5 questions for the Mavs and Celtics ahead of the NBA Finals | ALL NBA Podcast

[@SorenHume]

Only legacy media member with and objective credibility is Tim Legler

[@snowmontana2547]

😂😂😂 you just start watching I see

[@mourinho966]

Facts

[@petrov3190]

Boston are a very good team and I get it they are the favourites, but I do think the huge pressure will spoil their performance, and Dallas will take advantage of that. Mavs in 6.

[@jaybee5269]

Love it, Legs - the 78 Bullets! I was at most of the playoff and all the finals home games. What a feeling to win that championship. I hate to see that era denigrated. E, Wes, Bobby D, etc. were as good as it gets imo. Thanks for being old enough to remember.

[@BasketballJones48021]

1984 Finals were crazy! Went to 7 games, plenty of them decided in the clutch. Lots of drama. You had Kareem, Bird, Magic, Worthy, McHale, Parish, DJ, McAdoo, Wilkes, Cooper, B Scott, Ainge, Cornbread Maxwell, Gerald Henderson… Numerous iconic plays and moments. Amazing! And Legs was totally on point regarding Elvin Hayes.. one of the the VERY most underrated players in history, he was even underrated back then! Unseld won MVP (and such), and not Hayes, pretty much because Elvin was hated by everyone outside of Washington (talking about mostly the media, ofc)! DJ probably needed that atrocity of a game/series.. to be clutch from then on after 😅 For the rest of his career (including the following Finals), he was mostly clutch as hell!

[@nocturne311]

Top 5 Finals of all-time 1969: Celtics win it all as heavy underdogs in seven games over the Lakers, with game 7 coming in LA, to cap off Russell’s career with 11 titles in 13 seasons. 1970: Knicks win their first title over the heavily favored Lakers in seven games, with game 7 being the “Here comes Willis” game as well as a contest in which Frazier put up 37 points and 19 assists at the Garden to seal the deal for New York. 1984: Celtics win the title in seven games, coming back from a 2-1 deficit in the first meeting between Larry and Magic in the Finals. This one featured the “Henderson steals the ball” game in game 2, the famous McHale clothesline game in game 4 and the “heat” game at Boston Garden in game 5. 2013: Heat win their third title in seven games over the Spurs and go back to back with the Big Three. This series featured a bevy of clutch moments by players on both teams, including Ray Allen’s three-point shot in the waning moments of regulation in game 6 to send the contest into overtime, with Miami trailing in the series 3-2. Game 7 of this series was also a very good game in which LeBron hit some big shots down the stretch to clinch the title for the Heat in a close one. 2016: LeBron and Irving lead the Cavaliers to their first title in seven games over the 73-9 Warriors, who were the defending champions. The Warriors jumped out to a 3-1 lead in this series before Cleveland pulled off the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. Game 5 at Golden State saw LeBron and Irving combine for 82 points before LeBron scored 41 points again back in Cleveland to force a game 7. Game 7 of this series may have been one of the greatest games in Finals history and certainly featured two of the greatest moments in Finals history, including arguably the greatest shot - a game-winning three by Kyrie Irving, albeit not a buzzer-beater. The other was obviously the clutch block LeBron made on Iguodala’s layup attempt late in the contest. Just my opinion, guys. I started watching the NBA in 1986 but I will say that I have seen and read as much as I could about every series and game mentioned here if I didn’t see them live.

[@adammares255]

All classics! Love hearing which series the diehards liked most.

[@fabianfrey7649]

I am a mavs fan and they surprised me in a way getting to the finals. On the other hand there wasn't a single round where I didn't believe in them. Now against Boston it is different. Mavs whole defensive approach depends on a center to take away the paint. Playing against Horford and KP, the mavs center will have to defend on the wing and wont be under the basket. I hope PJ and Maxi who will play at the 4 will be able to defend the rim. But it is a huge drop off. Last rounds mavs were winning their games with defense. I wonder how much they can stop the boston offense. I have a ton of respect of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

[@MicahBXXIII]

Fantastic episode. It is always a pleasure to listen to Tim's views on the game. Always thoughtful! extra BIG points for standing on that Mavericks mountain!

[@akirakurusu4215]

Off the top of my head, 2014 Spurs play some of the most beautiful basketball you'll ever see and get their revenge for the year prior, 2011 underdog Dirk and co. beat the big three in what would be the last real chance at winning a ring for that group of old guys. 1998 jordan goes out with a bang, denying stockton and malone a second time. 1995 Hakeem caps off a legendary playoff run as the 6 seed, dominating big man after big man. 1980 rookie Magic starts a game at center and wins finals mvp.

[@noahlongoria9735]

Agree with all of those but don’t forget 2016 Cavs beating 73-9 warriors & also first team ever come back from 3-1 in the finals

[@juniorcarmona323]

I got my Mavs in 7

[@YouTubeWatching67]

Mavs in 4 respectfully, Luka is gonna have to rip hearts every night in Boston.

[@ArtisticControl1985]

Atlanta decided to not blitz Luka.... Everyone remembers how much he scored that night

[@RoryJones]

I thought the section where Legs talked about whether the Celts would blitz was great analysis. Thanks for actually taking X’s and O’s, Legs!

[@marygooden2905]

I have a feeling Luka’s defense steps up. I feel like Celtics will end up hating Luka more, which will drive him on! Mav’s got nothing to lose, seems like everyone counting them out. This seems like Pressure will be on Celtics, because they’ve been there more. Let’s go Mav’s ❤❤❤

[@aieshadaniels6104]

Double Double Creta & XMAN has played well before OB as well this is a good rim run series for him to get some time Luke is not necessary he is injured! Celtics was able to reach finals without their next level factor in KP now he is returning ready!

[@СергейНекрасов-ъ1г]

Does Tatum on Lively really take away the pick and roll? If he guards Luka and Ky all the time he will have no energy for the offence.

[@kenjisugawara1260]

33:37 Jayson Tatum has been God awful from 3 this year and last year 😂

[@reesemorgenstern4187]

mavs need kleber for defense

[@jakespindle1104]

Everyone keeps talking about the corner 3s. The Timberwolves committed to taking those away and our bigs feasted in the paint.

[@melodymaker135]

Adding to the convo around 49:00 about the low-stat finals MVPs of yore, and how impossible that would be later on… didn’t Iguodala win in 2015 basically for his great defense on LeBron, with low scoring totals? And Kahwi in 2014…. great all around, respectable but not huge scoring? Don’t have the numbers handy, could be wrong

[@GGsage]

Ill watch Tim he’s the only good analyst on tv

[@BigtunaG]

Let’s not get it twisted kyrie is the most clutch from both teams. The team went to kyrie all season. He leads the league in 2nd half points and 4th q efficiency

[@rljt80]

😅😊😊

[@MicahBXXIII]

I'm glad to see you here! The numbers are there for anyone to look up.

[@tiredbasketballfan]

If Kyrie wins finals MVP, it would mean that 11 or so voters thought he had a better series than Luka. It would be a great achievement, but the inevitable narratives of 'carrying Luka' would just highlight the problematic nature of this award. Especially since I find it hard to believe they can win without Luka playing great, so it is likely to be a close vote and maybe some whim decisions if it comes down to the wire. Also, voters sometimes forget that there are roles on the team, and are more impressed by 'unexpected' great production than consistent brilliance from whomever is clearly the best and most valuable.

[@kevincharles1983]

Pressure bust pipes and it's ALL on the Celtics

[@redoregan]

Imagine the skill level when it takes multiple NBA guys to try and guard you and they still fail. Ridiculous.

[@howlinhauler]

KID, coach of the year. Boston can get out on D and still cover the paint, should be a great show. GO! Kyrie

[@isaactirrell7866]

Two key member of the Celtics bench in this series with Dallas that Legler left out are 25:03 Tillman and Brisett. Both are versatile defenders. Tillman can guard bigs and Luka. Brisett might be able to handle Luka.

[@nk2012]

Celtics don't need to blitz. Thats falling into Luka tricks.

[@lakritz1987]

Legs take on Kleber is the first nonsensical take I have heard from Legs. Maxis Defence in terms of activity, quickness and perimeter defence this way superior than Gaffords. You bring Maxi If Boston is shooting the lights out.

[@BillyBob-il8ot]

Dallas, rebounds, rim protect, slow White and Holiday down and wear Boston down in the paint. If Dallas makes 3s, Blow out! 4th quarter Boston's legs will be tired. Boston will not own the paint, hence Boston will live or die on the three. Rebounds and fast breaks will favor Dallas, I see so many advantages for Dallas beating up Boston and wearing them out.

[@AB-ve5ju]

tims J was crazy

[@peter212]

It's amazing to me how you put so much emphasis on regular season performances on both teams when the microcosm of play have been in the playoffs. Boston NEVER played competition as strong these playoffs as Dallas even casual watchers ALL have commented how Dallas plays with passion against supposedly much stronger resumes than the puny Eastern Conference playoffs. Amplyfying Boston mediocre plays vs minimizing Mavs OUTSTANDING PLAY is RIDICULOUS. LOTS of wishful thinking on Boston supporters. Dallas has proven the naysayers overwhemlmingly WRONG these ENTIRE playoffs.

[@Blue-yy1ro]

I’m not a fan of Mazzulla, it could be that the games they did loose during the season and playoffs he makes no adjustments… his guys keep shooting 3s even though they are not falling. This team is so talented that I don’t think a different coach would make them worst, if anything they would be better under a more skilled/seasoned coach. Imagine spoelstra? Pop? Heck even doc would have led them here 😂

[@Blue-yy1ro]

On paper, Celtics should come out with the win but Tatum doesn’t always deliver. Not sure if it’s his inexperience, or if hes a choker. I like to cheer for the underdog so, let’s go Mavs.

[@jayharrington9689]

felt that way about joe last year. changed my opinion this year as the season progressed. he has a much better staff and doesnt have to deal with m smart. these guys make it seem like the celts dont have the talent or ability to compete with the mavs. all this talk about lucia is over the top, let him win championships before he is crowned the GOAT. absent in this discussion is any mention of making lucia work on defense. tell me what celt he is going to guard.

[@coltranecobain9883]

@@jayharrington9689he will guard browns punk ass! Also poor zingy is a paper bag and gonna get torn up! Good luck with your lady celts!😂

[@charleswillie9750]

@@jayharrington9689who cares who Luka guards? There’s this antiquated thought that you gotta make him work on defense. You don’t think he gets called up to defend over and over throughout the playoffs? This is old hat. If you wanna root for the Celtics, no problem but the fact is Luka is going to be the best player on the floor at all times in this series. That matters significantly. People thinking Luka can’t compare defensively are thinking only about 1v1. Luka’s job will be to deny the spot, and funnel him to a 5. At that point whomever just blew by Luka is kicking it out and our D is rotating. So feel free to attack Luka over and over. That’s been the plan throughout the playoffs and we’re still winning.

[@edwinbleau5334]

​@charleswillie9750 exactly. People act like every team hasn't already been trying that lol Luka has played defense good enough that he isn't a liability. As you said, he funnels em to the middle and those guys take over. Their defense is so good because they play good Team D.

[@persionunez9257]

If Celtics go small with Brown and Tatum as the front court, they’re done.

[@Kevin-cm3dr]

Great show as always guys. I disagree with Legs on Mavs winning tho. I get why people are picking Dallas cuz of Luka but Boston will overwhelm the Mavs with length, 3 points shootinf and athleticism. Boston is 6 Take it to the bank

[@zeushualde5627]

length is so favor in dallas look their wingspan.... there bigs....

[@Kevin-cm3dr]

@@zeushualde5627 length relative to their positions and being able to move with length. Mavs have 3 Centers so they have height but they only playing 1 of them 30+ minutes. Height on the bench won't help the Mavs. It's 2024 not 1974 all that height don't mean shit if they All play the same position and don't move well enough to guard the wing

[@Kevin-cm3dr]

@@zeushualde5627 I tried telling y'all

[@carmonajoselon]

Is this all about the mavs everyday 😆 bye

[@TaylorHatfield1]

Are you expecting coverage of non-NBA finals teams right now?

[@carmonajoselon]

@@TaylorHatfield1 well genius, what i was trying to say is they ain't talking enough about the match up problem that the Celtics create for dallas or Dallas having no bench

[@GluckGluck300]

It’s because I assume both legs and the host both have the mavs

[@williammoen9523]

No bench? lol Boston has a 7 man rotation. Mavs bench is better.

[@carmonajoselon]

@@williammoen9523 what happen to minesota will happen to dallas everyone picking them to win and then everybody say nothing after the beating 😂