DALLAS, TX – With the Celtics in and the Mavericks about to punch their ticket, we’re set up for an interesting finals match-up. Both semi-finals series were similar in that the Pacers and the Wolves were right there until the end in most games, but fell short in crunch time to a more poised opponent. In Dallas, the story has been the great play of Luca Doncic and the rise from the ashes of one Kyrie Irving. The mercurial lightning rod guard didn’t find much interest in his services in the offseason, but the Mavs took a chance on him and it has paid off.
Luca and Kyrie, Sitting in a Tree
When the Mavs traded for Kyrie and then resigned him, I didn’t think he could co-exist with Doncic. The ball dominance required by Luca was sure to rankle Kyrie at some point. Boy was I, and everyone else, dead wrong. Kyrie’s reanimation has been fun to watch.
Instead of butting heads, Kyrie refers to Doncic as his “hermano.” And Luca has been effusive in his praise of Irving, saying he learns from him every day. It’s easy to forget that Luca is still only 25-years old.
Irving is the emotional, veteran leader of this team, as his teammates are quick to point out. Kyrie was talking the talk after pulling out their third straight close one against the Timberwolves, “the job is not done.”
It’s worth noting that the Mavs didn’t really find their stride until the in-season acquisitions of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington at the trade deadline. They didn’t look like they were going anywhere before that. But their defense improved from mediocre to best in the league after the trade. Suddenly they had a good mix of role players to support the two stars.
The Two-Star Formula
This is the most championship formula. The Nuggets did it last year with their two stars Jokic and Murray, and a solid group pf role players. I believe one reason why the Knicks worked better as a team after they traded RJ Barrett is because you can’t have three guys who need the ball. It doesn’t work.
The T-Wolves have the rising star Anthony Edwards, but Karl- Anthony Towns has not done his part. While the Pacers have a lot of solid players but no superstars. Is Haliburton a star? Maybe if he can get healthy, we’ll see.
The Celtics have had their two stars for a while, but they may have found the right mix of role players in the off-season. Most notably Jrue Holiday, who made some big plays to close out game 3 and 4. If they can get the Unicorn Porzingis healthy in time for the finals, they’re going to be tough to beat.
Kyrie going in to Boston is going to be a whole lot of fun. The haters will be out in force and Celtics will be the favorites. But the Mavs have a chance. They’re hot at the right time.
Come back tomorrow for a guy who is nothing but fun, Angry Ward.
