There are a number of storylines surrounding the Celtics-Mavericks NBA Finals that begin on Thursday night time in Boston.
From Kyrie Irving being public enemy No. 1 to the Celtics followers to Kristaps Porzingis getting back from a calf pressure that pressured the large man to overlook 10 video games and the actual fact he’s going through his outdated workforce as properly, the collection has loads of built-in “must-see” TV.
However, four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal provided what he believes is the greatest storyline of the Finals.
“I believe probably the most vital storyline that I’m specializing in is can the Boston Celtics get it executed?” O’Neal mentioned earlier than Sport 1’s tipoff on NBA TV. “With Luka (Doncic) and Kyrie (Irving), lots of people had been skeptical … it’s not gonna work. It has labored. They’re right here.”
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O’Neal continued: “However for Boston, they’ve failed so many occasions. They’ve at all times had profitable common seasons, however final 12 months, Miami, Sport 7 right here. Redeemed themselves and got here again. Had a straightforward run to get to the Finals, however my query is and the storyline I’m specializing in is can they get it executed. As a result of, if they’ll’t get it executed after this … particularly after the straightforward street, I don’t know if they’ll ever get it executed.”
The Celtics simply defeated the Miami Warmth, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers and are getting into the NBA Finals with six straight wins.
Whereas O’Neal believes the strain is on the Celtics to get it executed, longtime NBA reporter Jackie MacMullan believes this workforce is totally totally different than in years previous.
“I at all times begin with the grownup within the room, Jrue Vacation, who has already received a championship,” MacMullan mentioned on NBC Sports activities Boston’s pregame protection. “Each time issues get tight up to now within the postseason, he makes both one little play that you just may not discover … that will get all people settled down.
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“You might have (Kristaps) Porzingis … the way in which he areas the ground for (the Celtics), (the Mavericks) can’t double workforce (Jayson) Tatum and (Jaylen) Brown anymore as a result of you may dump (the ball to Porzingis) within the submit. … I believe it’s night time and day from final 12 months, in truth.”
Jayson Tatum averaged 25 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per sport within the 2024 playoffs, becoming a member of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Larry Chook, Elgin Baylor and Neil Johnston for one of the best in NBA postseason historical past.
The stage has been set for the Celtics for 16 years. There’s solely one factor left to do.
Tipoff for Sport 1 from TD Backyard is set for 8:37 p.m. ET.
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