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Here is a preview of the 2024 NBA Finals featuring the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks.
The 2024 NBA Finals matchup has been determined following a Conference Finals that was comparatively drama-free.
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14:25 - 03.06.2024
NBA Playoffs: Luka Doncic named MVP as Mavericks beat Timberwolves in Game 5, advance to Finals
To wrap up the NBA Playoffs, Luka Doncic was named MVP as the Mavericks beat the Timberwolves in Game 5, advancing to the Finals.
A few months ago, very few could have foreseen the Larry O'Brien trophy matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.
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08:55 - 28.05.2024
NBA Playoffs: Jaylen Brown wins Larry Bird ECF Trophy as Boston Celtics sweep Indiana Pacers, advance to Finals
In a recap of the NBA Playoffs, Jaylen Brown wins the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals Trophy as Boston Celtics sweep Indiana Pacers to advance to NBA Finals
Celtics preview
The Celtics have advanced to the NBA Finals for the 23rd time in franchise history after dominating both the regular season and the postseason.
They want to win eighteen titles, which would be a record for the most in NBA history.
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With a regular season record of 64-18, which was the best in the league, and a postseason record of 12-2, Boston is just four wins away from winning another championship.
Mavericks preview
The Mavericks were not expected to be here, but the Celtics were.
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After a late-season push that saw them finish as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, they missed the playoffs the previous year and didn't start to play well until February.
They hope to become the first five-seed in the history of the NBA to win a championship. They are only the second No. 5 seed to make it to the NBA Finals.
With guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who have been in the trenches, Boston is the most talented team in the NBA.
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, Dallas' potent backcourt duo, are in charge.
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Celtics and Mavericks strenghts
After so many close calls throughout the years, will the Celtics finally get over their slump? Or are the struggling Mavericks planning one more surprise?
After winning the Conference Finals, both teams will be well-rested for the first game of the series, albeit Boston will have three extra days off.
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The Mavericks will return to action following a six-day break, while the Celtics will have had nine days off prior to Game 1.
Both teams should benefit from the break to be rested and in good health for the NBA Finals.
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Players and experience
While Dallas believes the time off will help the injured Doncic, who has been playing through numerous injuries, recover, Boston hopes to get Kristaps Porzingis back from his calf injury, which has kept him out of action for more than a month.
In their regular-season matchup against Dallas, the Celtics dominated, winning both games by a total of 37 points.
Boston's seasoned team, which has advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals six times in the previous eight seasons, is making its second trip to the NBA Finals in the last three seasons.
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Conversely, the Mavericks have significantly less postseason experience.
Only three of Dallas' players—Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., and Markieff Morris—have appeared in the NBA Finals. Dallas hasn't advanced to the Finals since 2011.
After spending two seasons of his turbulent career in Boston, Irving has struggled against the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2016 with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Coaches
Both head coaches are making their first trip to the NBA Finals.
Joe Mazzulla of the Celtics is the youngest head coach to make it to the NBA Finals since Bill Russell in 1969, at the age of just 35.
While 51-year-old Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is in his ninth season as coach, he is just in his second season at the helm.
In the Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks contained Anthony Edwards well, keeping him under 30 points per game and forcing him to pass more often. They will have a shot if they can accomplish the same for Tatum and Brown.
On the other hand, the Celtics' run to the NBA Finals hasn't required them to guard many big names.
Due to injuries, Boston's three opponents all lost their best player.
Doncic, who led the league in scoring this season, and Irving are two real superstars that the Celtics will now have to guard.
This series might end quickly if Boston clamps down on Doncic and Irving's difficulties against his former team persist.
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