Scalabrine shares expectations for Celtics-Mavs Finals matchup

Scalabrine shares expectations for Celtics-Mavs Finals matchup originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston

The Dallas Mavericks will undoubtedly be the Boston Celtics’ toughest test in this year’s quest for the Banner 18.

After going through the first three rounds of the playoffs against the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, the C’s will face one of the best offensive duos in the NBA, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Of course, Boston boasts a superstar duo of its own in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, setting the state up for what should be a thrilling NBA Finals showdown.

With Game 1 at TD Garden set for Thursday at 8:30 pm ET, 2008 NBA champion turned analyst Brian Scalabrine joined Chris Forsberg on the Celtics Talk Podcast and shared his expectations for the series.

Celtics Talk: Scal predicts Celtics in 2024 Finals, plus… were we wrong about Kyrie and the Mavs? | Listen and subscribe | Watch on youtube

“I watched the March 1 matchup and I liked what I saw,” Scalabrine said. “I know Dallas is playing a lot better. You could argue the way we played in the playoffs that we’re not playing as well as we did back then. Like, we played one of our best games, by the way, March 1 against Dallas.

“But you know, I thought Jrue Holiday was amazing. Jaylen Brown in the November fight, he was incredible with Luka (Doncic). I’m optimistic – I’m not saying you’re going to stop Luka Doncic or anything like that – but I’m optimistic that we can’ slow him down’ and ‘take advantage of him’ defensively while (Kristaps) Porzingis is playing.”

While Dallas’ size could cause Boston some problems, Scal believes the C’s lethal 3-point shooting will make the difference.

“They have a real problem with big shooters. They just do,” he added. “Like, their roster is not prepared to stop this. They need Dereck Lively, they need Daniel Gafford on the edge with these guys. was with us when we had our finals last time. You know, like, everyone channeling the guys. They don’t commit fouls. They force you to shoot the rim around a Rob Williams.

“But the long shot and good ball movement should negate that. So I’m not saying we’re going to sweep them. … I think we’re going to win this series, but we’re not going to sweep this team.”

Also in the episode:

• What did we learn from the Celtics-Mavericks matchup on March 1?

• How are the Mavericks different now?

• Expectations for Kristaps Porzingis.

• Buy Al Horford a ring!