The 2024 NBA Finals are set to be a thrilling showdown between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, each team vying for the coveted championship.
Both teams are stepping onto the court with their unique legacies in the sport, and while past achievements won't dictate the outcome of the finals, it's hard not to consider the rich histories of both franchises.
With home advantage in four out of the seven scheduled games, the Celtics are entering the finals as favourites. They've had an impressive run, topping the Eastern Conference and suffering only two losses in the playoffs.
They're aiming for a record 18th championship, which would be their first since 2008.
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The Celtics secured their spot in the finals by sweeping the Pacers 4-0, following 4-1 victories over the Cavaliers and Heat in the earlier playoff rounds. However, they'll be acutely aware of the immense historical pressure they carry.
Boston's illustrious NBA legacy has been a driving force for recent teams, but the glory days of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s have only been replicated once in the last 38 years. That was when Doc Rivers guided the Celtics to victory over the Lakers in 2008.
The 2008 team boasted future Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, and was spurred on by Paul Pierce's MVP performance in the finals. Pierce himself joined his former teammates in the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jayson Tatum, the power forward for the Celtics, is aiming to etch his name into the team's rich history by emulating the success of Pierce, Larry Bird and John Havlicek in leading the team to a championship.
The Celtics have won just one championship since 1986 (Getty Images)
The Mavericks have only won one championship - in 2011 (Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)On the other hand, the Mavericks are on the hunt for their second-ever championship, following their 4-2 victory over the Heat in 2011. The Celtics, established in 1980, had already bagged 13 of their 17 championships before the Mavericks even joined the NBA.
Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Mavericks, was part of that championship-winning team and was honoured with a Hall of Fame induction in 2018, five years prior to MVP Dirk Nowitzki receiving the same accolade in 2023. Kidd now has the chance to become the 15th individual to clinch an NBA championship as both a player and a coach.
The Mavericks' season has been markedly different from the Celtics', with a midseason rebuild resulting in the team securing 5th place in the Western Conference. After defeating the Clippers and conference-leading Thunder in the playoffs, standout performances from stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving propelled the Mavericks to a 4-1 thrashing of the Timberwolves in the Conference Final.
Game 1 of the Finals kicks off on Thursday in Boston, followed by game 2 at the TD Garden on Sunday night. Dallas will then host games 3 and 4 before the action shifts back to Boston.
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