Hoops Wire

Tag: Derrick White

  • East Notes: Wizards, Alex Sarr, Celtics, Pacers

    East Notes: Wizards, Alex Sarr, Celtics, Pacers

    Wizards

    Despite shooting 0-of-15 in a rough outing at the Las Vegas Summer League, rookie center/forward Alex Sarr has the type of game-changing potential, particularly defensively, that the Wizards could use.Alex Sarr, NBA, Wizards

    “He’s got such a high-character disposition about him,” Wizards summer coach Cody Toppert said, via Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “He cares about his teammates. I think we want to see a little bit of a killer come out on the court. We want to see a guy who is bringing an aggressive mentality on both sides of the ball, a level of physicality on defense that’s going to establish a baseline for what he’s going to be in the future. And then on the offensive side, it’s got to be a level of aggression. We don’t want him to hide on the offensive end. We want him to hunt action.”

    • Meanwhile, guard Carlton Carrington, the No. 14 overall pick, has also shown flashes of major promise. “I’m just trying to be a leader,” Carrington said, via Robbins. “I came here to play a guard position, and at a guard position, you’ve got to be vocal. So, coach has been staying on me, and some of my older guys have also been helping me throughout that, just trying to keep me active, keep me vocal, just because I have to be one of the leaders on the team.”
    • In case you missed it, the Wizards agreed to a three-year contract with forward Saddiq Bey, formerly of the Hawks. We have the full story here.

    Celtics

    Head of basketball operations Brad Stevens suggested Celtics star Jaylen Brown is likely to be motivated by his Team USA snub.

    “Jaylen’s a great player. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Jaylen could be on any team, any Olympic team in any year,’ Stevens said, via Bobby Manning of Celtics Blog. “But at the end of the day, his approach, he talked about how he called (Derrick White), he talked about his own feelings.

    “Whether he has success, or he gets all the accolades, like Finals MVP or Eastern Conference finals MVP, or he feels like he got left off the team. He’s going to be motivated and hungry regardless. That’s what I’ve always loved about him. He always goes back to work.”

    • Stevens also addressed the fact majority owner Wyc Grousbeck is placing his share of the Celtics up for sale. “I learned not long before everybody else did that was going to happen,” Stevens said. “I’m obviously very thankful for Wyc and his family and everything they’ve done. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens from here. I don’t want to get too far into the weeds of it all, but how does it affect us? It doesn’t really right now … we’re just head down doing what we think is best for the now of the Celtics and the future … we’re lucky we got a good team.”

    Pacers

    Second-round pick and rookie forward Johnny Furphy has been a pleasant surprise for the Pacers’ entry at the Las Vegas Summer League.

    “The Pacers were thrilled he was still on the board at No. 35 in the NBA draft, so they traded up to take him even though they had never met with him or brought him in for a workout because they had him graded as a top-20 player,” wrote Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “General manager Chad Buchanan suggested Furphy might take a while to develop and the Pacers would show patience with him, but he might not require as much patience as they were expecting.”

    • In case you missed it, the Pacers added depth to the frontcourt by signing former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman early in free agency. We have the full story here.
  • Clippers, Team USA Grew Concerned After Kawhi Leonard’s Inconsistency At Practice

    Clippers, Team USA Grew Concerned After Kawhi Leonard’s Inconsistency At Practice

    The Los Angeles Clippers and Team USA grew concerned after watching Kawhi Leonard work out with his fellow Americans at training camp this week, leading to Leonard leaving the team ahead of the Paris Olympics, per Broderick Turner of the LA Times.Kawhi Leonard, Clippers, NBA, Team USA

    Leonard missed 12 of the Clippers’ final 14 games with right knee inflammation. That same issue appears to be what has sidelined him today. He’ll be replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White on the Team USA roster.

    Clippers coach Tyronn Lue is an assistant with Team USA.

    “Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the last several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete,” USA Basketball officials said. “However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”

    USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill added the decision was based on wanting Leonard to be ready for the 2024-25 season.

    “I am happy to announce that Derrick will compete at his first Olympic Games on the heels of a championship season in Boston,” Hill said. “We look forward to him joining the team in the coming days as we continue preparations for Paris.

    “I want to thank Kawhi for his commitment to the USA Men’s National Team. He earned the opportunity to represent the United States, but USA Basketball and Clippers leadership felt it was important to allow Kawhi to prepare for the NBA season.”

