NBA Notes: Cavs, Celtics, Pelicans, Mavericks, Doncic

Cavaliers View Celtics as Biggest NBA Playoff Obstacle

Cleveland knows that the road to an NBA championship runs through Boston. With the Celtics confident that they are the best team in the East, the Cavaliers are eager to prove they can compete with the defending champions when they meet for the final time this regular season on Friday.

“We still have to prove we can beat them, beat them at their place,” Cavaliers assistant coach Kenny Atkinson told The Athletic. “I think we go in there, kind of guns blazing, go for the win, whatever it takes, throw everything at them. And then after that game, we can kind of step back and say, ‘Hey, what can we do in the playoffs?’”

Cleveland has dropped two of three matchups against Boston this season, making this upcoming showdown a crucial measuring stick for a potential postseason battle.

Pelicans Convert Brandon Boston Jr.’s Deal, Sign Jalen Crutcher

The Pelicans are locking in Brandon Boston Jr. for the long haul, converting his two-way contract into a two-year standard NBA deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. To fill the vacated two-way spot, New Orleans is bringing in G League standout Jalen Crutcher.

Boston, who was approaching the limit of 50 games on his two-way contract, has been a reliable contributor this season, averaging 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Injuries have slowed him down recently, but the Pelicans see him as a key piece moving forward.

Meanwhile, Crutcher has impressed in the G League, putting up 18.1 points and 6.8 assists per game for the Birmingham Squadron. New Orleans is giving him another shot after a brief 10-day stint last season.

Luka Dončić Reflects on Emotional Matchup Against Mavericks

Luka Dončić knew facing the Mavericks would stir up emotions, and that proved true in the Lakers’ 107-99 win over Dallas. Despite a rough shooting night, Dončić helped Los Angeles secure a victory in a game full of tension and high stakes.

“I don’t know, it felt so weird,” Dončić admitted postgame. “At moments, I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing and I’m glad we got a win.”

For Dončić, this was more than just another game. Facing his former team, the superstar acknowledged that getting through this matchup was an important step in moving on from the blockbuster trade. “The closure is going to take a while. I’m glad this game is over. A lot of emotions. Every day is better.”