As the curtain rises on the opening game of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, two players will face their former teams in hopes of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Former Maverick Kristaps Porzingis is aiming to end Boston’s championship drought that dates back to 2008. He faces a Dallas team that last tasted glory in 2011.
And the Mavericks have former Celtic Kyrie Irving, part of a dynamic Dallas backcourt that secured a Finals berth with a mix of finesse and grit.
It will be the culmination of a season of blood, sweat and tears – made even more spicy by the return of the two stars.
The Celtics ‘Unicorn’
The Boston Celtics endured 16 years of near-misses, what-ifs and emotional encounters, moments that conditioned their fans to prepare for the worst.
However, as they prepare for their second finals appearance in two years, the C’s now have arguably the best chance to finally get it done, courtesy of Porzingis.
In June of last year, the Celtics made a bold and revolutionary move: trading guard Marcus Smart in a three-team deal to sign center Porzingis from the Washington Wizards.
This unexpected move sent shockwaves through the fan base. Smart was the heart of the team, he even dyed his hair green. It was a move that signaled Boston’s all-in approach to winning the title.
Porzingis never clicked alongside superstar Luka Doncic during his time in Dallas, but his development since leaving in 2022 could come back to haunt them when he returns from injury after missing the play-offs thus far.
The 28-year-old is nicknamed ‘The Unicorn’ for his versatile skill set and shooting ability, and could be the X-factor in this best-of-seven series.
Porzingis, because of his shooting, will force Dallas to defend the perimeter a lot more.
It’s a defensive scheme they haven’t used often thus far in the play-offs and his presence behind the arc will create space for stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to exploit, potentially stretching the Mavericks.
The Celtics lost just two games in the play-offs, defeating the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, before dominating the Indiana Pacers with a 4-0 victory in the Eastern Conference finals.
With the league’s best regular-season record and arguably the strongest, most balanced starting five, the Celtics, under head coach Joe Mazzulla, may have finally put together the perfect formula for championship success.
A dissident returns to Boston
For Dallas, all eyes will be on not only Doncic’s performance in his first Finals, but also Irving’s controversial return.
Irving, one of the league’s most enigmatic and electrifying players, has a tumultuous and well-documented past with the Celtics.
His departure from Boston in 2019 left a bitter taste for many fans, whom he initially told he would sign a new contract, before his relationship with the organization soured, ending with a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
This series offers Irving a chance at redemption, not only silencing the critics in Boston, but showing the world that he can get the job done without LeBron James by his side – the charge that has hung over him since his 2016 championship victory with the Cleveland. .
The 32-year-old’s ball handling wizardry, scoring ability and clutch performance are undeniable. With Doncic, he forms one of the most formidable backcourts in recent memory.
Doncic has already established himself as a generational talent. His vision, court awareness and prolific scoring make him a nightmare for any defense.
For Irving, this series is more than just a chance to win a title, it’s a chance to rewrite his narrative and cement his legacy in a city that once rejected him. For Doncic, it’s an opportunity to elevate his blossoming career to historic heights.
Despite their defensive strengths, Boston will have their coverages tested as they try to manage Irving’s explosive attacks and Doncic’s deadly shooting.
The Mavericks, under coach Jason Kidd, had a tougher playoff run than Boston, beating the LA Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves.
But that resilience should serve them well against an elite Celtics team. If their two star guards can impose their will and maintain their high levels, the Mavericks have the potential to bring it home.