    Leonard’s knee reportedly showed improvement over the past two weeks, but clearly, not enough for him to risk it at the Olympics.

    Team USA plays its first exhibition game Wednesday night, vs. Team Canada.

  • Derrick White To Replace Injured Kawhi Leonard With Team USA

    Derrick White To Replace Injured Kawhi Leonard With Team USA

    Boston Celtics guard Derrick White will replace injured Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard with Team USA, per NBA insider Marc J. Spears of Andscape.Derrick White, Celtics, NBA, Team USA

    Team USA later made the announcement official in a press release.

    Leonard missed 12 of the Clippers’ final 14 games with inflammation in his right knee. It is believed that issue is causing him not to join the rest of the Americans in Paris.

    “Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the last several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete,” USA Basketball officials said. “However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”

    White recently signed a four-year extension worth $126 million with the defending champion Celtics. He averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists this past season.

    “I am happy to announce that Derrick will compete at his first Olympic Games on the heels of a championship season in Boston,” USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill said. “We look forward to him joining the team in the coming days as we continue preparations for Paris.

    “I want to thank Kawhi for his commitment to the USA Men’s National Team. He earned the opportunity to represent the United States, but USA Basketball and Clippers leadership felt it was important to allow Kawhi to prepare for the NBA season.”

    Leonard’s knee reportedly showed improvement over the past two weeks, but clearly, not enough for him to risk it at the Olympics.

    Team USA plays its first exhibition game Wednesday night, vs. Team Canada.

  • NBA Rumors: Pelicans, Brandon Ingram, Timberwolves, Thunder

    NBA Rumors: Pelicans, Brandon Ingram, Timberwolves, Thunder

    Pelicans

    The name of Brandon Ingram has been spinning on the rumor mill all offseason, and there is likely a reason for that. Everyone is reporting the Pelicans are making him available.Brandon Ingram, Pelicans, NBA

    “With All-Star forward Brandon Ingram entering the final season of his contract, the time is right for the Pelicans to deal him for a player who better fits alongside Zion Williamson and the rest of their young core,” wrote Kevin Pelton of ESPN.

    Ingram has repeatedly been linked to the Cavaliers, with point guard Darius Garland often cited as a potential New Orleans target.

    Ideally, that player would be Cleveland’s Garland, who would offer more long-range shooting and playmaking than Ingram and free a spot in the starting five for Trey Murphy III,” Pelton wrote. “New Orleans would be wise to extend Murphy, who otherwise will become a restricted free agent next summer.”

    • Meanwhile, despite some rumors, the Rockets aren’t interested in trading for Ingram, as we relayed here. Not if it means Houston big man Alperen Sengun, anyway.
    • Oh, by the way, one source told Hoops Wire that the Cavs don’t want to trade Garland or center Jarrett Allen for Ingram, either. We have that full story here.

    Timberwolves

    The first thing the Timberwolves need to do this offseason is to figure out who actually owns the team. Will it be Marc Lore and ex-MLB star Alex Rodriguez? Or is Glen Taylor really going to continue on — or maybe try to sell it to someone else?

    It really does seem to be a bit of a conundrum, though it isn’t likely to impact what takes place on the court too too much.

    Either way, there will be some roster decisions to make for head of basketball operations Tim Connelly following the Wolves’ run to the Western Conference Finals.

    “Whoever owns the team must be prepared to foot a massive luxury tax bill with extensions for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns kicking in,” wrote Kevin Pelton of ESPN. “Although Minnesota should explore a Towns trade with an eye toward future payroll relief with reserves Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid a year away from unrestricted free agency, the right move is probably keeping the core together — for now.”

    Thunder

    The Thunder made the first intriguing trade of the offseason, acquiring gritty guard Alex Caruso from the Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey.

    Without a doubt, Caruso should fit in well with this young, rising squad. Head of basketball operations Sam Presti even called him “the quintessential Thunder player.” But it shouldn’t be Presti’s last move, per Pelton.

    “The bold move is the Thunder making a run to bring Paul George back to Oklahoma City in free agency,” Pelton wrote. “This would likely require trading Ousmane Dieng, Kenrich Williams, this year’s No. 12 pick and additional salary to create the necessary cap space.”

    That seems like a long shot, though, as it’s hard to know if the Clippers would go for that.

