Finals 2024 - G1 - Mavs @ Celtics (Thursd., 8:30PMEST)

ozwizard8 · Post #41 » by **ozwizard8** » Sun Jun 2, 2024 9:31 pm

Celtics came from the easiest ever route to the NBA Finals. While this helped them to preserve KP's health, Mavs are also coming up to the series with 7 days off. I'd say each of Clippers-OKC-TWolves would beat Miami-Cavs-Indiana easily. So their run is not that amazing. They had a stacked roster which typically helps for regular season record as well. But during the regular season they lost two national TV games against Denver Nuggets. They did not do great against other good Western Conference teams, either.

Lets look at their path:

R1: Miami had zero star power. No one to initiate a respectable offense.

R2: Mitchell before getting injury had some nice scoring games. He is not a playmaker like Doncic. Overall Mitchell could be as good as Kyrie but not better. Cavs roster also didn't have J.Allen on defense. Their wing players were not fed as good as having Doncic and they did not make shots like our guys.

R3: Indiana, with semi-injured Halliburton, actually had a few games over Celtics. Indiana's roster is inferior to us, but Carlisle got his team in the game. Their less experienced, and less skilled players just lost the clutch parts of the games. I mean Halliburton and Pacers turned over 3 possessions without even getting pressurized much in G1. Then Nimbhard's turning over the ball in clutch. In general, Pacers cannot create much in half-court game. They're like Nash's Suns team with significantly less talent. Nash had Marion-Amare inside and then some great shooters in Joe Johnson, bench player Barbosa etc. Even a Boris Diaw would be best player for 4th quarter for this Pacers team.

In summary, Celtics played against play-in Miami without Butler, injury-riddled Cavs coming from 7-game series, then semi-injured Haliburton with a team coming from 7-game series.

Miami-Cavs-Pacers did not even had Kyrie+DJJ/PJ+Lively/Gafford type of solid rebounder-defensive team with legit offensive star. Kyrie is our team's second best offensive creator. We have f'in Luka Doncic. That is very different from the Miami-Cavs-Indiana series.

ozwizard8 · Post #42 » by **ozwizard8** » Sun Jun 2, 2024 9:49 pm

I also refreshed my memory on last years Celtics. Their core team was similar with the same coach.

R1: Last year Celtics were only able to win over Atlanta 4-2. Seriously that ATL team is trash.

R2: They were able to beat injury-riddled 76ers team in 7-games. They were about to choke that series but Tatum started to make every shot, which looked like a rare event than taking over a game with confidence. It was also a classic Embiid-76ers choke.

R3: That Miami team had no business to make NBA Finals. 8th seed team. Older Butler and no other playmaker. Simply coach Spoelstra finding small advantages over Celtics defense to make Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent look like allstars.

Go back on more year with their previous coach udoka:

R1: Win over Nets 4-0. This was a nice win but its mostly on Brooklyn. They had zero interior or wing defense, Kyrie did not play well but also their team wasn't able to balance defense/offense with the roster. Kinda similar to PHX experience of KD. Having a team that is not able to get any stops...

R2: Win over Bucks in 7 games. Decent win, but the Bucks were missing Middleton. They basically had one offensive weapon and no help.

R3: Win over Heat in 7 games. Nothing much to be said here. Udoka being better coach than Mazzula is showing up. Spoelstra is still better in hierarchy because that Miami roster shouldn't be in that spot anyway.

Finals: Lost to the GSW. Not much fight in Boston. Their stars kinda fade away. Props to GSW too I guess.

- I would say Celtics were better in 2022 than 2023. Mazzola is not a good coach but simply has a top roster in a weak conference.
- For 2024, they added up Jrue who is better than Smart and Brogdon. They replaced Rob Williams with KP. Having Jrue is better but I am not sure if KP has been better for them especially in tough matchups and playoffs. We'll see.

Overall, Celtics did not have any easy wins against a complete roster. Giannis without Middleton, Embiid kinda alone , Miami with only Jimmy Butler forced them to Game 7. Miami also won against them once.

Mavs have Luka instead of Giannis or Embiid or Butler. On top of that we have Kyrie coming healthy to this series. Mavs also have a complete roster in terms of having 2 big-men, and few wing players who can defend-rebound and shoot 3pt shots.

I think our team is more like GSW than Bucks team without Middleton, Embiid/Butler alone teams. I like Mavs chances overall.

ozwizard8 · Post #43 » by **ozwizard8** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 3:13 am

I got so used to watching Mavs playoff games every other night. These off days are hard to wait!

I am really ready for all the adrenaline for the NBA Finals!! F'in LETS GO MAVS!!

