2024 NBA FINALS: #1 Boston Celtics vs #5 Dallas Mavericks (Game 1: Thursday June 6th)

[BliscoSantos]

Thread on Boston board is as arrogant as here, if not more. I might understand being arrogant in GB, but being arrogant among themselves cries about insecurity. There's 0 talk about basketball, just how they will humiliate Mavs. I wonder what will happen there, if Mavs win game 1 or 2? I guess total meltdown.

Certainly no arrogance in any other teams forum. I guess it’s called confidence.

There was a poster complaining about how he went to the Celtics forum and saw some fans complaining about Joe and wanting him fired.

At the same time, there were some Heat fans complaining about Spo in the same way.

Some people see what they want to see.

Confidence and arrogance don't have much in common. Confident fan will discuss basketball and how their team should play to win. Arrogant fan will just say, we have already won and that's what can be seen on Boston board and majority of Celtics fans here.

It's Finals, favourites don't win always and anyone who makes Finals is for sure pretty good.

It's been the same when Mavs played OKC and Wolves...fans of Both teams were claiming the Mavs pose no threat and that they will eliminate them in 4 ,5 games max...Both fanbases got humbled, here's to hoping Mavs humble one more fan base...Celtics have the better team(starting five) but the Mavs have two superstars and solid role pieces,and they're playing amazing...so far they've adjusted to every opponent...i'm sure it Will be a dog fight between the two finalists

[Bob8]

Then you’d see more than 12 people vote for a sweep in here my friend.

You can read yourself what is the sentiment of Boston board.

Most are Celtics in 5 or 6. This makes sense as it is reflected as the top 2 odds in the betting markets

Most Mavs fans are Mavs in 6 which makes sense, as it’s the top odds for the betting markets.

It seems to me that we're not reading the same board.

[PedroFlu]

Celtics are winning this fairly easily.

But I have to admit I havent really watched Dallas this postseason... I just dont really trust them, and I think this Boston team is indeed obscenely good.

[Special_Puppy]

Why is there such a big divergence between the public+pundits (who think that the series is a tossup or even that the Mavs are favored) and Vegas+”Sharps” (who think that the Celtics have a clear advantage)

[Romeiro Celtic]

Celtics are winning this fairly easily.

But I have to admit I havent really watched Dallas this postseason... I just dont really trust them, and I think this Boston team is indeed obscenely good.

Well, you could've just kept that for yourself, honestly. If you haven't watched Dallas at all this PO, then why can you even make a bold statement like this? It's not like you're even trying

[CD_41]

Celtics are winning this fairly easily.

But I have to admit I havent really watched Dallas this postseason... I just dont really trust them, and I think this Boston team is indeed obscenely good.

Even IF the Celtics win the title (which I believe in, too) posts like this make me sad.
If you have no idea about the Mavs playing style, you can't have a solid opinion on how this will shake out.
Since there are just two teams left, a lot of people will have correct predictions and can convince themselves that
they had a great gut feeling or whatever.

Again, I think that the Celtics are the favorite for a reason, but this is just lazy.

[Mavrelous]

Funny how saying Kyrie is better than Tatum is peak homerism, they are close in all advanced metrics and counting stats except rebounding, with slight advantage to Tatum, while same people will argue Tatum Vs Luka when they are nowhere near each other in counting stats and in advanced metrics.
I think Tatum is clearly a better player than Kyrie, but the distance from Kyrie to Tatum ( Both ~5 BPM, ~4.5 EPM, WS/48 favours Tatum .189 to .169) is significantly shorter than the distance from Tatum to Luka (10 BPM, 8 EPM, .22 WS/48), if you argue the latter, you lose any ground mocking the former...

[Celts17Pride]

Funny how saying Kyrie is better than Tatum is peak homerism, they are close in all advanced metrics and counting stats except rebounding, with slight advantage to Tatum, while same people will argue Tatum Vs Luka when they are nowhere near each other in counting stats and in advanced metrics.
I think Tatum is clearly a better player than Kyrie, but the distance from Kyrie to Tatum ( Both ~5 BPM, ~4.5 EPM, WS/48 favours Tatum .189 to .169) is significantly shorter than the distance from Tatum to Luka (10 BPM, 8 EPM, .22 WS/48), if you argue the latter, you lose any ground mocking the former...

Basketball is a team game and that is where the Mavs are going to lose this series.

[Mavrelous]

Funny how saying Kyrie is better than Tatum is peak homerism, they are close in all advanced metrics and counting stats except rebounding, with slight advantage to Tatum, while same people will argue Tatum Vs Luka when they are nowhere near each other in counting stats and in advanced metrics.
I think Tatum is clearly a better player than Kyrie, but the distance from Kyrie to Tatum ( Both ~5 BPM, ~4.5 EPM, WS/48 favours Tatum .189 to .169) is significantly shorter than the distance from Tatum to Luka (10 BPM, 8 EPM, .22 WS/48), if you argue the latter, you lose any ground mocking the former...