    “More realistically, Oklahoma City’s goal this offseason should be to find a player like Dallas’ P.J. Washington, who can offer positional size and adequate shooting,” Pelton added.

    • Of the Caruso trade, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports wrote: “OKC has made its first true win-now move that rival teams have been anticipating for some time, swapping one of the Thunder’s prized lottery picks for a veteran who fits perfectly within OKC’s five-out scheme. Many league observers quickly compared this acquisition to that of Boston landing Derrick White — a key building block toward the Celtics’ championship.
    • Meanwhile, the Thunder have been identified as the “top threat” to sign center Isaiah Hartenstein away from the Knicks. We have that full story here.
  • East Notes: Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Nets, Mikal Bridges, Hornets

    East Notes: Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Nets, Mikal Bridges, Hornets

    Celtics

    Winning a championship is never cheap, and that is what’s facing the Celtics this offseason, wrote Chris Herring of ESPN in an insider-only piece.Jayson Tatum, Celtics, NBA

    “After breezing through the postseason to win the NBA title, it shouldn’t be controversial to suggest that Boston run it back,” Herring wrote. “But doing so will cost the Celtics’ front office a ton of money, given that the team has already exceeded the second apron. Jayson Tatum is eligible to sign the most lucrative contract in NBA history, for five years and $315 million. (Jaylen Brown‘s supermax deal from last summer, for five years and $304 million, is the current record.)”

    With that in mind, there’s probably not a whole lot that the Celtics can change. Nor do they probably want to change much.

    “Team president Brad Stevens also needs to figure out how to extend Derrick White, who is eligible to sign for four years and $126 million, and sharpshooter Sam Hauser,” Herring wrote. “Locking in the franchise’s key pieces would be a win, though, even if it comes at a heavy financial cost.”

    • The Celtics held a draft workout of six players on the day after winning the championship, with the front office getting virtually no sleep. (Full story.) Boston owns the Nos. 30 and 54 overall picks in Wednesday’s draft.
    • Akron forward Enrique Freeman recently worked out for the Celtics and buried 69 of 100 3-pointers, sources tell Hoops Wire. He could be in play at No. 30.

    Nets

    The Nets will need to do everything in their power to bring back Nic Claxton, an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Herring wrote.

    Along with that, they may want to consider using some draft capital to get some win-now players.

    “Mikal Bridges is fantastic — someone any team would want — but this season suggested he isn’t a dominant enough playmaker to be the No. 1 option,” Herring wrote. “Because of that, Brooklyn should seek to extend Bridges at a reasonable, but not max, number. And finding a reasonable extension number for 22-year-old Cam Thomas, who averaged 22.5 points in just his third season, would be a wise step, too, as he grows his all-around game.”

    • The Nets reportedly have “zero interest” in trading Bridges, as we relayed here.
    • One trade proposal sends Bridges to the Thunder for guard Josh Giddey and three draft picks. We have that full hypothetical deal right here.

    Hornets

    As we relayed, perhaps the Hornets’ biggest offseason priority — along with the No. 6 pick — is figuring out what to do with unrestricted free agent Miles Bridges.

    A sign-and-trade involving Bridges would be the best idea, Herring opined.

    “The Hornets — third worst in the league on offense, second worst in defense and starting over with a new coach and front office — need help everywhere,” Herring wrote. “They’d be smart to avoid sinking too many resources into Bridges and LaMelo Ball, who has missed 134 games over the past four seasons, and building around 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, while focusing on the best player available at No. 6 this year to continue building toward the future.”

    • I’m with Herring on this one. Build around Miller. He is as dynamic and promising as they come.
    • One hypothetical trade proposal sends Hawks guard Dejounte Murray to Charlotte. We have that full post here.
  • Celtics To Soon Offer Jayson Tatum Supermax Extension

    Celtics To Soon Offer Jayson Tatum Supermax Extension

    The Boston Celtics plan to seen celebrate their 18th banner by making Jayson Tatum the highest-paid player in NBA history.Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

    How’s that for finally winning it all?

    Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics intend to offer Tatum a five-year, $315 million supermax extension — a deal that will top the one given to fellow Celtics wing and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

    This was the first title for Tatum and Brown, though they have now been to the Finals in two of the past three years (losing to the Warriors in six games in 2022).

    We can all safely assume that if such a deal is offered, Tatum will gladly accept. If the Celtics can continue their current run, Tatum and Brown will go down among the all-time greats in franchise lore.