Post #44 » by **Mavrelous** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 6:31 am

Luka and Kyrie will need to defend this series, PJ/DJJ/Maxi will need to defend and rotate like crazy, Mavs really need Exum in this one, Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.
If Luka and Kyrie drop to 34-36 MPG and are able Exum/Green fill the gaps it'd be great.

Luka 34/Exum 14
Kyrie 34/ Exum 10/Green 4
DJJ 34/ Green 14
PJ 34/ Maxi 14
Gafford 10/Lively 28/ Maxi 10

agentofatlas · Post #45 » by **agentofatlas** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 6:32 am

Game 1 is probably the one game the Mavs have to steal.

Only problem is the Mavs suck after long layoffs and also on game 1s.

Teffer10 · Post #46 » by **Teffer10** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 8:25 am

I dont understand why so many pundits are saying Mavs dont have a chance.
We have been one of the best teams in the league since the trades.

Darren · Post #47 » by **Darren** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 11:23 am

So the whole Boston plan is to hunt Luka on every possession. They don't think Kyrie can get more than 25. They don't think the Mavs can defend them at all. So Boston team is looking down on everyone but Luka.

I think I'd put Lively / Gafford on smallest guard. Both don't need to get all the way from 30 feet to the paint. I think I'd put Luka on Horford whom requires smart and bulk to shut down. Put the most athletic player on KP. Deny the ball. Force KP to bring on the ball on one dribble. Put the other long arm defender on one of Tatum / Brown. Guard them out of mismatches.

Offensively, find ways to get easy buckets and putbacks. As a Mavs fan, everyone knows KP can block but lose the rebound. Whoever attacking the rim, get ready for a put back. Or use the backboard to pass the ball indeed. Size is something Boston do not have. I think I'd target Horford and KP. Get them into foul troubles and exhaustion first. Find some way to save the legs on Luka. Lead out on fast breaks with long pass. I don't think Boston big can out run the Mavs big at all. Horford loves to draw charge. Could that be an opportunity to get AI into foul troubles? Without Horford, Boston are in deep troubles grabbing rebounds. Then, everyone is on tired legs.

Instead of targeting the obvious duo, I am more keen on target their frontcourt.

GermanFan120 · Post #48 » by **GermanFan120** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 12:35 pm

agentofatlas wrote:Game 1 is probably the one game the Mavs have to steal.

Only problem is the Mavs suck after long layoffs and also on game 1s.

G1 victory is really really hard. I'd even say if Mavs win G1, they likely will win the series.

GermanFan120 · Post #49 » by **GermanFan120** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 12:36 pm

Mavrelous wrote:Luka and Kyrie will need to defend this series, PJ/DJJ/Maxi will need to defend and rotate like crazy, Mavs really need Exum in this one, Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.
If Luka and Kyrie drop to 34-36 MPG and are able Exum/Green fill the gaps it'd be great.

Luka 34/Exum 14
Kyrie 34/ Exum 10/Green 4
DJJ 34/ Green 14
PJ 34/ Maxi 14
Gafford 10/Lively 28/ Maxi 10

No love for Timmy, eh?

Archx · Post #50 » by **Archx** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 12:38 pm

Mavrelous wrote: Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.

Lively needs to stay out of foul trouble. He was excellent defending Wemby and i think he can do great job with KP. Gaff is more of a bruiser under the rim while Lively can really move and shift his feet and body on the perimeter. Plus his length could bother KP as well.

But yeah, Celtics play an extreme version of 5 out offense, Kidd will have insanely tough job to figure out how to defend and counter that.

Darren wrote:So the whole Boston plan is to hunt Luka on every possession.

Every team in the playoffs so far tried this tactic and failed.

Darren · Post #51 » by **Darren** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 12:46 pm

Is everyone healthy physically and psychologically? If not, please fix them before game 1. Don't let this kind of stuff bother you in the course of the series. Is Kyrie okay playing against Boston? Is Lively neck still hurt? Is Maxi's shoulder and Luka's knee?

Post #52 » by **Mavrelous** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 12:48 pm

GermanFan120 wrote:
Mavrelous wrote:Luka and Kyrie will need to defend this series, PJ/DJJ/Maxi will need to defend and rotate like crazy, Mavs really need Exum in this one, Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.
If Luka and Kyrie drop to 34-36 MPG and are able Exum/Green fill the gaps it'd be great.

Luka 34/Exum 14
Kyrie 34/ Exum 10/Green 4
DJJ 34/ Green 14
PJ 34/ Maxi 14
Gafford 10/Lively 28/ Maxi 10

No love for Timmy, eh?

