The Returning Stars Set to Influence the NBA Championship

As the NBA Finals commence with the Boston Celtics squaring off against the Dallas Mavericks, two players will encounter their former teams, each aspiring to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

By: Anna Ciao

06/06/2024 09:42

Former Maverick Kristaps Porzingis is determined to put an end to Boston's championship drought, which extends back to 2008. He confronts a Dallas side that last savored victory in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks boast former Celtic Kyrie Irving, contributing to a formidable Dallas backcourt that clinched a Finals berth with a combination of finesse and tenacity.

The Finals represent the culmination of a season's worth of effort and emotion, intensified by the presence of these two returning stars.

The Celtics' 'Unicorn'

Kristaps Porzingis was selected as the fourth overall pick by the New York Knicks in the 2015 draft.

For 16 years, the Boston Celtics have endured a series of near-misses, what-ifs, and heartbreaking encounters, conditioning their fans to anticipate the worst.

However, as they prepare for their second Finals appearance in two years, the Celtics find themselves with arguably their best opportunity to finally achieve success, thanks to the addition of Kristaps Porzingis.

In a bold and game-changing move last June, the Celtics traded guard Marcus Smart in a three-team deal to acquire center Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. This unexpected trade sent shockwaves through the fanbase, as Smart was considered the heart of the team. However, it signaled Boston's commitment to a championship pursuit.

While Porzingis struggled to find synergy alongside superstar Luka Doncic during his time in Dallas, his development since departing in 2022 could prove troublesome for his former team as he returns from injury, having missed the playoffs thus far.

Nicknamed 'The Unicorn' for his versatile skill set and shooting ability, Porzingis could emerge as the X-factor in the upcoming best-of-seven series.

His proficiency in shooting will compel Dallas to defend the perimeter more aggressively, potentially creating opportunities for stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to exploit, thereby stretching the Mavericks' defense.

Despite facing only two losses in the playoffs, defeating both the injury-plagued Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, and sweeping the Indiana Pacers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference finals, the Celtics boast the league's best regular-season record. Under head coach Joe Mazzulla, they have assembled what is arguably the strongest and most balanced starting five, possibly positioning themselves for championship success.

A maverick returns to Boston

Kyrie Irving spent two seasons in Boston before departing to join the Brooklyn Nets.

For Dallas, all eyes will not only be on how Doncic performs in his first Finals but also on the controversial return of Irving.

Irving, renowned as one of the league's most enigmatic and electrifying players, carries a well-documented and tumultuous history with the Celtics.

His departure from Boston in 2019 left a bitter taste for many fans. Initially indicating he would sign a new deal, Irving's relationship with the organization soured, culminating in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

This series presents Irving with an opportunity for redemption, not only in silencing his critics in Boston but also in proving to the world that he can excel without LeBron James by his side—an accusation that has lingered since his championship win with Cleveland in 2016.

The 32-year-old's exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring prowess, and clutch performances are undeniable. Teamed up with Doncic, he forms one of the most formidable backcourts in recent memory.

Doncic, already established as a generational talent, possesses remarkable vision, court awareness, and scoring ability, making him a nightmare for any defense.

For Irving, this series represents more than just a chance at a title—it's an opportunity to reshape his narrative and solidify his legacy in a city that once rejected him. As for Doncic, it's a chance to elevate his burgeoning career to historic heights.

Despite Boston's defensive strengths, they will face a stern test in managing Irving's explosive drives and Doncic's lethal shooting.

Under the guidance of head coach Jason Kidd, the Mavericks have endured a tougher playoff journey than Boston, overcoming challenges against the LA Clippers, top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, their resilience should serve them well against the elite Celtics team. If their star guards can assert themselves and maintain their high levels of play, the Mavericks have the potential to emerge victorious.

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Written by: Anna Ciao

Anna Ciao is a sports content contributor at Betimate. Born and raised in a rural village in China, I have had a passion for football and various sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, from a young age. Along with diligent studies, I achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 in the English language, and I have become a content contributor specializing in sports, particularly football, as I am today. I hope that my articles are helpful to readers.