    And while they deserve the lion’s share of the credit for this championship, you also have to applaud head of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who went out and landed Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday during the offseason. Both were major contributors.

    Same goes for the coaching of Joe Mazzulla, who brought it all together.

    Along with Tatum, the Celtics are expected to try to work out a contract extension with Derrick White, per Wojnarowski. White was an underrated force at both ends, and is said to be among the best all-around teammates and overall dudes in the NBA.

    Boston surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers in winning its 18th championship. The Lakers, who are still looking to hire a coach, have 17 and now sit in second.

  • For The 18th Time, Yes, Celtics Are Champions

    For The 18th Time, Yes, Celtics Are Champions

    From start to finish, the Boston Celtics pretty much dominated the NBA — especially at the finish. And now, they are NBA champions once again.Jayson Tatum, Celtics

    In fact, their 106-88 home win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Finals marked the 18th title in franchise history, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers for most in league history. Celtic Pride, it seems, has been entirely restored.

    It also marked the first championship for team stalwarts Jayson Tatum and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who were already on their way to going down in Celtics lore. Now, they’ve cemented their spots.

    This year, they had plenty of help after some deft offseason moves from former coach-turned-front-office-man Brad Stevens, who landed forward Kristaps Porzingis and guard Jrue Holiday, offering additional length, depth, and know-how at winning time.

    Then there’s coach Joe Mazzulla, who sort of fell into the job after ex-coach Ime Udoka was suspended before the start of last season. Mazzulla just happened to be in the right place at the right (or wrong) time and took full advantage. This roster truly responded to his laid-back, professional approach.

    Anyone who saw how the Celtics pretty much cruised through the playoffs — with only an occasional hiccup — could tell you that. Boston lost one game in the first round, one in the second, none in the East finals, and one in the actual Finals. So make it 16-3 in the postseason after finishing a league-best 64-18 in the regular season. Yet not a whole lot of people pegged the Celtics as heavy favorites.

    Turns out, they were exactly that.

    They did it with great talent and cohesiveness on offense, yes. But without a doubt, the Celtics’ smoldering defense made things that much more impressive. Nothing ever came easily for the Mavs and backcourt stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

    With the exception of a Game 4 letdown, Boston made every dribble, pass, and shot a major challenge. 

    Now, Dallas has nothing to hang its head about — reaching the Finals one year after failing to qualify for even the play-in tournament. But Boston was a terrible matchup, the Celtics’ size, experience and athleticism at the wing spots proving to be way too much.

    Not surprisingly, Tatum (31 points) and Brown (21) led the way, with key contributions again coming from the likes of Holiday (15), Derrick White (14) Porzingis and Al Horford.

    Doncic paced the Mavs with 28 points and 12 rebounds, though Irving (15 points, 5-of-16 shooting) could never really get it going on the road against his former team. But this season, not many could. The Celtics were just that good.

  • NBA Finals: Celtics Stymie Overmatched Mavs, And Title Is Mere Formality Now

    NBA Finals: Celtics Stymie Overmatched Mavs, And Title Is Mere Formality Now

    The Boston Celtics are making the Dallas Mavericks look like they don’t belong in the NBA Finals.Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

    The Mavs do, of course — but you wouldn’t know it by the first three games. The Celtics have just been that good. And now, courtesy of a 106-99 road win on Wednesday, Boston holds a 3-0 series lead.

    No team has ever come back from such a postseason deficit and there’s no reason to believe the Mavs will be the first. They just can’t get anything going on a regular basis.

    On Tuesday, they burst out to a 9-2 lead, making each of their first four shots. It looked like they had finally found some rhythm — and maybe this would be the game in which they sent a message and won in a rout.

    Instead, they trailed by 21 points early in the fourth quarter. That’s these Celtics for you. They have true stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and those two are surrounded by a bunch of winners — from Al Horford to Jrue Holiday to Derrick White and beyond.

    Oh, and Boston did it without forward Kristaps Porzingis, a late scratch with a lower leg injury. 

    Dallas came charging back, cutting the deficit to three points with about 6 minutes to go. But the final four minutes had to come without star guard Luka Doncic, who fouled out on a questionable blocking call against Brown. The Mavs challenged … and lost.

    That call has been the story of these last two games. The Mavs challenged … and lost. And now all that’s left to wonder is if the Celtics will sweep or win in five. If that’s even worthy of wonder.

