The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks have swiftly made their way to the 2024 NBA Finals, each eager for as much preparation time as possible before the first game on June 6.
Boston, the NBA’s top team by record, dominated the East and secured home court advantage throughout the playoffs. With a 50-32 record, Dallas would have tied for second in the East but settled for the No. 5 seed in the West, 14 games behind the Celtics.
Despite their lower seed, the Mavericks powered through the Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves, looking more formidable at each stage. Meanwhile, Boston faced criticism for occasional slip-ups against the Heat and Cavaliers, which led some to question forward Jayson Tatum’s intensity.
During the regular season, the Celtics bested the Mavericks twice, winning 119-110 in Dallas on January 22 and 138-110 in Boston on March 1. This marks Boston’s 23rd trip to the Finals, while Dallas is making its third appearance, the last being their 2011 championship win over Miami’s “super team.”
Series Schedule
All times are in Eastern Daylight Time:Game 1: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 6 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 9 (8 p.m., ABC)
Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks, June 12 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks, June 14 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 5: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 17 (8:30 p.m., ABC)*
Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks, June 20 (8:30 p.m., ABC)*
Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 23 (8 p.m., ABC)*
*If necessary
Top Storyline: Backcourt Battle
The highly anticipated matchup between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving of Dallas and Boston’s Jrue Holiday and Derrick White is expected to be a key factor in the series. Doncic and Irving form an explosive offensive duo, while Holiday and White are known for their defensive prowess. The Celtics’ guards will look to disrupt Dallas’s backcourt, which accounted for 112 points in their regular-season meetings compared to Holiday and White’s 47 points.
Key Factor: The Porzingis Element
Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined with a calf strain since the first round, may be crucial against Dallas’s agile bigs. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II pose significant threats as rim-runners, supported by Derrick Jones Jr. and P.J. Washington’s increased playoff production. Porzingis’ return could provide Boston with a needed boost in both defense and scoring.
One More Thing to Watch
For the Celtics: Three-Point Strategy. Boston led the league in three-pointers, a trend that has continued in the playoffs. They are unbeaten when making 14 or more threes in a game this postseason.
For the Mavericks: Irving’s Return to Boston. Irving’s history with Boston adds an emotional layer to the series. Since leaving the Celtics, Irving has faced constant heckling from Boston fans, which will likely continue in this series.
Key Stat to Know
4.6: The Mavericks lead the playoffs with 4.6 corner three-pointers per game. P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. have been particularly effective from the corners, a challenge for Boston’s defense, which has allowed the fewest corner threes in the playoffs.
As the Celtics and Mavericks prepare for Game 1, the stage is set for a thrilling Finals, with key matchups and strategies likely to determine the outcome.