Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions June 17th 2024

Back Home, Celtics Try Again to Close Out Kyrie Irving, Mavericks

As the Boston Celtics gear up for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Leading the series 3-1 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics have the opportunity to clinch their 18th championship. Adding an extra layer of intrigue, former Celtics player Kyrie Irving returns to TD Garden, now a pivotal figure for the Mavericks.

Kyrie Irving’s Return to Boston

Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston is a major talking point. Once a key player for the Celtics from 2017 to 2019, Irving’s departure to the Brooklyn Nets turned him into a controversial figure among Boston fans. His presence has reignited old animosities, with chants echoing through the arena during the first two games of the series.

Reflecting on his time in Boston, Irving expressed some regret. “Now being older with hindsight looking back, I definitely would have taken time to know the people in the community and talked to some of the champions that have come before me,” he admitted. Despite the hostility, Irving seems to have made peace with his place in Boston’s history.

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The Celtics’ Championship Pursuit

For the Celtics, the focus is on securing their 18th NBA title. A win in Game 5 would not only close out the series but also mark a significant milestone in the franchise’s storied history. Coach Joe Mazzulla, however, is keeping the team grounded. He stressed the importance of fundamentals over historical accolades. “That will never happen if you don’t run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing,” he emphasized.

Review of Game 4

Boston’s performance in Game 4 was lackluster, resulting in a 122-84 blowout loss. Jayson Tatum, who led the team with 15 points, acknowledged the pressure they faced. “I think we maybe put too much pressure on ourselves at that moment to be perfect or think it was going to go how we wanted it to go,” Tatum said. Coach Mazzulla reminded the team to balance pressure with enjoyment, reinforcing that it’s okay to smile during high-pressure moments.

Mavericks’ Challenge

The Mavericks, despite being down 3-0, showed resilience in Game 4 with a commanding victory. Luka Doncic scored 29 points, and Irving added 21 to keep Dallas’ hopes alive. They aim to make history by becoming the first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. “I think the most important thing is to show that we believe,” Doncic stated. Their Game 4 performance demonstrated their belief and ability to compete.

Historical Context

Adding to the drama, Monday marks the 16-year anniversary of the Celtics’ last championship win in 2008. This historical context provides an emotional backdrop to the game, reminding fans and players alike of the team’s rich legacy and the significance of this potential victory.