    Tatum and Brown were brilliant, with 31 and 30 points, respectively. The Mavs just don’t have anyone who can come close to defending either player. With that in mind, Boston has proven to be unbeatable when the likes of White (16 points), Holiday (nine), Sam Hauser (nine) and Horford (eight) can contribute at all.

    Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving had his best game of the series 35 points and 4-of-6 shooting on 3-pointers. Problem is, Irving and Doncic (26 points) are getting almost no consistent help. And the Mavs’ offense has almost zero flow.

    Boston’s defense has plenty to do with that and we all know what they say about defense. It wins NBA championships, and that’s precisely what the Celtics are about to do.

  • Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Optimistic For Game 3 Despite ‘Serious’ Leg Injury

    Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Optimistic For Game 3 Despite ‘Serious’ Leg Injury

    Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis is considered day-to-day for the NBA Finals with what the team calls a lower left leg injury.Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtis, NBA

    The Celtics lead the Mavericks, 2-0, with Game 3 slated for Wednesday in Dallas.

    Porzingis has been a major reason for the Celtics’ success in returning to play in the Finals after missing several weeks with a calf strain. He suffered that one in Game 4 of the first round and didn’t return until the Finals.

    Nonetheless, he told reporters he’s optimistic that he will play. “I am, of course, I have to be,” he said.

    Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called Porzingis’ latest setback a “serious injury,” via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

    “He’s doing anything and everything he can to be able to play,” Mazzulla added.

    Porzingis scored 20 points in Game 1 and 12 in the next game, totaling 10 rebounds and five blocks in the Finals overall. His length and defense have proven to be huge advantages for Boston near the basket, as the Mavericks have struggled to score beyond star guard Luka Doncic.

    Interestingly, the Celtics are listed as underdogs for Game 3, just the fourth time in 99 games that they’ve been listed as such, noted Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports. Losing Porzingis certainly would not help those odds with the next two games on the Mavs’ home court.

    As it stands, the Celtics have won nine straight.

    “We know they’re a great team, we can’t relax, can’t be satisfied,” guard Derrick White said. “We know each game will get more difficult.”

    Teamwithld a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals are 31-5 all-time.

    “My turnovers and my missed free throws (4-of-8) cost us the game,” Doncic said of losing to the Celtics in Game 2. “I’ve got to do way better in those two categories.”

  • Report: Derrick White Will Seek Contract Extension From Celtics This Offseason

    Report: Derrick White Will Seek Contract Extension From Celtics This Offseason

    According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Derrick White will seek a contract extension from the Boston Celtics this offseason. 

    NBA, Derrick White, Celtics
    Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

    White will make $20.1 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

    “Keeping his five best players together for the long term is going to get increasingly difficult (as in expensive) for Brad Stevens and the Celtics after the forthcoming offseason, when Jayson Tatum signs his own $315 million contract extension after Jaylen Brown scored a nearly $290 million extension last summer,” Stein wrote. “We must also factor in that Derrick White, according to league sources, will be seeking a contract extension this summer.”

    One of the best two-way players in the NBA, White averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks this season while shooting 46.1% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc and 90.1% from the free-throw line. He made the All-Defensive Second Team.

    The Celtics acquired White from the San Antonio Spurs in February 2022. White signed a four-year, $70 million rookie extension with the Spurs in December 2020. 

    A Colorado product, White has career averages of 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks with the Spurs and Celtics. He turns 30 in July. 

    Boston is up 2-0 on the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. The franchise is looking to win its first title since 2008. 

    If the Celtics defeat the Mavericks, they will break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in franchise history. Boston and LA have won 17 rings. 

    The Celtics are undefeated on the road in the 2024 playoffs. They are 8-0 against the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. 

    If Boston wins Game 3 in Dallas, the series is over, as no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit. 

  • NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavs, Full Schedule, How To Watch

    NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavs, Full Schedule, How To Watch

    The Boston Celtics are favored. The Dallas Mavericks probably don’t care. Both teams have plenty of reasons to believe they will be your next NBA champions.Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, NBA

    Interestingly, this will be the sixth straight year that the NBA will have a new title winner. It’s been a while since we could say that. Probably what happens when LeBron James and everyone who’s any good for the Golden State Warriors gets old.

    Anyway, back to the Celtics and Mavericks. Boston boasts the likes of Jayson Tatum and Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. Those two are supported by a strong cast — from Jrue Holiday to Kristaps Porzingis to Derrick White, Al Horford and beyond.

