Ah, the joy of sports! The NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks is a wild ride that feels both destined and totally unexpected. It’s like a plot twist in your favorite TV show that you saw coming but still gasped at.

We were so close to seeing this matchup two years ago. Everyone thought Boston would bounce back, even after they got roasted by a barrage of Miami Heat three-pointers last year. But back in spring 2021, the Celtics’ future was shakier than a Jenga tower in an earthquake. They dreamed of a decade-long dominance around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but it seemed as likely as finding a unicorn in your backyard.

The 2020-21 Celtics? They were as average as vanilla ice cream, finishing at .500 and getting smacked out of the playoffs by Brooklyn’s superteam. The Celtics fans still cringe at the memory, whispering tales of woe and “what-ifs” about that series.

Boston’s roster was a disaster movie. Kemba Walker’s knees turned to jelly, young players weren’t ready for prime time, and injuries were as common as Boston accents. But then, in a whirlwind two years, Boston revamped everything. They swapped Walker for the ageless Al Horford and made blockbuster deals for Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics cleaned house like they were prepping for a royal visit.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks were speed-running their own makeover after a 2022 Western Conference finals appearance. They kept only Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Josh Green, and Dwight Powell. Dallas took bigger risks than a gambler in Vegas, including the oopsie of letting Jalen Brunson go, but hey, it worked out as they stunned three of the West’s top-four seeds.

Zoom out, and you see how many near-misses could have wrecked this showdown. Boston had a zillion chances to trade Tatum or Brown for superstars like Paul George or Anthony Davis but stuck to their guns, betting on their dynamic duo. They used their final Nets pick to grab Kyrie Irving, hoping he’d attract Davis to Boston. Then, five minutes into Gordon Hayward’s debut, he broke his leg, and the Celtics’ master plan fell apart faster than a cheap umbrella in a storm.

Irving left, leaving Boston in a daze. More superstar chances came and went, but Boston gambled on continuity, praying Tatum and Brown would open a long-term championship window. They did, and now it’s do-or-die time.

Dallas? They were in NBA purgatory after their glorious 2011 title, wandering the desert until they found Doncic in 2018. Their pre-Doncic roster was a mess, like a garage sale after a tornado. Doncic was their savior.

As Boston adjusted post-Irving, Dallas did the same with the Doncic-Porzingis experiment, trading Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. They later included Dinwiddie in the heist that brought Irving from Brooklyn. Now, Irving and Porzingis face their exes, and it’s more dramatic than a reality TV reunion.

No one can stop a force like Doncic. Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, might start Brown on Doncic and Holiday on Irving. These two can switch up the Doncic-Irving dance moves, which is essential against Dallas. The real drama? Who will Porzingis guard. It’s like a game of musical chairs, with Porzingis likely ending up somewhere other than his assigned seat.

Boston knows Doncic wants to feast on Porzingis and Horford, the weakest links in their defensive chain. When Dallas forces a switch, Boston will sometimes let Doncic and Irving try their luck solo, praying they miss. Other times, they’ll send the cavalry, even if it leaves gaps elsewhere.

The Celtics will mix it up, making Doncic’s life as tricky as navigating a maze blindfolded. Dallas’ centers will guard Porzingis on defense, meaning he might get stuck on them after a switch. Boston will strive to get the matchups they want, even though it’s like herding cats.

So here we are, in the NBA Finals, with Boston and Dallas ready to battle it out. It’s a clash of titans, strategy, and a bit of luck. Grab your popcorn, because this is going to be a show to remember!

How to Tame a Wild Doncic: The only way to keep Luka Doncic in check is to assemble a squad of top-tier defenders who are big, fast, and sneaky. Throw a bunch of different tactics at him until he starts overthinking his every move. On a good day, you’ll smother his favorite spots without letting the wrong shooters loose. The aim is to slowly chip away at the Mavericks’ scoring efficiency, winning little battles over each 24-second shot clock. Now repeat that process 90 or 100 more times. Easy peasy, right?

The Exhaustion of Defending Doncic: Playing against a relentless on-ball wizard like Doncic can be mentally draining. You win one possession, and boom, he’s back, probing for weaknesses, forcing you to stay on high alert every second.

Porzingis’s Role: Porzingis will drop back against Doncic – that’s Boston’s go-to move. This keeps the defenders glued to the Mavs’ 3-point shooters. Boston loves winning the math battle, you see.

NBA Finals Schedule: Grab your popcorn! The Finals kick off on June 6. Catch all the action on ABC.

• Game 1: June 6 at Boston, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 2: June 9 at Boston, 8 p.m.
• Game 3: June 12 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 4: June 14 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 5*: June 17 at Boston, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 6*: June 20 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 7*: June 23 at Boston, 8 p.m. (*If necessary. All times Eastern.)

Corner 3s Showdown: Boston barely allows any corner 3s, while Dallas lives and dies by them. This will be a fascinating duel to watch.

Doncic’s Midrange Magic: Luka isn’t just any ball handler; he’s a floater deity. He can slow down against defenders, make them lose balance, and nail jumpers with ease. He’s also the king of lobs and seeing impossible passing angles.

Porzingis’s Defense Impact: Those fancy floaters and lobs? They get trickier against Porzingis, whose presence tightens shooting windows and angles.

Changing Defensive Schemes: Boston will mix up their schemes against Doncic and Irving. Should they blitz early or wait for Doncic to hurt them first? If Doncic anticipates a blitz, he’ll pick it apart.

Switching Tactics: Boston’s switching game against Doncic is like a high-stakes chess match. The Mavs set picks near half court to counteract blitzes and dropback defenses. Doncic will also hunt Boston’s weaker defenders like Pritchard and Hauser.

Mavs’ Wild Card: Maxi Kleber could be the game-changer. If Dallas plays him at center, it opens up the floor for Doncic and Irving to isolate. The Mavs might prefer their usual big men, but Kleber at center is a sneaky ace up their sleeve.

Boston’s Defensive Strategies: Boston’s stingy transition defense will be tested against Dallas’s new fast-paced game with Irving. The series should be low on turnovers, but any change could tip the balance.

Offensive Dynamics: Porzingis is also crucial on offense. Boston’s best strategy is to force mismatches and take advantage of double teams, leading to open 3s. The Mavs will have to adjust to Boston’s superior shooting.

Celtics’ Strategy Against Doncic: Boston will target Doncic defensively, using quick movements and strategic passes to exploit his weaknesses.

Conclusion: At full strength, Boston can outmatch Dallas by utilizing Horford and Porzingis effectively. The Mavs can win if Doncic and Irving shine, but Boston’s overall strategy gives them a slight edge. Expect Boston to take it in six games.