NBA FINALS, Gm 1 – Mavericks @ Celtics – 8:30PM, Thurs, June 6, 2024

[brackdan70]

Re watched both mavs celts games, biggest takeaway is Boston scored easily in the paint

Game 1, they didn't have Gafford. G2, he played just six minutes.

Gafford was KP's backup on their previous team.

I learned on the general board that Gafford, Lively, Jones jr and Washington are all elite defenders. I also learned that the Mavs are a different team now and that the Cs won’t be able to score inside, and the Mavs will either get a lob dunk or a Luka 3 on every possession. It’s hopeless.

[tfribs45]

Game 1, they didn't have Gafford. G2, he played just six minutes.

Gafford was KP's backup on their previous team.

I learned on the general board that Gafford, Lively, Jones jr and Washington are all elite defenders. I also learned that the Mavs are a different team now and that the Cs won’t be able to score inside, and the Mavs will either get a lob dunk or a Luka 3 on every possession. It’s hopeless.

soon the noise will all go away!!! That general board is infested with hate and unbearable. The Saltiness is at an all time high!

[165bows]

Game 1, they didn't have Gafford. G2, he played just six minutes.

Gafford was KP's backup on their previous team.

I learned on the general board that Gafford, Lively, Jones jr and Washington are all elite defenders. I also learned that the Mavs are a different team now and that the Cs won’t be able to score inside, and the Mavs will either get a lob dunk or a Luka 3 on every possession. It’s hopeless.

It's like since they didn't see those guys much that they are total mysteries. Ie, Tatum lights no team up like the Charlotte Hornets, KP played with Gafford, etc. Celtics know these players very well.

If there is any x-factor at all it's that they haven't seen much of Lively, but I don't give a 19 year old the advantage against a whole team of prime-age, playoff-tested vets, more the other way around.

[London2Boston]

I would not read too much into what other fanbases are saying. Their narrative will change very quickly in a few weeks. It will soon become "Of course Luka and Kyrie had no chance. This is the easiest title ever", but they can cry us a river then.

[CelticsPride18]

The latest Zach Lowe podcast is a massive Mavs/Luka glazefest. They are only discussing Dallas counters.

[fallguy]

The latest Zach Lowe podcast is a massive Mavs/Luka glazefest. They are only discussing Dallas counters.

Zach picked Celtics in 6.

[Gant]

The Boston Globe and Dallas Morning News writers pick their Finals winner:

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2024/06/05/who-will-win-nba-finals-writers-from-dallas-boston-make-their-mavs-celtics-predictions/

[The Corey's]

there's no Draymond in this series who's gonna be a fly on **** with Tatum or brown. The whistle should go out way as the established team to beat with mavs being the new comer to this stage.

It's the Celtics title to lose. I don't care how much Luka goes off, they dont have the guns to keep him over a 7 game series is everyone plays to their established level.

Celtics in 5 because I don't anticipate Dallas new comers to step up. I don't expect for them to hold the Celtics to the level of scoring they held the Wolves to. OKC was one bull foul away from pushing it 7 and were way better than OKC. Not sure why Dallas fans seem to think not.

I'm ready baby

[KingofTheClay]

Boston in 7,

Luka and Kyrie go off but Celtics win it at home in front of fans


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[Fierce1]

Boston in 7,

Luka and Kyrie go off but Celtics win it at home in front of fans


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You're giving Luka and Kyrie way too much credit.

[Fierce1]

Take Tatum out of the equation then the series goes to a Game 7.

[ddb]

Some thoughts.....We've all had plenty of time to gather our thoughts on the finals and what's to come.

First of all, this is the perfect opportunity for Jayson Tatum to shut up his naysayers. The "experts" and "insiders" who are so quick to praise Luka, SGA, Giannis, and Ant and then bash Tatum. I can't think of a young star who's had as much success as Tatum but continues to be roasted on a daily basis. Here's the deal. There are 4 accomplishments left for Tatum to capture. NBA Title, Finals MVP, League MVP, and an All-Defensive team. He can cross off two of those over the next week or so.

If the Celtics can complete their mission and win the title, the JT/JB narrative completely changes. It would go from, "They're the Buffalo Bills, they can't win the big one, should the Celtics make a trade" to "How many titles can they win together? If they can win 2, 3, or 4 titles where will they stack up historically against the other all-time greats...."

I say all of this because this truly is pivotal finals appearance for JT/JB and for the franchise. If they lose, I still think they can win one together in Boston. But they would be trending more towards the Paul Pierce, KG (let's at least win 1) grouping.

I WANT to say Celtics in 5. They do seem like a team on a mission. Their top 6 is as good as it gets. But I do worry about the health of Porzingis. If he's not close to 100% this series could go 7. Luka is good enough to win a game or two on his own. Kyrie is good enough to steal one.

[Memokerobi]

The Boston Globe and Dallas Morning News writers pick their Finals winner:

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2024/06/05/who-will-win-nba-finals-writers-from-dallas-boston-make-their-mavs-celtics-predictions/

Mavs in 5 is delusion at best lol

[Fierce1]

If JT will be aggressive, like in Game 4 against Indy, from the start then the Mavs won't know what hit them.

JT hasn't scored 40 yet in this year's playoffs.

Like I said, not so long ago, he's saving the best for last.

[Parasite]

Boston in 7,

Luka and Kyrie go off but Celtics win it at home in front of fans


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You're giving Luka and Kyrie way too much credit.

Luka is a once in a generation offensive talent and Kyrie is elite on that end as well. How is he giving them too much credit?

[Fierce1]

Boston in 7,

Luka and Kyrie go off but Celtics win it at home in front of fans


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You're giving Luka and Kyrie way too much credit.

Luka is a once in a generation offensive talent and Kyrie is elite on that end as well. How is he giving them too much credit?

Two elite guys not enough to beat this Celtics team.

Maybe the 2022 Celtics, but not this 2024 team.

[ddb]

I'm beyond anxious to see how Tatum performs in this series. If he's truly elite, like I believe he is, he will dominate. I can understand the ups and downs over the first couple rounds. Honestly, I think the team knew they were winning those series. But it's time. It's the finals. He's been there before. He knows what to expect. He's more mature now as a player. He needs to show up and show out. This is HIS time. And that doesn't mean he needs to be taking all the shots and forcing anything. I want to see him play the right way. Make the right reads. Rebound, defend, facilitate.... get to the free throw line. Make big shots. I want to see box scores showing 32pts 11rebs 8assist with awesome defense. Perhaps a 46pt game mixed in where he carries the team down the stretch.

LFG!

[Fierce1]

Tatum will dominate.

Nobody on the Mavs can guard JT.

No Draymond, no Nesmith, no Embiid, and no Miami Heat defense.

If Mavs opt to double Tatum and not allow Tatum to beat the Mavs, JT will average a triple-double.

[playa-hater]

OK I was calm for the last 8 days while waiting. Held back a lot of talking... But it is getting so close.. Blood pressure building. This series can't start soon enough.. I am so pumped I am going to try dunking today.. Though I haven't touched the backboard in 10 years

It's like being stuck in Purgatory and Tomorrow we start finding out if we ascend to Heaven or Go to Hell ... God, I have tried to be good... please reward me/us..

[London2Boston]

My anxiety will not handle a game 7 at home. Please win it before then