    Then there’s Dallas. Luka Doncic may be the postseason’s best player. Backcourt-mate Kyrie Irving isn’t far behind. Their supporting cast is a little less experienced than Boston’s, but still very talented. It includes P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, acquired at the trade deadline, hustling rookie big man Dereck LivelyII, and Derrick Jones Jr., the former Slam Dunk champ who has risen high from basketball’s ashes.

    So, Celtics? Or Mavericks? Who’s your pick? Either way, you have a 50-percent chance of being right. We think.

    Finals Schedule

    • Game 1: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Thursday, June 6 (8:30 ET)
    • Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 9 (8 ET)
    • Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Wednesday, June 12 (8:30 ET)
    • Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Friday, June 14 (8:30 ET)
    • Game 5: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Monday, June 17 (8:30 ET)*
    • Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Thursday, June 20 (8:30 ET)*
    • Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 23 (8 ET)*

    How To Watch

    Finals Odds

    • Celtics: -230
    • Mavericks: +180

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  • NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavs, Revenge Storyline, Key Matchups

    NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavs, Revenge Storyline, Key Matchups

    The Boston Celtics are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, which features a series of player rivalries with prior teammates. When comparing the two teams, the Celtics have 17 NBA titles in franchise history (tied with Lakers for most all-time), while the Mavs are seeking their second-ever championship, as the last came in 2011 when Dirk Nowitzki helped lead the team to upset the Miami Heat (4-2). On the other hand, Boston is looking for their first ring since 2008, when Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen defeated Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers (4-2).Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

     

    The storyline for this series has a revenge undertone, considering there are two players who will be facing their old teams, as Kyrie Irving used to play for the Celtics from 2017-19 and Kristaps Porzingis is a former Mavericks player from 2019-22. With that being said, both players are difference makers for their new current teams, and the fans and teammates of their past teams have undoubtedly not forgotten about them.

    Legion Hoops (Instagram)

    That is to say, Kyrie will most likely be more hated by the Boston fans than Porzingis upon his return to Dallas. Kyrie left in free agency to join the Nets after two seasons, while Porzingis was traded to the Washington Wizards ahead of the 2022 trade deadline.

    Porzingis made the following statement, “It’s going to be fun going up against my old team.”

    Then Kyrie stated that he was not scared of the Celtics fans.

    “There’s no fear out here, man. It’s basketball,” Irving said. “The fans are gonna say what they’re gonna say.”

    As both players didn’t fit with their previous teams, after finding their new homes, they have certainly flourished and will be counted on by their teammates in order to win their respective organizations a title.

    Especially Kyrie who has by far the most playoff experience on a young Mavs team that has only made it past the first round one time since their last ’11 championship. Notably, this is Kyrie’s fourth NBA championship appearance, as he memorably won the 2016 Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers. To point out, Kyrie ranks eighth all-time for highest points per game in NBA Finals history (27.7 ppg).

    Then when looking at Kyrie’s backcourt partner, Luka Doncic, the Slovenian is hoping to follow in his old teammate Nowitzki’s footsteps, in bringing a championship to Dallas. Seemingly, Luka is the best player in the series, as he leads the Mavericks in almost every statistical category. To emphasize, the 25-year-old superstar had the highest usage rating (35.9%) out of any player this season and went on to win the 2023-24 NBA scoring title, averaging 33.9 points (48.7% FG; 38.2% 3P), 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists.

    The supporting cast for the fifth-seeded Mavericks (50-32) features two pieces, Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington, both of which were acquired ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Gafford, the former Wizards center, is averaging 9.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks (team leader) in 21.8 minutes per game in the playoffs.

    While, Washington, the former Charlotte Hornets player, is currently averaging 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per game throughout the postseason.

    On the other side, the No.1 seeded Celtics (64-18), have a superstar tandem in Jayson Tatum (26.0 ppg; 44.2% FG) and Jaylen Brown (25.0 ppg; 54.1% FG), but the team also has an arsenal of weapons surrounding the two co-stars. Meaning to say, Boston’s supporting cast has a big three of their own that includes Derrick White (17.8 ppg), Jrue Holiday (12.7 ppg), and Porzingis (returning from calf injury), who can all impact the game on both the offense and defensive side of the ball.

