The NBA Finals are here, and the excitement is off the charts. The Dallas Mavericks, fresh off their victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, are ready to battle it out for their second championship.
Standing in their way are the Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference champions who have been dominating their opposition all season long, including in the playoffs. This matchup promises to be thrilling, with both teams bringing their best to the court.
Two Leading Stars
Stopping the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals will be no small task for the Dallas Mavericks, primarily because of Boston’s dynamic duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. These two high-scoring stars have played pivotal roles in the Celtics’ postseason journey, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.
Tatum has been Boston’s top performer, averaging an impressive 30.3 points per game in the Eastern Conference finals against Indiana. Meanwhile, Brown’s all-around play earned him the series MVP. He boasts an average of 29.8 points and two steals per game.
It will be crucial for fans and participants in any Fantasy Basketball League to keep an eye on these two outstanding players.
Depth and Scoring
While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the star players for the Boston Celtics, the team boasts a deep roster filled with talented role players who contribute significantly on both ends of the court. Jrue Holiday has been a key facilitator on offense and a consistent defensive presence, showcasing his versatility after joining the Celtics following a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. In the Eastern Conference finals, Holiday was Boston’s third-leading scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game with an impressive 58% shooting accuracy.
Derrick White has also emerged as a vital player under the guidance of coach Joe Mazzulla. In his third season with the Celtics, White averaged 15.2 points per game and had notable defensive stats, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive second team. In the playoffs, he maintained a strong performance with an average of 16.8 points per game.
Veteran Al Horford rounds out the top contributors, bringing his extensive experience and steady scoring to the team. In his sixth season with Boston and 17th overall in the NBA, Horford averaged 12.8 points per game during the Eastern Conference finals. Together, this trio, along with Tatum and Brown, make the Celtics a formidable opponent with a well-rounded attack and solid defense.
A Lot of History
The Boston Celtics are one of the most celebrated teams in NBA history. They share the record for the most NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, each with 17 titles.
The Celtics last won the championship in 2008 when they defeated the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers in six games. This rich history of success makes them a significant and respected opponent in any playoff series. This is their third NBA Finals in three years, having lost to Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
Smooth Road to Finals
Boston had an impressive season, finishing with the best record in the league at 64-18. This performance earned them the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics’ journey to the NBA Finals has appeared straightforward, as they have amassed a remarkable 12-2 record in the playoffs, including seven consecutive wins.
They faced minimal resistance in the opening rounds, mostly because their opponents were missing key players. Miami was without their leading scorer, Jimmy Butler, for much of the first round, and Cleveland had to compete without their star, Donovan Mitchell, in the semifinals.
Even in the Eastern Conference finals against the Pacers, Boston’s path was made easier when Tyrese Haliburton sat out most of the series due to a hamstring injury. This relatively smooth journey has kept the Celtics fresh and ready for the ultimate showdown against the Dallas Mavericks.
