DALLAS — In addition to airing every game of the 2024 NBA Finals on our station, WFAA is also hosting a special presentation called "The Pregame" before each and every matchup in the series. Head here for more information.
13 years after winning their lone championship in franchise history, the Dallas Mavericks return to the NBA Finals.
It's the Mavs' third trip to the Finals but it's their first against an opponent not named the Miami Heat.
No Dwyane Wade. No Big Three. Instead, the Mavericks will square off against the #1 team in the league for the last eight months.
The Boston Celtics had the NBA's best record in the regular season and are the number one seed in the East.
The series will begin in Boston for Games 1 and 2. Here are three things to watch for heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals:
The Celtics' homecourt advantage
During the regular season, the C's went 37-4 at the TD Garden – the best home record in the NBA since 2016.
In the postseason, that home record has "dipped" to 6-2. Still, the Celtics are the best home team in basketball.
The Garden will be rowdy and loud. Far more than anything the Mavs experienced in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, or Minnesota.
The Mavs want to get out to a fast start regardless, but it would be especially helpful in a raucous road environment.
The Mavs are road dogs
If there's a team equipped to handle the Boston crowd, it's the Mavericks.
The Mavs have gone 7-2 on the road in the NBA Playoffs including five straight victories away from home.
Luka Doncic plays better when opposing fans chirp at him and he will surely get chirped in Beantown.
The Finals matchups feature the best home team versus the postseason's best road team.
Something has to give.
The returns of Kyrie & Kristaps
Two of the most intriguing storylines heading into the Finals are former Celtic/now Maverick Kyrie Irving and former Maverick/current Celtic Kristaps Porzingis.
Celtics fans are not fond of Kyrie, since his departure. And as much as Kyrie looks at peace in Dallas, you would imagine the competitive part of him would like to shut up the Boston crowd with his play.
Porzingis draws less ire from MFFL's but his split from the Mavs was not a cheerful experience either.
You would presume he's motivated to show the Mavericks they messed up by trading him to the Washington Wizards in 2022.
Both players are in the Finals, though. So whatever ill will there may be, is no match for fate (or destiny).
The storylines are plentiful. The on-court matchups are compelling. It should be a fantastic NBA Finals and it starts Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. CT on ABC/WFAA.
