2024 NBA Finals: First look at Celtics-Mavericks matchup

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And just like that, the NBA Finals is set.

The Mavs are four wins shy of just their second championship in franchise history.

The Celtics are seeking an unprecedented 18th title, which would break a tie with the Lakers for the most all-time.

The Stakes: Boston boasts more banners, but neither team has raised the Larry O’Brien Trophy in over 10 years – so let’s refresh on what a ring would mean for each franchise.

• Boston’s Break: A championship for the Celtics would snap their second-longest title drought in franchise history. It’s been 16 years since they last cut down the nets in 2008 – which ended a 22-year drought dating back to 1986
• Recent Finals: Despite having a 17-5 record in their past 22 Finals appearances, the Celtics have gone 0-2 in their last two trips, losing to the Warriors in 2022 and the Lakers in 2010
• Dallas’ Third Dance: The Mavs haven’t been to the Finals since defeating the Heat in 2011, which avenged their Finals loss to Miami in 2006 – their first appearance on the big stage
• Chasing History: Dallas could become the first No. 5 seed in NBA history to win a title, and they are just the second No. 5 seed to make the Finals, joining the 2020 Heat

Resembling Recipes: This year marked the Celtics’ sixth ECF appearance in eight years and the Mavs’ second WCF appearance in three years – and they’ve been knocking on the door using similar styles.

• Dynamic Duos: Both teams have a pair of multi-time All-Stars averaging over 50+ combined points this postseason in Dallas’ Kyrie Irving (22.8 ppg) – who spent two seasons with Boston (2017-19) – and Luka Doncic (28.8), and Boston’s Jayson Tatum (26.0) and Jaylen Brown (25.0)
• 3 Party: The Celtics finished the regular season with the most 3-pointers made (1,351) in the NBA, while the Mavs knocked down the third-most (1,197). The ranking has flipped in the postseason, with Dallas first (214) and Boston third (205)
• Clutch: Both teams have excelled in crunch time this postseason, as Boston has gone 4-0 in clutch games, while Dallas has gone 6-3 in a Playoff-high nine clutch games

Past 🤝 Present: Both teams hope to follow in the footsteps of past champions who have donned their uniforms and appreciate the opportunity heading into Thursday’s Game 1.

• Celtics: Boston enters the Finals on a seven-game win streak, tied for the longest Playoff win streak in franchise history with their 1986 squad, which won the title
• Mavericks: Dallas coach Jason Kidd was a member of the Mavs 2011 title team, which also won the WCF in five games
• 🗣️ Tatum On The Finals: “It’s special … you don’t take it for granted.”
• 🗣️ Irving On The Finals: “Enjoy the moment … realize how hard you worked to get here … nothing is guaranteed in this league.”