As the 2024 NBA Finals approach, ESPN analyst Alan Hahn has stirred the pot by asserting that Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are under greater pressure to win the championship than their opponents, the Boston Celtics. Hahn draws a parallel between Doncic and former NFL quarterback Dan Marino, suggesting that the Mavericks might not get another shot at the Finals in the near future, while the Celtics will likely remain a dominant force in the league.
Hahn emphasizes the daunting nature of the Western Conference, highlighting the fierce competition that awaits the Mavericks. He points to teams like Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets and Anthony Edwards‘ Minnesota Timberwolves as significant threats. According to Hahn, these teams will continue to pose challenges for Dallas in the coming seasons, making the path to the Finals particularly arduous.
“If you are Luka Doncic, you are not even on the green here,” Hahn remarked. “You look at what is in the West waiting for you: opportunities. Luka Doncic does not want to be Dan Marino. Early in your career, you get there and never get back. Even though you could be one of the best, if not the best player in the game, in the West it is a lot harder than it is in the East.”
.@alanhahn says there is more urgency for Luka than Jayson Tatum to win the NBA Finals 👀
“Luka Doncic does not want to be Dan Marino. Early in your career, you get there and never get back.” pic.twitter.com/G2PwpCXSd0
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 5, 2024
In contrast, Hahn suggests that the Boston Celtics, with their robust roster, will remain a top team in the NBA next season. The Celtics’ core, featuring young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, has led the team to their second Finals appearance in three seasons. Despite falling short in the 2022–23 Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics are poised for future success, bolstered by the addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
“The Celtics will say we can get back next year because next year, guess what? They are still going to be the best team in the league,” Hahn stated, noting the relative ease of competition in the Eastern Conference compared to the West.
Hahn’s argument underscores the urgency for the Mavericks to capitalize on their current opportunity. With the future of the NBA looking increasingly competitive, especially in the West, the Mavericks may not find themselves in the Finals again soon. Doncic and his team must seize this chance to bring home the championship.
Further complicating the Mavericks’ prospects, Hahn highlights other formidable Western Conference players and teams. Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs are seen as the future of the NBA, while veterans like LeBron James and Stephen Curry continue to compete at high levels. The presence of these superstars ensures that the Western Conference will remain fiercely competitive.
“There is a lot at stake,” Hahn concluded. “And by the way, LeBron James and Steph Curry are still alive and playing basketball. They are in the West as well; it’s a lot harder in the West to get to the Final, arguably.”
Despite the formidable challenge presented by the Mavericks, the Celtics are confident in their ability to secure the championship. Their impressive roster, combined with the relatively less competitive Eastern Conference, makes them favorites to continue their success in the coming seasons. The addition of key players and a strong supporting cast further strengthens their position as the team to beat.
Dallas Mavericks fans are pinning their hopes on their dynamic duo, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, to lead the team to victory. While the Celtics may boast a deeper and more experienced roster, the Mavericks possess the star power and potential to pull off an upset. The pressure on his face is undeniably high, but it is also an opportunity for Doncic to solidify his legacy and avoid the fate of being a one-time finalist like Marino.
As the 2024 NBA Finals draw near, the narrative crafted by Alan Hahn adds an intriguing layer to the already high-stakes matchup between the Mavericks and the Celtics. With the weight of the Western Conference on their shoulders, Luka Doncic and his team face pressure at a critical juncture in their quest for NBA glory. Whether they can overcome the challenges and seize the moment will be a story to watch unfold.
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