Mavs Fall, Boston on to the Finals
Depth Trumps Star Power as Celtics Advance
Mavs Fail to Adjust; Porzingis strong return
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, securing a berth in the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite a valiant effort from the Mavs, Boston's depth proved too much to overcome.
The Celtics, known for their balanced scoring attack, showcased their strength in numbers. Jaylen Brown led the way with 27 points, followed byJayson Tatum's 24 and Marcus Smart's 20. Robert Williams III's 12 rebounds and 3 blocks anchored the defense, while Derrick White's 16 points off the bench provided a much-needed spark.
The Mavericks, led by the formidable duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, struggled to keep pace. Doncic, averaging over 30 points per game in the playoffs, was held to just 23 on 8-of-25 shooting. Irving, who had been impressive in Game 6, managed only 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting.
The Celtics' defense stifled the Mavs' big men. Kristaps Porzingis, returning from a calf injury, showed flashes of his potential with 20 points, but was limited by Boston's physicality. Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber combined for just 15 points, well below their usual production.
The Celtics will now face the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, which begin on June 8. The Mavs will regroup and look to build on their success in the upcoming season.
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