Examining the 2024 NBA Finals Matchup
Sports Editor Will Lyons takes a look at the factors that will decide the next NBA Champion. Does Boston add another banner or does Luka get his first?
On the eve of GM1 of the 2024 NBA Finals many have already made their selections on who will win the series between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. The path these teams as well as their regular season records are very different. Boston was dominant in the regular season leading the league with 64 wins, they coasted through the Eastern conference (partly due to injury) on their way to the Finals as well. Then we have the Mavericks after earning the 5th seed in the Western conference they eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder in 6 games after that they beat the hottest name in the league in the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Celtics Outlook
Boston has looked like the top team in the league for the majority of the season led by All-NBA duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics showcased some real depth and starpower in a variety of places. The acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White have significantly upgraded Boston’s defense and also taken some of the offensive pressure off of Tatum and Brown. The blend of playmaking and point of attack defense that White and Holiday bring is at the top of the league. And the rim protection, rebounding and ability to pull opposing bigs out to the perimeter make Porzingis extremely valuable for Boston. Boston was good while Porzingis was out but they were dominant with him in the lineup and now they are getting him back at the perfect time.
X-Factor: Al Horford turned back the clock a few times and has been a real difference maker but I have to lean toward the health of Kristaps Porzingis. When healthy the 7'3" stretch five allows Boston to play five out maximizing their pace and versatility.
Dallas Outlook
The Dallas Mavericks have gone through the gauntlet during this playoff run. Eliminating the Clippers in 6, top seeded Thunder in 6 and the Timberwolves in 5 games en route to the Finals. Luka is making his claim for best player in the world with major help from a laser focused Kyrie Irving and the deepest Maverick roster since Dirk was in the uniform. The additions of Derrick Jones Jr., high flying big man Daniel Gafford and uber athletic rookie Derek Lively have taken the Mavs to another level. People are discussing potential redemption for Kyrie but there has never been any question about what Irving can do with the ball in his hands, now he’s back with an elite running mate looking to have a big finals appearance.
X-Factor: Simply put the Mavericks go as far as Luka and Kyrie can take them. The unguaradable duo will have a tough task matched up against the versatile defenders that Boston can throw at them but I think they can hold their own. Kyrie can score from all three levels and will put immense pressure on the rim creating looks for others. Luka is one of the best passers we have seen and just won his first scoring title. He plays at his own pace and shows a killer instinct that only the greats have. With 5 All-NBA selections in six seasons in the league a title puts Luka further ahead on his all-time great journey.
Prediction: Mavericks in 6. Tatum and Brown are battled tested but so is the the star duo of the Mavs. If the shooting of DJJ and company hold up I expect Luka to get his first ring and Kyrie to get ring number two putting both players in some very different conversations as far as legacy goes.
