Step Back, 5 stories from the NBA Finals: Episode 12
Twelfth episode of the new segment Dunkest: this time we’ll talk about the rivalry between Irving and the Celtics, Porzingis, Tatum, Lively’s record, and Jason Kidd
In the latest episode of StepBack: 5 stories from the NBA Finals about to kick off.
Kyrie Irving didn’t leave a good memory in Boston
The unfulfilled promise to stay in Boston when his contract was up, the dismal playoffs in 2019, the agreement at the All-Star Game with KD and the move to the Nets, the contentious return as an opponent with the stomped logo: they’ve already taken aim at TD Garden, the target on former Kyrie Irving’s back is pretty big indeed.
Speaking of former players… Porzingis is ready to return to the court
Between the injury against Miami and the tip-off of game-1 of the Finals, 38 days have passed: enough recovery time to see Kristaps Porzingis back on the court (out for 70% of the 2024 playoff games) – the one Dallas had acquired in 2019 to win the title and who is now the opponent to overcome to get back on top of the NBA.
Is there really discord between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?
Coach Mazzulla dismissed rumors of discord between the two Boston stars as ‘clickbait’ – following the decision to award Brown, not Tatum, the MVP of the Conference Finals: there have never been any issues on the court, on the contrary – the strength of the Celtics lies in the distribution of responsibilities, no discord at all.
Dereck Lively II didn’t miss a shot in the Conference Finals
A season and playoffs to remember for Dereck Lively II, capped off against the T’Wolves with a perfect 16/16 from the field – no one had ever shot that much maintaining a 100% shooting percentage. A special rookie, who carries the memory of mom Kathy in his heart – who passed away last April and who “watches from above” her prodigy.
From point guard to head coach: Mavs in the Finals under Kidd’s leadership
The common thread between the last NBA Finals Dallas participated in is not only Mark Cuban’s figure (who sold part of the franchise in recent months) and the European-born superstar as the group’s leader but also Jason Kidd: metronome on the court in 2011 and conductor on the bench in 2024. Will he win again this time?”