The stage for the 2024 NBA Finals is set as the Dallas Mavericks will take on the Boston Celtics with Game 1 scheduled for Thursday.
The Mavericks enter the series as the underdogs despite getting through a brutal Western Conference slate featuring the L.A.
Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. On the flip side, the Celtics ran into no issues on the way to the Finals as they took down the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers in quick fashion.
Dallas’ run to the Finals is incredibly impressive because they were the eighth seed during the NBA trade deadline. However, their deadline deals for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford have done wonders for the team as both front court players have played pivotal roles for the Mavericks.
Luka Doncic will be appearing in his first Finals and will be counted on to lead Dallas past a Boston team that is considered an overwhelming favorite. If Doncic is able to capture his first title, he would be the first since Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal to win the scoring title and a championship in the same season:
