Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions June 6th 2024

Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Faces Boston Fans Without Fear in NBA Finals

BOSTON – The excitement is off the charts as the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks gear up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals this Thursday night. With stars like Kyrie Irving and Kristaps Porzingis set to face their former teams, the drama is palpable.

Irving’s Return to Boston

Kyrie Irving is back in Boston, a city where he once donned the Celtics jersey for two seasons before a dramatic move to the Brooklyn Nets. Despite his promise to re-sign with the Celtics after the 2018-19 season, Irving’s exit left a sour taste, and Boston fans haven’t forgotten. His record against the Celtics stands at 0-10 in his last ten games in Boston, but he’s stepping onto the NBA’s grandest stage without a hint of fear.

“There’s no fear out here, man. It’s basketball,” Irving shrugged. “The fans will say what they want. I respect their passion for the game. But at the end of the day, it’s about us players.”

Porzingis’ Reunion with the Mavericks

Kristaps Porzingis also has a reunion on his hands, facing his former team, the Mavericks. His departure from Dallas was more peaceful, with a trade to the Washington Wizards in 2022 after it was decided he wasn’t a fit alongside Luka Doncic.

“I don’t know why it didn’t work out,” Doncic mused. “We were both young and tried to make it work, but it just didn’t.”

Championship Aspirations

Both teams are desperate to break long championship droughts. The Mavericks last won a title in 2011, and the Celtics haven’t lifted the trophy since 2008.

The Celtics came close two years ago, losing 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. Reflecting on that experience, Boston’s star Jayson Tatum sees it as a valuable lesson.

“It was a lesson to be learned,” Tatum admitted. “I promised myself that if I ever made it to the Finals again, I’d never take it for granted. We’re here now, and I’m excited to get out there and play.”

For the Mavericks, this is their first Finals appearance since their 2011 championship run. With players like Irving, Markieff Morris, and Derrick Jones Jr. bringing Finals experience to the table, they’re ready for the challenge.

“Some of us have been here before, some haven’t,” said Dallas coach Jason Kidd, the starting point guard on the Mavericks’ 2011 championship team. “We’re going to embrace that and find a way to win this series.”

Porzingis’ Health Concerns

A big question mark for Game 1 is Porzingis’ fitness. He’s missed the last 10 games due to a right calf strain, and his condition is crucial to Dallas’ chances.

“I did everything I could to get ready for this, but there’s no substitute for game minutes and experience,” Porzingis said. “Jumping into the Finals like this will be tough.”

Final Thoughts

This NBA Finals clash between the Celtics and Mavericks is set to deliver high drama, with personal stories and championship hopes on the line. The returns of Irving and Porzingis to face their former teams add extra spice to this thrilling series. Both teams are eager to end their long title droughts, promising fans an intense and fiercely contested battle on the court.

–Nick Galle, Field Level Media