Dallas Mavericks Return to NBA Finals After 13 Years: A Showdown with the Boston Celtics Awaits

For the first time in over a decade, the Dallas Mavericks are making their return to the NBA Finals. The last time the Mavericks reached this stage was in 2011, when they won their first championship. Now, they face a formidable opponent in the Boston Celtics, a team renowned for its depth and defensive prowess. As anticipation builds, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has weighed in on what could be the decisive factor in this highly anticipated series.

Throughout the season, the Celtics have been praised for having the best starting lineup in basketball. However, their postseason run has been marred by the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, a key contributor who was sidelined in the first round against the Miami Heat due to injury. Porzingis’ potential return could swing the momentum of the series.

Appearing on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on the NBA Finals matchup. He suggested that the Mavericks could capitalize on Porzingis’ absence to secure a victory against the Celtics.

“If Porzingis plays, I’ve got the Celtics in seven. But if he don’t, I’ve got the Mavericks winning this series.”

👀 @kendrickperkins pic.twitter.com/idz6Sds1Fi

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 31, 2024

“This is going to be one for the ages,” Perkins stated. “If Porzingis plays, I get the Celtics in seven. But if he doesn’t, I got the Mavericks winning this series.”

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update on Porzingis’ status, indicating that while his availability for the Finals remains uncertain, the former All-Star has started ramping up his activities in preparation for a potential return. Porzingis also reassured fans with a social media post in Latvian, signaling his eagerness to rejoin the team.

“Thank you to everyone who supports and sympathizes throughout the season. I’ll be back in line soon. See you in the finals,” Porzingis wrote.

As the NBA Finals approach, the spotlight is firmly on the star players of both teams. For the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been the driving forces throughout their playoff campaign. On the other side, the Mavericks boast what many consider the most dynamic duo of the postseason: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Kendrick Perkins, before making his series prediction on “Get Up,” evaluated the star duos. He acknowledged the exceptional talent of the Mavericks’ backcourt pairing.

“When it comes down to Luka and Kyrie, I do think they are the better duo,” Perkins remarked.

Despite giving the edge to the Mavericks’ star duo, Perkins also highlighted the Celtics’ superior overall depth and talent. The Celtics’ balanced roster has been a cornerstone of their success, providing robust support to their leading scorers.

Throughout the playoffs, Luka Doncic and Irving have been nothing short of spectacular. In their series-clinching victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the duo combined for an impressive 72 points, with each scoring 36. This offensive prowess has made them a formidable challenge for any defense, and they will now face their toughest test yet against the Celtics’ renowned defense.

The key to the series may lie in how well the Celtics can contain Doncic and Irving. The Mavericks’ duo has demonstrated an ability to deliver high-scoring performances consistently, making them difficult to defend. Conversely, the Celtics will rely on their collective defensive strength and the potential return of Porzingis to counter the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.

As the Finals tip-off approaches, basketball fans around the world are eager to see how this clash of titans unfolds. The Maverick’s return to the NBA’s grandest stage, the potential impact of Kristaps Porzingis, and the battle between star duos set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.