It’s an interesting matchup. You have the Celtics who’ve been a consistently great team seemingly the last 8 years but who always seem to get upset in the Eastern Conference Playoffs quite a bit. They did make it to the finals in 2022 and got beat by the Warriors. There is a sense that this is their year and they need to get it done. Old man Al Horford from those great Florida back to back teams is still in the league and plays for Boston. They’ve had some injuries to have him play more than they would like but he can still and will hit a big shot for them. It’s fun watching the older players still out there grinding.
Then you have the Mavericks who I’m still kinda surprised they made it. But not because of a lack of elite top end talent. They have 2 of the best players in the league in Luka and Kyrie, and they absolutely can take over a game and beat anyone. Jason Kidd is their coach and does a good job. I certainly give the Mavs the edge in coaching. Still think Denver would have beat Dallas if they could have got by Minnesota.
So the Celtics have been the best team all year and this is their chance to finally get a ring. “It’s their year” is a phrase you hear a lot while Dallas has over achieved somewhat to get here. Should be an entertaining series, I’ve got Boston in 6.
Everybody likes to come in these threads and trash the NBA so I thought I would say this: The NBA playoffs are fun. I couldn’t imagine going through April and May without having the games on at night. It gives me quality entertainment every single night and when the games are on TNT you get Ernie, Kenny, Shaq and Sir Charles on the best sports show of the last 20 years. Some of you should give it a chance.
