NBA Finals Preview: The Road to the Finals for the Celtics and Mavs
Jun 5, 2024
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NBA stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving join JJ Redick to discuss the NBA Finals preview. They explore the key moments for the Mavericks and Celtics this season, the roles of players, and the expectations for the championship. The podcast touches on team dynamics, player fit, offensive prowess, and the sacrifice needed for championship goals.
Dallas Mavericks' success is credited to key acquisitions and players embracing roles, while Boston Celtics prioritize defensive identity and seamless role adjustments for playoff success.
Deep dives
Dallas Mavericks' Road to the Finals
The Dallas Mavericks' journey to the NBA Finals has been highlighted by their real identity, focusing on offense built around their two stars and a strong defense. Despite initial concerns about their defense and long-term fit of their star players, including Kyrie Irving, the team's success has been attributed to key acquisitions like Derek Lively, who has made a significant impact as a rookie. The seamless fit of players like Luca and Kyrie, along with role players embracing their positions, has been instrumental in their success.
Boston Celtics' Strong Regular Season Performance
The Boston Celtics boasted the best record in the NBA and displayed consistent success throughout the regular season. Their defensive identity, exemplified by matchups where players like PJ Washington took on tough assignments, has set them apart. Despite questions around Luca and Kyrie coexisting in the backcourt, their offensive prowess and ability to seamlessly adjust roles have been key factors in their success.
Offensive Talents of Luca and Kyrie
Luca and Kyrie are considered one of the most gifted and talented offensive duos in the NBA, showcasing exceptional skills and versatility. Their ability to excel in various offensive aspects, from shooting to playmaking, sets them apart. While comparisons across eras are challenging, their offensive talents and impact on the game are widely recognized.
Team Dynamics and Willingness to Win
Both the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics emphasize a team-first approach, with players willing to sacrifice individual statistics for the collective goal of winning a championship. The willingness of players like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford to adapt their roles for the team's success reflects a strong team dynamic. The shared commitment to winning and making necessary adjustments bodes well for both teams' playoff aspirations.
This is a bonus episode of The Old Man and the Three brought to you by BMW.
On this episode of The Old Man and The Three, JJ Redick and Tommy Alter preview the 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks (Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving) and the Boston Celtics (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown). They discuss how the Mavs turned their season around at the trade deadlines, how the Kyrie Irving trade paid off, and the list of things that went right this season. They also talk about the Celtics past success and how that plays into their current expectations the roles of each player on the Celtics, and more.