging defensive liability in Horford, Peyton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser moving on to the stars. Luka & Kyrie have been the best scoring duo all season, especially in these playoffs, and they'll need to show up again against the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They need to control the game's pace and play to their strengths. Luka should stick to his slower, methodical pace, and if they need to speed things up, Kyrie can get out and run to increase the tempo. By keeping Boston's defense guessing the pace, whether they go slow for a while or suddenly go fast, we can keep them on their heels.
Prediction: 4-3 Dallas
With all this being said, I have the Dallas Mavericks emerging victorious in seven games against the Celtics. Thanks mainly to head coach Jason Kidd's strategic edge and proven tenacity, the Dallas Mavericks are set to prevail in an exciting seven-game series against the Boston Celtics. The Mavericks have developed their mental toughness and cohesiveness, which allows them to perform well under duress after enduring a taxing postseason run. Dallas has a substantial advantage in pivotal situations because of Kidd's remarkable ability to respond and make vital in-game changes. In addition to Kyrie Irving's clutch plays and Luka Dončić's all-around skill, the Mavericks' experience and tactical execution will probably tip the scales in their favor as they win their second NBA title in team history. The Celtics haven’t been put to a real test yet and could be in for a tough one.
