Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving Lead Mavericks to NBA Finals vs. Celtics
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
In a stunning showcase of offensive prowess, Luka Doncic erupted for 12 points in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the opening quarter, setting the tone for the Dallas Mavericks’ decisive blowout of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. The Mavericks’ dominant 124-103 victory in Game 5 was further fueled by Kyrie Irving, who poured in nine points in the final 3 1/2 minutes of the first half, extending the lead to an insurmountable 29 points.
When Doncic and Irving are firing on all cylinders, there’s arguably no team in the NBA that can match their firepower. The Mavericks, a surprising fifth seed in the West, will need to replicate this kind of performance in the NBA Finals against the heavily favored Boston Celtics. The Celtics, who boasted the league’s best record by a significant margin and swept the season series against Dallas, present a formidable challenge.
For the Mavericks, this marks their deepest playoff run since capturing their lone championship in 2011. To contend with the Celtics, Dallas will rely on the newfound defensive intensity exhibited by their offensive superstars. “It’s a beautiful combination,” remarked coach Jason Kidd. “They’re in competition right now of who’s playing the best defense. That’s kind of cool to see because when you look at Kai and Luka, a lot of times they’re not known as our defensive guys.”
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Both Irving and Doncic tallied 36 points each in the clincher against the Timberwolves, shooting over 50% from the field and combining for a stellar 50% from beyond the arc. Remarkably, the Mavericks didn’t need double-digit contributions from their bench or other starters to secure the win, though some support will be crucial in the Finals.
Defensively, P.J. Washington Jr. will have the daunting task of guarding Boston’s dynamic duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Washington’s shooting touch will be crucial, needing to replicate his 47% from three-point range in the second round rather than the 25% against Minnesota. Similarly, Derrick Jones Jr., another defensive stalwart, will be vital in slowing down the Celtics’ stars, and his 40% three-point shooting in these playoffs could provide a significant boost.
While the Celtics have the edge in late-playoff experience, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for three consecutive years and the NBA Finals in 2022, Irving stands as the most battle-tested in the series. His 13 NBA Finals games and an impressive scoring average of 27.7 points underscore his capability on the biggest stage.
Doncic, despite this being his first NBA Finals, brings a wealth of high-stakes experience from his time in Europe and international play. At 25, he already boasts a EuroLeague MVP and has led Slovenia to the Olympic medal round. His poise and performance will be critical as the Mavericks aim for another championship.
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