The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the NBA Finals! After a tough playoff run, the Mavs came out relatively unscathed and ready to represent the Western Conference. They are set to face the Boston Celtics in the Finals in a titanic matchup filled with intense storylines.
Before we get to the Finals, though, it's worth looking at how the Mavericks got here in the first place. They were never true favorites to make the Finals, after all. In a post on X, Magic Johnson outlined a few reasons for the success of Dallas. Magic's three reasons are pretty solid.
“The 3 reasons the Mavs are in the NBA Finals –
1.Luka and Kyrie have formed one of the best backcourt scoring duos and really learned how to coexist and feed off of each other.
2.Jason Kidd got the entire team to buy in on defense this year, from the start of training camp to now. They look like they take pride in both individual and team defensive assignments.
GM Nico Harrison should get a lot of the credit! He brought in 4 new starters to play alongside Luka (Irving, Washington, Jones Jr., and Gafford) and the top two reserves (Lively and Green). That's 6 out of 7 players getting consistent minutes – he definitely created a championship contending team 👏🏾”
Magic pretty much hit the nail on the head here. The Mavericks' success comes from their star duo finally meshing together, and their defense playing up to potential. It also helps that the Mavericks have built a solid core around Doncic. Much like LeBron, Doncic relies on shooters and rim-runners, with an emphasis on the second archetype. With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively at the 5, PJ Washington and Daniel Jones at the four, the Mavs have arguably the best supporting 4-5 combo in the Doncic era.
Mavericks hunting for their second championship
The last time the Mavericks were in the Finals was back in 2011. Back then, they were up against the juggernaut that was the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Despite the odds, the Mavs' superior teamplay, as well as key performances from their supporting cast, gave them the push they needed to win that series.
The Mavericks aren't facing as big of a threat as they did in 2011, but that doesn't make their task any less easier. The Celtics have been the best team in the Eastern Conference. Their usual star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown was given a new supporting cast. That cast includes former Mavs forward Kristaps Porzingis. Their elite defense and star offensive will pose problems for the Dallas crew.
That being said, the Mavs have beaten all the odds so far in the postseason. The Mavericks are the first team since the 2010 Lakers to go through three 50-win teams in the first three rounds. That Lakers team would go on to beat the Celtics in the Finals. This Celtics team also has the experience advantage for the most part, with their core having made to the Finals before. Can Dallas overcome the odds once more and bring the Larry O' Brien back to the American Airlines arena?
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