In the latest episode of StepBack: 5 stories from the NBA Finals about to kick off.
Kyrie Irving didnβt 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: theyβve already taken aim at TD Garden, the target on former Kyrie Irvingβs 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) β 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 βclickbaitβ β 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 β the strength of the Celtics lies in the distribution of responsibilities, no discord at all.
Dereck Lively II didnβt miss a shot in the Conference Finals
A season and playoffs to remember for Dereck Lively II, capped off against the TβWolves with a perfect 16/16 from the field β 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 β who passed away last April and who βwatches from aboveβ her prodigy.
From point guard to head coach: Mavs in the Finals under Kiddβs leadership
The common thread between the last NBA Finals Dallas participated in is not only Mark Cubanβs figure (who sold part of the franchise in recent months) and the European-born superstar as the groupβs leader but also Jason Kidd: metronome on the court in 2011 and conductor on the bench in 2024. Will he win again this time?β
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Author: Team Dunkest
June 3, 2024 | 6:15 am