Tank's 2024 NBA Finals Preview

NBA Finals

• Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
• Celtics in Five

As many as any recent NBA Finals, this year's matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks has a share of intrigue and side stories to create extra drama. The centerpiece is Kyrie Irving taking on the Boston Celtics. Irving played for Boston from 2016 to 2019 and had a tumultuous relationship with the team, media, and fans in Boston. There is also Kristaps Porziginis of the Celtics facing his former team, the Mavericks, while the Celtics seek to become the first team to win 18 NBA Championships.

Both teams cruised through the Conference Finals, with the Celtics sweeping the Pacers and the Mavericks taking down the Timberwolves in five. The Celtics have yet to be tested in the postseason, beating the Heat and Cavaliers in five games to reach the Conference Finals. Dallas, meanwhile, had tests against the Clippers and Thunder, as both series were tied after four games before the Mavs took the next two games to win in six games. 

A key player in the Mavericks' march to the NBA Finals has been Kyrie Irving, who has shelved the drama and been a team player from the start of the season. The first time that Kyrie took on Boston in the postseason was in 2021 when he was with the Nets. That series ended with a sweep for Brooklyn, with Kyrie stepping on the logo at center court in Boston. Since that incident, the Celtics have been 10-0 against him, including two games this season, both easily won by Boston. 

Luca Doncic and Kyrie Irving both have had strong postseasons and have been clutch in the close of games. Doncic has led the way for Dallas, averaging 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. Kyrie Irving, meanwhile, has averaged 22.8 ppg. Boston, meanwhile, has been more balanced, with Jayson Tatum averaging 26 and Jaylen Brown averaging 25 points per game. Derrick White has also been a key contributor with 17.8 ppg. The Celtics' balance, along with their defense and three-point shooting, will be what decides this series. The Celtics have more weapons and will have the answers late in games. Look for another duck boat parade in Boston as the Celtics win in five games.

Brian Babineau. Getty Images.

• NBA Finals MVP
• Jayson Tatum, Boston