SUMMARY
- The Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks series would've had a different outcome had they not facilitated trades with the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks.
- Jalen Brunson would've been dominating the floor with the Mavericks.
The Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks series was fairly one-sided as the Eastern Conference team won 4-1. However, fans got to witness exactly how dominant the Celtics can be and they weren’t entirely healthy in the first place. This was a must-win series in terms of maintaining their legacy as the most successful organization in the NBA.
Luka Doncic and the Mavericks ought to have their spirits held high mainly due to the fact that had a tough road to the NBA Finals. This team certainly has a good chance of returning to the finals again next year. However, there were a few off-season moves made that would’ve otherwise altered the storyline that has been created.
The Mavericks could’ve experimented with a scenario around Jalen Brunson
During the 2022 NBA Playoffs, there was one individual who stood out on the Mavericks’ roster, Jalen Brunson. In 18 games, Brunson averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game alongside Doncic. This was exactly when Brunson erupted into the player he eventually became with the New York Knicks.
In retrospect, the Mavericks should’ve worked out a scheme with Brunson and Doncic. With Brunson being younger than Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks would have had more time in the future to experiment and win a title. Irving is most likely retiring from the Mavericks and it is certain that he doesn’t have much time left either.
Additionally, Brunson has been dominant against teams and players far better than he is. The Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers and pushed the Indiana Pacers to Game 7. New York managed to get that far with half a healthy roster.
Jrue Holiday becomes the Celtics’ brick wall while the Bucks lose control
We’ve probably heard fans say the Milwaukee Bucks more or less presented the Celtics with a championship this season. While some are likely to believe that it was based on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, there is another story behind it. During the off-season, the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard.
Holiday ended up finding his way to Boston and he emerged as their biggest defensive asset. While the Celtics were trampled for trading Marcus Smart, Holiday has emerged as a solid or even better replacement. Without a defensive specialist like him, the Bucks also seemed to have taken a fall. If these trades didn’t happen, we would’ve witnessed Giannis hold his second title or Doncic, his first.