Love Timmy! Best cheerleader of all time

Archx · Post #53 » by **Archx** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 3:04 pm

Man... reading some of the stuff from Celtics fans. LAC fans were cocky and confident and so were OKC, Wolves fans... but they were also respectful. Celtics fans are another level of toxicity and disrespect. Holy **** if Mavs win they will come under fire from all directions and it won't be only Mavs fanbase going at them.

fuller4379 · Post #54 » by **fuller4379** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 3:59 pm

GermanFan120 wrote:
Mavrelous wrote:Luka and Kyrie will need to defend this series, PJ/DJJ/Maxi will need to defend and rotate like crazy, Mavs really need Exum in this one, Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.
If Luka and Kyrie drop to 34-36 MPG and are able Exum/Green fill the gaps it'd be great.

Luka 34/Exum 14
Kyrie 34/ Exum 10/Green 4
DJJ 34/ Green 14
PJ 34/ Maxi 14
Gafford 10/Lively 28/ Maxi 10

No love for Timmy, eh?

I guess we will see if THJ plays any in the finals after three straight DNP. He took 1 shot in the entire Wolves series after playing more significant minutes against Oklahoma.

Post #55 » by **Mavrelous** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 4:04 pm

Archx wrote:Man... reading some of the stuff from Celtics fans. LAC fans were cocky and confident and so were OKC, Wolves fans... but they were are respectful. Celtics fans are another level of toxicity and disrespect. Holy **** if Mavs win they will come under fire from all directions and it won't be only Mavs fanbase going at them.

Insufferable bunch, I no longer open the threads, it's really pathetic...

daoneandonly · Post #56 » by **daoneandonly** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 5:12 pm

WHile we need Exum to step up and play quality minutes this series, he's all but proven when the lights shine, he shrinks.

Bob8 · Post #57 » by **Bob8** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 5:19 pm

Mavrelous wrote:Luka and Kyrie will need to defend this series, PJ/DJJ/Maxi will need to defend and rotate like crazy, Mavs really need Exum in this one, Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.
If Luka and Kyrie drop to 34-36 MPG and are able Exum/Green fill the gaps it'd be great.

Luka 34/Exum 14
Kyrie 34/ Exum 10/Green 4
DJJ 34/ Green 14
PJ 34/ Maxi 14
Gafford 10/Lively 28/ Maxi 10

I would like, but don't believe this will be series for Exum. Celtics have to many good defenders on guard position and he plays the best, when he isn't under defensive pressure. Maybe if Luka forces doubles and blitzes on him, but Celtics normally plays straight.

dirkules_41 · Post #58 » by **dirkules_41** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 5:26 pm

Mavrelous wrote:
Archx wrote:Man... reading some of the stuff from Celtics fans. LAC fans were cocky and confident and so were OKC, Wolves fans... but they were are respectful. Celtics fans are another level of toxicity and disrespect. Holy **** if Mavs win they will come under fire from all directions and it won't be only Mavs fanbase going at them.

Insufferable bunch, I no longer open the threads, it's really pathetic...

As a Bruins fan I'm very familiar with Boston sports fans but the stuff these arrogant pricks post right now is next level. I guess most are Pats fans and they're insufferable too so...

Post #59 » by **Mavrelous** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 5:27 pm

Bob8 wrote:
Mavrelous wrote:Luka and Kyrie will need to defend this series, PJ/DJJ/Maxi will need to defend and rotate like crazy, Mavs really need Exum in this one, Gafford will be played off the floor IMO.
If Luka and Kyrie drop to 34-36 MPG and are able Exum/Green fill the gaps it'd be great.

Luka 34/Exum 14
Kyrie 34/ Exum 10/Green 4
DJJ 34/ Green 14
PJ 34/ Maxi 14
Gafford 10/Lively 28/ Maxi 10

I would like, but don't believe this will be series for Exum. Celtics have to many good defenders on guard position and he plays the best, when he isn't under defensive pressure. Maybe if Luka forces doubles and blitzes on him, but Celtics normally plays straight.

Must try, Hardy and Green will be stripped in 2 seconds by Jrue and White, just maintain dribble, probe and pass to semi open shooter, and of course defend...

Post #60 » by **Mavrelous** » Mon Jun 3, 2024 5:29 pm

dirkules_41 wrote:
Mavrelous wrote:
Archx wrote:Man... reading some of the stuff from Celtics fans. LAC fans were cocky and confident and so were OKC, Wolves fans... but they were are respectful. Celtics fans are another level of toxicity and disrespect. Holy **** if Mavs win they will come under fire from all directions and it won't be only Mavs fanbase going at them.

Insufferable bunch, I no longer open the threads, it's really pathetic...

As a Bruins fan I'm very familiar with Boston sports fans but the stuff these arrogant pricks post right now is next level. I guess most are Pats fans and they're insufferable too so...

My only familiarity is from "Cheers" TV show, Wolves fans were also arrogant, but these guys are next level...