    Tatum is leading his team in three major stat categories this postseason with 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists. The 26-year-old will hope to improve on his 2022 Finals performance vs. the Warriors, in which he averaged 21.5 ppg on 36.7% FG shooting.

    When thinking about the underdogs and their chances, head coach Jason Kidd, who was on the 2011 Mavericks team that won the championship, said the team will rely on their star players.

    “Some of us for the Mavs have been here, some of us haven’t,” Kidd said. “We’re going to embrace that and find a way to hopefully win a series.”

    Kyrie, who is the veteran leader of the Mavs, will be going up against his one-time teammates in Tatum and Brown, and will without a doubt hear an array of boos as he goes back to play at Boston’s TD Garden for Game 1, which will tip-off June 6 at 8:30 pm ET.

    Celtics Advance To NBA Finals, As Fans Await Their Anticipated Opponent: ‘F*** Kyrie’

  • Mavs Notes: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, PJ Washington

    Mavs Notes: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, PJ Washington

    Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic is a nightmare for anyone trying to defend him. And if you’re not defending Doncic, that means you’re trying to check Kyrie Irving.

    NBA, Dallas Mavericks, Mavs, Luka Doncic
    Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

    Well, guess what? Celtics guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, you’re up.

    It’s no great secret that Holiday will get the first crack at it in the NBA Finals. Game 1 is set for Thursday in Boston.

    How does Holiday intend to slow down the Mavs’ dynamic duo?

    “Pray,” he told reporters.

    Holiday did get a bit more specific, and he will highly likely start off on Irving. The Celtics could move Jaylen Brown on Doncic and have White start on Mavs small forward Derrick Jones Jr.

    No matter how the Celtics approach things, they are sure to have their hands full.

    “It’s hard, but it’s fun,” Holiday said of the challenge that awaits. “They are the best scorers in the league and they’ve been doing it all their careers.”

    • This is Irving’s second Finals appearance and first with the Mavs. He won a title with the Cavaliers in 2016 and has since played for the Celtics and Nets. He says his run with Dallas is the “greatest” of his career.
    • Irving on that very subject: “To be able to now give wisdom and also speak from a place of experience. When you’re a young person, again, you’re trying to speed through life, you’re trying to get through everything.”
    • The Mavs’ role players will have to step up for them to have a shot against the favored Celtics, opined Zach Harper of The Athletic. “It starts with P.J. Washington, who didn’t shoot the ball particularly well against the Clippers or Wolves. But his moments against the Thunder helped Dallas advance,” Harper wrote. “He’s going to need to let it fly and hit. And we may need to see Derrick Jones Jr. take even more 3-pointers while hoping his playoff success (39.6 percent) holds. The Mavericks will also need Maxi Kleber’s shoulder to take some shots.”
  • Celtics Notes: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown

    Celtics Notes: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown

    Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis does indeed intend to play in the NBA Finals against the Mavericks. Game 1 is Thursday at Boston.Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtis, NBA

    “That is the plan right now,” Porzingis told reporters, via Zack Cox of the Boston Herald. “It’s a couple more days, and I think that could make a difference. Every day gives me a bit more time to get even better.”

    Porzingis has been out with a calf strain since exiting Game 4 of the first-round series vs. the Heat. 

    Coach Joe Mazzulla wouldn’t commit, but word is, barring a setback, Porzingis will play.

    “He’s working on it,” Mazzulla said. “I thought he did a great job getting to this point. He’s going through the practices, and we still have to see how he responds to each day to what he’s doing from a physical standpoint. So I think he’s on pace and he’s doing everything can to get back.

    “So we’ll see how he feels tomorrow and we’ll see how he feels the next day and we’ll see how he feels heading into the game.”

    • Guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White realize they will have their hands full attempting to defend the Mavs’ superstar backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. “It’s hard, but it’s fun,” Holiday told reporters of the challenge that awaits. “They are the best scorers in the league and they’ve been doing it all their careers.”
    • Holiday could be the X-factor in the series. “Holiday, who won an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, is averaging 12.7 points and 4.6 assists in the playoffs while playing his typical lockdown defense,’ wrote Greg Rosenstein of NBC News. “How Holiday guards Irving could determine whether the Celtics claim the NBA championship for a league-leading 18th time.”
    • Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown could get the call to try to defend Doncic. Though White is a pretty good defender himself. But Brown has more size and athleticism, which could leave White on Derrick Jones Jr. — perhaps a more fitting matchup for the Celtics.