Basketball is a team game and that is where the Mavs are going to lose this series.

Absolutely, it's a team game, and I hate the stan culture, but if this is what's argued then that's how we respond, soon Mavs will beat Celtics and we can move on to newer arguments

[MassimoPayne]

Talking about the team, Luka and Kyrie are making their teammates better and the best verions of themselves. Can't say that about Tatum and Brown.

[sunsbg]

Talking about the team, Luka and Kyrie are making their teammates better and the best verions of themselves. Can't say that about Tatum and Brown.

Both teams have the right role players around Luka/Kyrie and Tatum/Brown. Did Luka made KP show his best version ? Now he's doing that next to Tatum and Brown who are not PGs anyway. Quite a contrast between these two combos and teams, which makes this series so interesting.

[Texas Chuck]

Why is there such a big divergence between the public+pundits (who think that the series is a tossup or even that the Mavs are favored) and Vegas+”Sharps” (who think that the Celtics have a clear advantage)

Vegas doesn't care who is going to win. They care about evening out bets so they make money on the juice with no risk.

Their goal is different. I also don't think the educated public/pundits are favoring Dallas. Oh some select people are obviously. And you have a lot of blowhards who like to pick the underdog because when they are right they think it makes them so brave for picking them and they want to thump their chest later.

I also have no idea why so many are concerned about this. Boston won way more games, has an all-time SRS, has a much deeper starting lineup and play a style that on paper is tough for how Dallas likes to defend and they have multiple defenders for both stars. They are a clear paper favorite and should be.

On the flip side, Dallas has become a very good defensive team and have two absolutely elite offensive players. To suggest they don't have a chance is just the height of ignorance. You can be an underdog with a chance. And Dallas is that.

[Mr B]

First thing I’m watching for is if Celtics switch their centers when luka runs pick and roll. Will the Celtics put their centers on Derrick jones or pj Washington to force luka to use those guys as screeners?

The Celtics have done a good job this postseason of hitting the pressure points and hunting the right matchups. Will the mavs double when Tatum/brown hunt Luka/kyrie?

If the Celtics continue to hit the right notes especially in crunch time, it’s their series. If Luka leads the dance and stresses the Celtics centers then mavs have a good chance.

This should be fun so let’s get it!

You do realize that Luka can call for anyone to set the screen right? Luka will always get the more favorable matchup to switch on to him. It’s not just centers he picks on.

Oh I know he can but the centers are the easiest matchup and if they switch I’m curious to see if the Celtics double. They haven’t done that all season.

This chess match is going to be fun.

I expect they will double Luka. OKC and Minnesota tried doubling and blitzing Luka to get the ball out of his hands, it didn’t work. It lead to a ton of lob passes and a lot of corner 3’s. Luka has been really good at finding the open man when he’s doubled or blitzed.

[Mr B]

First thing I’m watching for is if Celtics switch their centers when luka runs pick and roll. Will the Celtics put their centers on Derrick jones or pj Washington to force luka to use those guys as screeners?

The Celtics have done a good job this postseason of hitting the pressure points and hunting the right matchups. Will the mavs double when Tatum/brown hunt Luka/kyrie?

If the Celtics continue to hit the right notes especially in crunch time, it’s their series. If Luka leads the dance and stresses the Celtics centers then mavs have a good chance.

This should be fun so let’s get it!

You do realize that Luka can call for anyone to set the screen right? Luka will always get the more favorable matchup to switch on to him. It’s not just centers he picks on.

Who is he going to pick on?

It depends. Luka has run the P&R with everyone. (Not at the same time obviously). Usually it’s with whoever is guarding the centers but he’s run it with PJ, DJJ, and Green. Hell he even runs it with Maxi. They also run a lot of double screens. Whoever ends up on Luka always ends up on his hip. At that point he’s already in the lane and can either throw the lob, pass to the open man for a 3 or just toss in the floater.

If the C’s blitz Luka with Lively in the game we have been seeing Lively then make more times than not hit the open man for a 3. Don’t underestimate Lively’s ability to pass, he’s actually really good at it.

[Mr B]

Read on Twitter

This Game 1 is the best chance of Mavs to steal a win from Celtics as KP will be rusty and Celtics will need time to accommodate him. Still Celtics in 5 looks like the best bet as per odds.

I wouldn't count on it. The Mavs suck in game 1s and after long layoffs.

As for the series, It's really hard to see a scenario where the Mavs win 4 games. The deck is just stacked too much in the Celtics favor in terms of talent.

Even with KP back, I think the Mavs need to stay big in order to have a chance at this series. I know the numbers are good with Maxi at the 5 and Gafford kinda sucks in space but I feel like they need to control the paint to have a shot.

