The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks compete in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, with both franchises fielding players who can take over the series and win it all
The 2024 NBA Finals are upon us, with the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks set to battle it out for the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Following a thrilling postseason, the Celtics and Mavs have emerged as champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively. For Boston, this is their second NBA Finals in three years, with an experienced team eager to finally taste victory amidst a shower of confetti.
However, the narrative is different for Dallas. The Mavs haven't had a whiff of the championship since Dirk Nowitzki led them to triumph in 2011. Now, with European sensation Luka Doncic at the helm, they're back in the game. Kyrie Irving has been instrumental, while rookie Dereck Lively has made a name for himself alongside Daniel Gafford and P. J. Washington.
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After securing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, the Celtics have ruled the 2023-24 NBA season from start to finish. But all that will be for naught if they can't cross the finish line. Here are the four players who will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2024 NBA Finals:
Luka Doncic
In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Doncic racked up 36 points - including a staggering 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the first quarter alone, outscoring the entire Minnesota Timberwolves team. Impressively, this marked the second time in Doncic's budding career that he's scored 20 points in a single postseason quarter, underlining his formidable talent.
Like Nowitzki in 2011, Doncic has been a powerhouse for Dallas, averaging an impressive 28.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists during this playoff run to the NBA Finals. If he keeps up these stats, the Slovenian star could become only the third player to average at least 28/8/8 in 15 or more playoff games, joining the ranks of LeBron James (2015 and 2018) and Nikola Jokic (2023).
Last season, Jokic made history as the first player to lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, and assists, helping the Denver Nuggets clinch the championship. Even if Dallas doesn't win, Doncic is likely to achieve the same feat as he currently leads the playoffs in points and assists, and is just nine rebounds behind Jokic.
Doncic also has the chance to become the sixth player in NBA history to win both a scoring title and a championship in the same season, following in the footsteps of Joe Fulks, George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal. At just 25, Doncic is already considered one of the all-time greats and is currently enjoying an exceptional run.
If the Mavericks are to secure their second Larry O'Brien trophy, they'll need Doncic to continue his mesmerising performance - and there's no reason to believe he won't.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum, the NBA superstar who somehow manages to split opinions, is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. His all-round game, including his often-underestimated passing and rebounding skills, are key to his scoring prowess.
Despite facing challenges in this playoff run, Tatum remains a consistent contributor for the Celtics. He's leading the playoffs in cumulative plus-minus, with the Celtics outscoring their rivals by 141 points when he's playing.
Since his rookie days seven years ago, Tatum has carried the weight of being the face of one of the NBA's most iconic teams. If he can guide Boston to their first championship in 16 years, he'll secure his place as a legend.
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Jaylen Brown
In the 2022 NBA Finals, Jaylen Brown was the top scorer for the Celtics, averaging 23.5 points per game over the six-game series against the Golden State Warriors. He shone in the Eastern Conference Finals, scoring 40 in Game 2 as the Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers. The guard was awarded the Larry Bird Trophy, beating teammate Jayson Tatum to the honour.
However, Brown's game isn't just about the numbers. He has a knack for stepping up in crucial moments; his three-pointer with less than six seconds left in regulation sent Game 1 against the Pacers into overtime. He also shone during the Celtics' NBA Finals loss two years ago, proving himself to be more than just Tatum's sidekick. With a roster full of stars, the Celtics have plenty of options, but they'll be counting on Brown to bring home their 18th championship.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving could potentially clinch a championship against his former team, as Boston fans gear up to give him a frosty welcome at TD Garden. Despite his turbulent tenure with the Celtics, Irving was an All-Star in both seasons he spent in Boston, having arrived after requesting a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. His departure to the Brooklyn Nets in free agency was far from amicable, leading to tense encounters every time he faced off against the Celtics in the playoffs.
Now with the Mavs, Irving has assumed a veteran role. Since joining the team midway through last season, he's been hailed by teammates as the squad's vocal leader. The eight-time All-Star has been a revelation on the court, forming a formidable backcourt duo with Doncic that rivals some of the greatest in NBA history.
The Mavs have seen a significant improvement of 27.6 points per 100 possessions when Irving is on the court, compared to when he's off - the largest on-off differential among 52 players who've clocked at least 250 minutes in the playoffs. The influence of Irving, who famously netted a 3-pointer over Steph Curry to clinch the 2016 NBA Finals, is evident as he aims for a second championship title.