They haven’t been great in game 1’s under Kidd however they did win game 1 against Minn (actually won game 1 and game 2 in Minn). So even though they are not great in game 1’s they can win. You seem to be seriously underestimating the Mavs. I honestly hope the Celtics players are reading everything their fans are saying about them.

[Mr B]

Oh come on.

The fact you think it’s ok for Mavs fans to say

1. Gafford is a top 5 centre
2. Kyrie is better than Tatum
3. Mavs will win in 6

But god forbid Boston fans say their team will win in 5 or 6.

As RB says, it goes both ways my friend.

Boston fans are mostly between 4 and 5, mostly blowouts, 6 is already a big outliner, 7 as likely as Zombie apocalypse. ( I barrow that from Wolves fans.)

If only there was some type of poll option where we could see if this was true. Oh wait there is.

More people currently have Mavs winning a sweep than the Celtics. Whoops! Might want to rethink what you’re saying there

Wait, are Celtics fans actually now trying to convince themselves that you’re the underdog in this series? How can you think the Celtics are underdogs even though you think the Mavs have zero chance of winning?

Boston fans are a trip! Lol

[Bob8]

Talking about the team, Luka and Kyrie are making their teammates better and the best verions of themselves. Can't say that about Tatum and Brown.

Both teams have the right role players around Luka/Kyrie and Tatum/Brown. Did Luka made KP show his best version ? Now he's doing that next to Tatum and Brown who are not PGs anyway. Quite a contrast between these two combos and teams, which makes this series so interesting.

KP biggest problem was and is being healthy. He was injured in 1st series against Clippers and he played only 43 games next year.

[Mr B]

Why is there such a big divergence between the public+pundits (who think that the series is a tossup or even that the Mavs are favored) and Vegas+”Sharps” (who think that the Celtics have a clear advantage)

Because most Celtics fans haven’t watched or paid any attention to what Dallas has been doing. They expect the Mavs to be the Pacers or the Cavs, but they’re not. The Mavs are MUCH better than any team the Celtics have faced. A good majority of Celtics fans seem to believe that this is just a formality they they win the Championship. Pundits actually watch the games. They see the Mavs are really good. They see the level of competition the Celtics have faced and know they are going to have trouble with Dallas.

[Jaqua92]

Funny how saying Kyrie is better than Tatum is peak homerism, they are close in all advanced metrics and counting stats except rebounding, with slight advantage to Tatum, while same people will argue Tatum Vs Luka when they are nowhere near each other in counting stats and in advanced metrics.
I think Tatum is clearly a better player than Kyrie, but the distance from Kyrie to Tatum ( Both ~5 BPM, ~4.5 EPM, WS/48 favours Tatum .189 to .169) is significantly shorter than the distance from Tatum to Luka (10 BPM, 8 EPM, .22 WS/48), if you argue the latter, you lose any ground mocking the former...

Tatum isn't necessarily too close to Luka, but he's closer to Luka than Kyrie is to Tatum.

Jesus Christ man lol. Kyrie scores more effeciently in isolation. Tatum is still capable of being a 30ppg scorer on 60%ts. Kyrie can't run an offense like Tatum can, can't be an offensive engine like Tatum can, and certainty doesn't have the defensive impact Tatum does.

Tatum isn't the offensive player Luka is, and I'm not saying his defense makes him equal, but the defensive gap, and his own ability to run an offense has him closer to Luka than Kyrie is to him.

[Jaqua92]

Why is there such a big divergence between the public+pundits (who think that the series is a tossup or even that the Mavs are favored) and Vegas+”Sharps” (who think that the Celtics have a clear advantage)

Because most Celtics fans haven’t watched or paid any attention to what Dallas has been doing. They expect the Mavs to be the Pacers or the Cavs, but they’re not. The Mavs are MUCH better than any team the Celtics have faced. A good majority of Celtics fans seem to believe that this is just a formality they they win the Championship. Pundits actually watch the games. They see the Mavs are really good. They see the level of competition the Celtics have faced and know they are going to have trouble with Dallas.

The Pacers are a better offensive team than Dallas.

But the whole "who did they play to get here" thing is nonsense. Most of this Celtic core had an extremely tough path to the finals in 2022, and they're battle tested and playoff experienced... WAY more so than the Mavs..but because KP and Jrue are here, and and they haven't played the best competition, they're suddenly gonna get steamrolled?

Dallas fans are acting like they're going to steamroll the Celtics.

I've watched nearly ever game this post season. Sure, Dallas will be their best test...it's the NBA finals. But Dallas has not played on offense nearly as potentent as Boston's, and they haven't played a defense nearly as well matched as Boston's..

Celtics are the best offensive and defensive team Dallas will face. Dallas is the best defensive team Celtics will face, and the second best offensive team..Celtics still had a historically great regular season, and playoff run now.

The series will be competitive, but it's utterly assinine, and bad faith arguing to suggest that Celtics being favored is an egregious take.

This is Boston hatred. Nothing more.